Dubai Holding national talent development: Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed graduates 23 from 2025 cohort
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum honoured 23 participants from Dubai Holding’s 2025 national talent development programmes at a graduation ceremony, underscoring Dubai Holding national talent development as a strategic priority. The event marked the conclusion of the “Leaders of Tomorrow for Graduates” stream within the Al Multaqa localisation initiative and reinforced the group’s commitment to preparing Emirati leadership for key economic sectors.
Sheikh Ahmed underscores human capital as strategic priority
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum told attendees that investing in Emirati talent is central to Dubai’s long‑term competitiveness on the global economic stage. He said the group’s programmes are designed to equip national talent with practical skills and leadership capabilities needed to drive future growth.
The chairman described the graduates as a tangible outcome of a sustained institutional effort to cultivate homegrown leaders. He framed human capital investment as the most enduring and impactful form of development for the nation’s future.
Graduation highlights and cohort profile
The ceremony celebrated 23 participants who completed the 2025 cycle of Dubai Holding’s national development tracks. Graduates emerged from a mix of programmes, with the flagship “Leaders of Tomorrow for Graduates” taking centre stage under the Al Multaqa localisation umbrella.
Organisers noted that the cohort experienced a blended curriculum of on‑the‑job placements, leadership modules and sector rotations. The design aimed to accelerate early career exposure while aligning talent pipelines with strategic corporate priorities.
Programme design: Al Multaqa and Leaders of Tomorrow
Dubai Holding’s Al Multaqa localisation programme serves as the parent framework for its Emiratisation efforts across business units. Within this framework, the “Leaders of Tomorrow for Graduates” initiative focuses specifically on recent graduates identified for fast‑track leadership development.
The programmes combine experiential assignments with tailored coaching and leadership labs. This approach is intended to create well‑rounded professionals who can assume responsibilities across finance, asset management and other vital sectors.
Senior officials and executive presence at the event
The graduation was attended by Mohammed bin Hadi Al Husseini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, reflecting government interest in workforce localisation. Dubai Holding’s executive leadership was represented by CEO Amit Kaushal and Malik Al Malik, CEO of Dubai Holding Asset Management, alongside senior group leaders.
Their presence signalled close alignment between corporate training initiatives and national employment objectives. Executives stressed that leadership development is both a commercial imperative and a contribution to the UAE’s broader socio‑economic goals.
Corporate rationale and long‑term workforce strategy
Amit Kaushal reiterated that organisational excellence begins with building capable national talent to lead institutions. He explained that Dubai Holding seeks to integrate graduates early into institutional strategies so they can shape operational and strategic priorities over time.
The group’s long‑term workforce plan prioritises sustainable career pathways, cross‑functional experience and innovation readiness. The stated aim is to ensure that Emirati professionals are prepared to occupy leadership roles across Dubai’s diversified economy.
Opportunities and next steps for graduates
Graduates will enter placement phases across Dubai Holding’s portfolio companies, where they will rotate through targeted assignments and mentorship arrangements. These placements are designed to offer hands‑on responsibility and measurable performance milestones during the early stages of their careers.
Dubai Holding has indicated that ongoing assessment and bespoke development will guide career progression for cohort members. The organisation expects many alumni to take on mid‑ and senior‑level roles in the coming years as part of a deliberate localisation trajectory.
The graduation ceremony reinforced Dubai Holding’s long‑standing commitment to cultivating Emirati leadership and building a talent pipeline aligned with Dubai’s economic ambitions. Graduates from the 2025 cohort now join a national effort to translate skills and leadership training into tangible contributions across the city’s strategic sectors.
