His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, recently met with alumni of the Dubai Business Associates (DBA) program, a globally recognized graduate talent development initiative, as it marks its 10th anniversary.
On this special occasion, His Highness emphasized that investing in human capital is crucial for developing a creative, innovation-driven economy. The goal is to empower future entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into impactful projects that address upcoming challenges and benefit society.
Sheikh Mohammed expressed his joy in meeting graduates from the program, hailing from both the UAE and around the globe. He encouraged them to leverage the knowledge and entrepreneurial skills they have gained to shape a future grounded in knowledge, driven by innovation, and focused on enhancing quality of life.
His Highness also reaffirmed Dubai’s status as a premier destination for creative minds and a global hub for shaping the future across key sectors. He highlighted the city’s ongoing commitment to launching and supporting initiatives that nurture human potential and promote excellence.
The meeting was attended by His Excellency Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani, Director General of His Highness the Ruler’s Court, along with several officials involved in the program.
Overview of the DBA program
Renowned as one of the world’s most competitive business and education programs, DBA receives over 5,500 applications annually from both international and UAE-based graduates. The program is managed by Falcon Consultancy, a Dubai-based firm specializing in marketing, communications, events, and innovation, which was established in 2009.
Program structure and participant experience
The nine-month course combines academic learning with business placements, industry networking, coaching, and cultural immersion. Its tenth edition welcomed 36 participants from 22 countries, including nine Emiratis, for a comprehensive training program. Associates engage in real-world consulting projects with leading Dubai-based organizations such as Emirates, DIFC, dnata, DP World, and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
Impact and achievements
Since its inception in 2014, the program has attracted 278 associates from 44 countries, including 56 UAE nationals. Additionally, over 140 work placements have been completed in partnership with more than 30 of Dubai’s leading companies. Moreover, 84 consulting projects worth $27 million have been delivered, providing numerous benefits for Dubai’s broader business ecosystem. Notably, over 30 percent of applicants come from QS Top 10 global universities.Â
DBA’s academic and professional excellence is ensured by leading learning partners, including PwC’s Academy, Capadev, and Bon Education, who support the curriculum with world-class training and development to prepare associates for their professional careers.
