The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has officially launched the Dubai Financial Experts Program, aiming to nurture the next generation of Emirati leaders who will foster innovation in financial institutions across Dubai, the UAE, and globally. This program is being conducted in partnership with the Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Leadership Development (MBRCLD) and is specifically designed to enhance the knowledge, skills, and capabilities of Emiratis in the financial services sector.

H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, and President of DIFC, highlighted that Dubai is dedicated to qualifying and empowering its creative Emirati talents. He stressed that this initiative aligns with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s vision to provide Emiratis with top-tier knowledge and experience. The program serves to bolster national leaders who can strengthen the UAE’s status as a global economic hub while advancing the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.

Mohammad Al Gergawi, Chairman of The Executive Office of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Chairman of MBRCLD, noted that the program embodies the vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to create a new generation of leaders. These leaders will be equipped to manage and innovate within key economic sectors and financial institutions locally and regionally. Essa Kazim, Governor of the DIFC, added that the program is crafted to enhance national talent with modern tools and expertise in financial services, as well as leadership skills.

The program specifically targets UAE nationals aged 25 to 35 who possess 5 to 10 years of professional experience, with a focus on candidates from the financial sector. Ideal applicants will have a strong educational background and have demonstrated leadership capabilities as team leaders or strategic project managers. The selection process will involve a thorough evaluation of leadership and financial competencies.

The Dubai Financial Experts Program consists of six comprehensive parts designed to cultivate future leaders in finance. It includes specialized courses on leadership and innovation in financial services, developed in collaboration with the University of Oxford, and is supplemented by partnerships established in Silicon Valley. Participants will receive advanced training and mentorship from leading experts and innovators in the industry, along with hands-on experience through job shadowing opportunities at major financial institutions.

A key component of the program is a capstone project that emphasizes delivering real impact and applying learned knowledge in the workplace. Participants will also have exclusive sessions with influential financial and economic leaders. The program will conclude with a graduation ceremony at the Dubai World Trade Centre during the Mohammed bin Rashid Leaders Forum 2025.

The Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Leadership Development is dedicated to “Creating Leaders for Tomorrow” by fostering the next generation of Emirati leaders. Through specialized initiatives and targeted programs, the Center aims to identify, develop, and empower leaders at various levels. These programs provide participants with the diverse skills needed to navigate a rapidly changing environment and make informed decisions to tackle future challenges effectively.