Directors' Institute launches exclusive UAE webinar series for corporate leaders
Responding to the growing demand from the UAE's corporate sector, the Directors' Institute - World Council of Directors, an initiative by the World Development Corporation, has launched a proprietary webinar series aimed at elevating local directors and aspiring board members to international standards. The initiative comes amid the UAE's sustained economic growth and rising foreign investment.
"With the UAE's expanding economy attracting numerous international corporations, there is a pressing need for directors who understand global board dynamics," said Heval Mehta, managing director at Directors' Institute. "Our specialised programmes, including the International Corporate Directorship Programme and the Doctorate in International Corporate Directorship, are tailored to meet this evolving demand."
Recognised globally for its expertise in director training, corporate governance, and ESG, Directors' Institute has received recognition from Forbes and has been honoured at both the Australian and British Parliaments. The institute has collaborated with numerous embassies on corporate governance frameworks and has contributed to UNESCO's policy formation.
Exclusive webinars for UAE business leaders
The newly launched webinars are designed specifically for senior executives, entrepreneurs, board members, aspiring corporate directors, and country managers with organisational licences in the UAE. This initiative is supported by boardsearch.ai, an AI-driven platform that serves as one of the most sought-after repositories for corporations seeking to appoint directors and C-suite executives.
"Currently, BoardSearch.AI is utilised by over 1,000 companies and more than 100 executive search firms. We plan to expand that reach to 5,500 firms by the end of 2027," said Ayub Sheikh, managing director - Technology & Innovation and COO, World Development Corporation.
Directors' Institute operates as an exclusive community for corporate leaders. The platform has achieved significant milestones, including the training and certification of over 2,000 international corporate directors and the appointment of more than 500 senior executives to global boards and leadership roles.
Corporate Governance & ESG Summit 2025
Directors' Institute - World Council of Directors recently hosted the largest corporate governance and ESG summit of 2025, which brought together more than 1,000 C-suite executives, ambassadors from over 15 countries, ministers, government officials, corporate leaders, and members of the United Nations.
The event honoured corporate giants leading in governance and recognised 55+ board directors for their excellence in serving on corporate boards after completing their certification as International Directors or Independent Directors. Additionally, more than 250 corporate leaders were awarded the titles of Certified International Corporate Director and Certified Independent Director.
"This initiative presents a remarkable opportunity for business leaders in the UAE to join a prestigious global network of corporate directors, enhance their skills on an international scale, and stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of leadership," said Zeeshaan Pathan, group managing director and CEO of World Development Corporation. "Our track record in shaping international board members highlights the transformative potential of these webinars."
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