Dubai – The Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, honoring its position as a premier institution in public administration and policy education, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. The event was attended by His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the UAE National Olympic Committee.
The ceremony, themed “In the Footsteps of Mohammed bin Rashid,” included the graduation of the twelfth cohort of master’s degree students, which consisted of 75 graduates from 27 governmental and private entities, specializing in the Executive Master of Public Administration program.
This program, along with those in Public Policy and Innovation Management, was celebrated in the presence of various governmental and academic leaders, marking two decades of excellence in developing national talents and reinforcing the UAE’s leadership in public administration.
Investing in Human Capital
His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum stated that the Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government has become a practical embodiment of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s vision of human investment as a cornerstone of development and sustainability.
He remarked, “Over the past twenty years, the school has proven to be an effective platform for preparing national leaders equipped with knowledge and innovation skills that advance the UAE’s journey toward a prosperous future.” He added that the school’s graduates are a testament to Sheikh Mohammed’s visionary leadership.
According to Sheikh Mansoor, the graduates exemplify exemplary and creative Emirati leadership capable of transforming challenges into opportunities while actively contributing to the nation’s sustainable development. He expressed pride in the school being an intellectual beacon that solidifies the UAE’s regional and global leadership in public administration.
In a post on the social media platform X, Sheikh Mansoor shared, “I witnessed the celebration of the Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government’s 20th anniversary. We honored the twelfth cohort of graduates, comprising 75 future leaders from 27 governmental and private organizations… Throughout its two-decade journey, the school has trained 2,203 government leaders, with participation from 30,000 individuals across 42 government entities. It has played a vital role in sharing Emirati expertise globally.”
Abdullah Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, Chairman of the school’s Board of Trustees and Director General of Dubai’s Human Resources Department, stated, “The school’s 20-year milestone reflects its success in becoming a knowledge hub that aligns with the UAE’s approach to empowering youth, which is considered the nation’s greatest asset and a guarantee for sustainable development.” He emphasized the pride that the school feels for its graduates, who possess the necessary skills to lead change and create a competitive model that meets the country’s future aspirations.
Dr. Ali bin Sebaa Al Marri, the school’s CEO, congratulated the graduates and their families, stating, “This anniversary marks a strategic milestone that reaffirms the school’s commitment to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid’s approach to human development and empowerment.” He pointed out that over the past two decades, the school has established an academic model that connects scientific research with practical application, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a global center for knowledge and future policy formation.
The school unveiled its new strategy, MBRSG 33, which includes a variety of pioneering strategic initiatives, such as the “Future Governments Research Center,” an advanced research platform aimed at generating innovative policies and solutions that enhance government readiness in the age of digitalization and artificial intelligence. Another initiative is the “Smart Government Education Platform,” designed to create flexible and specialized educational experiences that align with future skills.
Additionally, the “Global Leaders Program” aims to share the UAE’s governance experience globally by preparing international leaders inspired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s transformational leadership model. Other initiatives include the “Class Ambassadors Program” to empower graduates and government leaders to serve as ambassadors for knowledge sharing and best practices worldwide, and the “Scholarship and Grants Fund” as a strategic tool to ensure financial sustainability and provide exceptional educational and research opportunities.
The “College 5.0” initiative aims to transition the school into a leading global fifth-generation educational institution by leveraging artificial intelligence in various academic and administrative processes, enhancing performance efficiency and creating a more distinctive and innovative learning experience.
The event also featured the launch of the book “The Path to Leadership: Following the Footsteps of Mohammed bin Rashid” by Dr. Ali bin Sebaa Al Marri, which draws inspiration from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s vision and serves as a practical guide for the leadership preparation programs undertaken by the school.
Leading the Future
The Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government serves as a hub for preparing leaders and government competencies capable of steering future developments. During its tenure, it has trained 2,203 government leaders from 42 local and federal entities through specialized programs tailored in partnership with their institutions to meet strategic needs, reflecting the school’s central role in developing national leadership.
The school has solidified its reputation as a global leadership school, sharing the Emirati experience in public administration with 45 countries and contributing to the development of 1,128 international government leaders who have become exemplary figures in public service, with over 30,000 graduates in various programs.
To date, the school has published over 600 studies and research papers and established a vast network of strategic partnerships exceeding 115 local and international organizations.
His Highness witnessed the graduation of 75 students from 27 governmental and private entities specializing in executive master’s programs.
The Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government serves as an effective platform for preparing leaders, equipping them with the knowledge and innovation necessary to shape the future.
Abdullah Al Falasi
The school’s graduates contribute to achieving a competitive administrative model that aligns with the UAE’s future aspirations.
Dr. Ali bin Sebaa Al Marri, the CEO of the Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government, stated that the school aims to rank among the top five global institutions specializing in public administration by 2033, aligning with Dubai’s governmental strategy and future vision “D 33,” which seeks to enhance global leadership across various fields.
He elaborated that since its inception, the school has maintained a clear goal: to cultivate leaders capable of making a tangible difference in governmental work.
This effort began with a strategic partnership with Harvard University’s Kennedy School, one of the world’s leading academic institutions, contributing to the establishment of quality standards and academic excellence in the school’s programs.
Dr. Al Marri elaborated that the school aims, through its academic and training programs, to graduate future leaders from government employees, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to enhance government operations.
He affirmed that the school does not merely graduate students but continues to serve as an educational platform for graduates, meeting their evolving needs and supporting their lifelong learning journey, in line with the rapid transformations in the government work environment.
Regarding continuous education, he noted, “We believe that ongoing education has become a necessity rather than an option, as the rapid changes in the world require leaders who can adapt, think strategically, and make informed decisions.”
Dr. Al Marri revealed that the number of graduates from the school’s leadership preparation programs has now reached around 2,200 from 42 government entities within the UAE, in addition to over 1,100 graduates from 45 countries worldwide, reflecting the school’s growing international presence and its role in disseminating advanced public administration thinking.