New programme launched to develop national leaders in financial services

The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has launched the Dubai Financial Experts Program, with the aim of developing the next generation of Emirati leaders who will drive innovation within financial institutions in Dubai, the UAE, and globally.

The programme, designed to graduate Emirati leaders, is being delivered in collaboration with the Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Leadership Development (MBRCLD).

The initiative is tailored to enhance the knowledge, skills, and capabilities of Emiratis in the financial services sector, as well as develop their entrepreneurial mindsets and leadership skills.

Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, and President of DIFC, emphasised that Dubai continues to qualify and empower its creative Emirati talents, providing them with the highest levels of knowledge and experience, in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

The programme supports the goal to launch specialised programmes that train national leaders capable of strengthening the UAE’s position as a global economic hub and achieving the targets of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, Sheikh Maktoum stressed.

Mohammad Al Gergawi, Chairman of The Executive Office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Chairman of MBRCLD, stated that the Dubai Financial Experts Program reflects Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s vision to develop a new generation of leaders equipped to steer transformative projects and key economic sectors, while also managing, developing, and innovating within leading financial institutions, both locally and regionally.

Essa Kazim, Governor of the DIFC, said the programme has been designed to enhance national talent with the latest tools and expertise in financial services and leadership skills.

“This programme aligns with the DIFC’s 2030 strategy, which focuses on leading the future of finance, as well as the Dubai Economic Agenda D33,” he said.
The programme targets UAE nationals between the ages of 25 and 35 who have 5 to 10 years of professional experience, including financial sector experience. Ideal candidates will have a strong educational background, demonstrated leadership as team leaders or strategic project managers, and a clear drive for success. Selection will be based on a comprehensive assessment of leadership and financial competencies.

The Dubai Financial Experts Program is a comprehensive six-part programme designed to develop future leaders in finance. It features specialised courses on leadership and innovation in future financial services, developed in collaboration with the University of Oxford, and complemented by partnerships in Silicon Valley.
Participants will receive advanced training and mentorship from leading experts and innovators in the field and gain practical experience through world-class job shadowing opportunities at major financial institutions.

A capstone project, focused on delivering tangible impact and transferring acquired knowledge to the workplace, is a central element of the programme. Participants will also benefit from exclusive sessions with prominent financial and economic leaders. The programme culminates in 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 aims to “Create Leaders for Tomorrow” by cultivating the next generation of Emirati leaders. Through specialised programmes and targeted initiatives, the Center identifies, develops, and empowers leaders at all levels.

These programmes equip participants with the diverse skills necessary to navigate a rapidly changing landscape, adapt to new developments with agility and intelligence, and make informed decisions to address future challenges. The Center fosters leaders with the competence and broad perspectives required to create innovative solutions for tomorrow’s complex issues.

Last month, Dubai International Financial Academy (DIFC) Academy has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Lloyd’s, the world’s leading insurance market providing specialist insurance services to businesses in over 200 countries and territories.

The agreement builds on a longstanding partnership between the two sides. It aims to expand the Lloyd’s Academy’s reach, an education platform for risk professionals developed in London, to help support the development of a talent pipeline into the fast-growing Middle East region.

As part of the agreement, the DIFC Academy and Lloyd’s Academy will work together to organise events, educational bootcamps and on-demand learning that support the drive for talent across the insurance industry.

Alya AlZarouni, Chief Operating Officer of DIFC Authority, commented, “DIFC offers a world-class learning environment and guidance from renowned organisations to accelerate the development of talent within the sector. We continue this legacy by expanding our existing relationship with Lloyd’s.

“This initiative enables us to further develop a burgeoning sector in DIFC, representing more than 125 companies. Together, we foster industry growth while shaping the future of finance.”

Dawn Miller, Lloyd’s Chief Commercial Officer and CEO of Lloyd’s Americas, said, “The MoU between the Lloyd’s Academy and DIFC to drive forward talent development and industry wide education is another step forward on this journey. I look forward to our continued work in the Middle East and helping the development of a talent pipeline into the fast-growing region.”