Mohammed Al Gergawi: Mohammed Bin Rashid’s Vision for Preparing Future Leaders
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Center for Leadership Development, part of the Executive Office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has announced the initiation of the 2025-2026 cohort of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Leadership Development Program. This initiative aims to cultivate Emirati leaders capable of managing strategic and transformative projects.
In light of the rapidly changing global landscape across various vital sectors, the program spans nine months and involves 30 participants representing 15 critical sectors, including public, private, semi-governmental institutions, and entrepreneurs. Participants will undergo practical training in collaboration with 14 leading international institutions and benefit from the expertise of 80 global experts and 20 Emirati leaders, solidifying the program’s status as a comprehensive platform for developing competencies and enhancing leadership skills.
Supporting Development Plans
The selection of participants for the program was based on rigorous criteria, underscoring the program’s significance in nurturing national talents to ensure they become future leaders who can contribute effectively to Dubai’s developmental and strategic goals across all sectors.
Participants will engage in a training program anchored in the leadership framework established by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, focusing on his unique leadership experiences that empower citizens and engage them in creating sustainable positive impacts, in partnership with top universities and renowned global centers.
Envisioning the Future
His Excellency Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, head of the Executive Office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and President of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Center for Leadership Development, stated that the Mohammed Bin Rashid Leadership Development Program serves as a pioneering platform for training national leaders, enabling them to play an active role in driving development and future transformations, aligning with His Highness’s vision of preparing a generation of leaders capable of anticipating the future and devising innovative solutions to bolster the UAE’s competitiveness.
He added: “The program offers a comprehensive training experience, combining theoretical and practical pathways in leadership sciences. It also provides participants with opportunities to acquire advanced skills and knowledge through international trips, direct sessions with decision-makers, and ongoing guidance from Emirati leaders and international experts, thereby enhancing their readiness to make a positive and sustainable impact across various key sectors.”
Furthermore, he remarked: “The Mohammed Bin Rashid Center for Leadership Development continues to reinforce its position as a global leader in leadership development through advanced educational and training programs based on best international practices, contributing to the preparation of national leadership talents capable of anticipating global changes and producing sustainable initiatives to tackle future challenges.”
Best Practices
The program includes two international trips for participants to Japan and the United Kingdom to learn about global best practices in leadership sciences, enhance their skills, and engage with global experts and leaders. These trips will also facilitate knowledge exchange and experience sharing, helping participants develop effective communication skills with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Additionally, these trips give leaders an opportunity to study successful leadership models and adapt those approaches to their initiatives.
Throughout the program, leadership sessions will be organized for participants with decision-makers to benefit from their practical experiences and to acquire knowledge that enhances their leadership capabilities.
Every participant will be paired with an experienced executive mentor who will provide support and guidance to foster their leadership skills. This mentor will also assist in crafting effective strategies to achieve their professional and personal goals, boosting their confidence and refining skills in managing large teams and projects.
Participants will be tasked with implementing 6 transformative projects that align with the UAE and Dubai’s strategic plans, covering sectors such as education, health, infrastructure, cities, environment and sustainability, tourism and hospitality, diverse economy, and innovation. The program aims to develop eight core leadership competencies, including strategic foresight, global citizenship, entrepreneurial thinking, commitment, value creation, diversity and inclusion, prioritizing human needs, and fostering resilience and a passion for knowledge, which are fundamental pillars of Mohammed Bin Rashid’s leadership framework. Graduates of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Leadership Development Program will be recognized during the “Mohammed Bin Rashid Leaders Forum 2026.”
2025-2026 Cohort Highlights
• 30 participants from government, private, semi-governmental institutions and entrepreneurs
• The program aims to develop Emirati leaders capable of managing strategic and transformational projects
• Intensive training program in collaboration with esteemed global universities and centers
• Two international trips to Japan and the UK to study best practices in leadership sciences
• Participants will implement practical applications related to 6 transformative projects that support the UAE and Dubai’s plans
• The program runs for nine months, culminating in the graduation of participants at the “Mohammed Bin Rashid Leaders Forum 2026.”