His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Holding, celebrated the graduation of 23 Emirati employees from the group’s national development initiatives during a ceremony on June 26, 2026. The event marked the completion of the 2025 cohort of the “Leaders of Tomorrow” program, part of Dubai Holding’s broader “Al Multaqa” platform designed to cultivate homegrown talent and prepare them for leadership roles across key economic sectors in the UAE.
A Strategic Investment in National Human Capital
The graduation ceremony, attended by senior officials including Minister of State for Financial Affairs Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini and Dubai Holding Group CEO Amit Kaushal, underscored the conglomerate’s long-term commitment to developing Emirati professionals. Through Al Multaqa, Dubai Holding has consolidated its UAE national development efforts into a single framework that supports employees at every career stage—from entry-level positions to executive leadership.
Leaders of Tomorrow, a flagship 12-month program, combines functional job rotations, senior executive mentorship, exposure to strategic projects, and an eight-month learning curriculum led by PwC. Participants gain practical skills in real estate, hospitality, retail, entertainment, investments, and community management—reflecting the breadth of Dubai Holding’s diverse portfolio.
Voices of Leadership
In his remarks, Sheikh Ahmed emphasized the enduring value of investing in people. “National talent remains the most important driver of the UAE’s development journey,” he said. “Dubai Holding is committed to providing an environment that enables Emirati talent to acquire the expertise and leadership skills needed to help shape the economic sectors of the future and further strengthen Dubai’s global standing. Today’s graduates represent an important part of this long-term ambition.”
Amit Kaushal added that building leading institutions starts with developing the talent to run them. “Through ‘Al Multaqa’ and the ‘Leaders of Tomorrow’ graduate program, we are preparing Emirati talent with the knowledge, experience, and innovative mindset needed to succeed in a dynamic global business environment,” he said. “We are proud that this new cohort of graduates has built a strong foundation of skills that will support the continued growth of the group’s businesses and contribute to the UAE’s economic development journey.”
Broader Impact and Next Steps
Dubai Holding, which operates in more than 30 countries, views national talent development as a key pillar of its sustainable growth strategy. By equipping Emiratis with future-ready capabilities and early exposure to corporate decision-making, the group aims to foster a generation of leaders capable of competing globally and driving innovation across Dubai’s economy.
UAE nationals interested in applying for future cohorts of the Leaders of Tomorrow program can find more information on Dubai Holding’s official website. As the UAE continues its push toward economic diversification and knowledge-based growth, such initiatives are expected to play a critical role in preparing the workforce for tomorrow’s challenges and opportunities.