Latest news with #GraduateProgramme
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Empowering the next generation of journalists: The National opens applications for 2025-26 graduate programme
Abu Dhabi, UAE – The National, the Middle East's leading English-language news organisation, has officially opened applications for its 2025–26 Graduate Programme, reaffirming its commitment to developing the next generation of media professionals. This year, two graduates will be selected to join a bespoke four-month training programme, tailored to their individual interests and skills. The programme provides real-world newsroom experience across multiple departments and aims to transition successful participants into full-time roles at The National. Participants will rotate through at least two core areas of the newsroom, such as News, Business, Sports, Lifestyle, Arts, Opinion, Multimedia, Social Media, and Design. Each graduate will be paired with a dedicated mentor, and regular assessments with senior editors will track progress and offer valuable feedback. Laura Koot, The National's Managing Editor said: 'This programme is a key pillar of our long-term strategy to invest in journalistic talent and sustain excellence in our newsroom. We are committed to equipping emerging professionals with the skills, standards, and editorial rigour that define The National. We are proud that last year's cohort resulted in two full-time hires -- clear proof of the programme's value as a pipeline for future newsroom leaders.' Throughout the programme, participants will document their journey on The National's blog, offering insights for future applicants and a chance to reflect on their development. Application Process Applications are open now until June 30. Successful candidates will be notified on July 25, ahead of the programme beginning in September, 2025. Submission documents must be emailed to: GraduateProgramme@ and include: CV Cover letter Passport copy Three work samples (could be from published work, school assignments, or personal projects) Three story/project ideas for The National (with simple outlines, interviewee suggestions, and the news hook –reason to do the story now) Candidates must meet the following criteria: Graduated from a UAE university within the past two years Strong spoken and written English skills Availability to work flexible shifts in The National's Abu Dhabi newsroom About The National, an IMI company, was founded in 2008, setting a new standard for quality journalism in the Middle East. Each day The National reaches an influential, English-speaking audience from our headquarters in Abu Dhabi to deliver the latest in news, business, arts, culture, lifestyle and sports, while leading the region in analytical content and commentary. The National is committed to serving the local UAE community while delivering a strong international perspective to a growing audience. With bureaux in Beirut, Cairo, London and Washington, and correspondents in key cities in the Mena region and worldwide, The National has developed a reputation for providing in-depth coverage and a window into the region. The National has been extensively awarded for its design, reporting, photography and video work. Publishing across all digital platforms – reaching millions of readers, listeners and viewers each month - The National harnesses the latest multimedia tools while continuing to produce a print edition five days a week, distributed in the UAE. The National was originally launched as part of Abu Dhabi Media, before being acquired by International Media Investments and relaunched in 2017. The National is the destination to understand the Middle East at a time when the region has never been more important. About IMI IMI is a privately-owned, leading global media conglomerate headquartered in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, with operations across 15 countries. Established to enrich lives and connect communities through innovative storytelling, IMI oversees an extensive portfolio of prestigious media brands including The National, Sky News Arabia, Al-Ain News, CNN Business Arabic, and Euronews. Committed to digital innovation and journalistic excellence, IMI operates state-of-the-art facilities, including the IMI Media Academy at IMI HQ in twofour54's Yas Creative Hub, dedicated to nurturing the next generation of media professionals. IMI continues to set industry standards, driving impactful content creation and engagement across diverse audiences worldwide. IMI's investment arm, RedBird IMI—a joint venture with RedBird Capital Partners—focuses on global investments in media, entertainment, and sports. Some of Redbird IMI's most prominent investments include All3Media, Media Res Studio, EverWonder Studio, Hidden Pigeon Company, Front Office Sports, and UFL.
Zawya
22-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
The DFSA launches its 2025 Graduate Programme to foster the
The 2025 DFSA Graduate Programme reflects the regulator's commitment to empowering young United Arab Emirates (UAE) Nationals to develop the skills and expertise they need to grow their careers in financial services. 57 UAE National graduates have benefited from the DFSA's Graduate Programme since its inception. Investment in early-career development enables the regulator to build a pipeline of professionals who will influence the future of finance and contribute to shaping the sustainable growth, innovation, and diversification of the UAE's economy. Dubai, United Arab Emirates: The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), the independent regulator of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), has announced the launch of its 2025 DFSA Graduate Programme, reaffirming its commitment to nurturing UAE National talent and developing professionals in the financial services sector. The 2025 DFSA Graduate Programme aims to attract high-potential UAE National graduates and provide them with structured training to prepare them for impactful careers in financial services and regulation. Fadel Al Ali, Chairman of the DFSA, said: 'Empowering and investing in young United Arab Emirates' National talent is a priority for the DFSA. However, our Graduate Programme is more than a training initiative – it is a platform to prepare the next generation of financial services professionals who will ensure that the United Arab Emirates' financial sector remains innovative, resilient, and globally competitive. I am proud to see the DFSA playing a key role in developing future United Arab Emirates' National professionals who will help to shape the future of finance.' The DFSA's flagship Graduate Programme is designed to foster the professional growth and career progression of young UAE Nationals. It combines on-the-job experience with dedicated structured training plans, mentorship, coaching, and the completion of industry-specific professional qualifications. The programme has been running successfully since 2006 and has contributed to building a steady flow of UAE National professionals who have gone on to work in various parts of the financial services sector, with many holding top roles in the UAE's financial and government institutions and ministries. Aisha Emara, DFSA Graduate Programme alumna, and now Senior Manager, Markets, Strategy & Risk at the DFSA, commented: 'The DFSA Graduate Programme is the perfect transition from academia to the work environment – as the comprehensive training pathway combines both theoretical and on-the-job experience. The programme also provides the opportunity to learn from talented and experienced international regulators, allowing you to build your network and develop your career in financial services regulation and beyond.' Starting in September 2025, the DFSA Graduate Programme spans two consecutive years, providing participants with practical skills, global perspectives, and the foundations necessary to drive innovation, ensure market integrity, and promote sustainable economic growth. Successful graduates will have the opportunity to develop and apply a breadth of technical skills and knowledge across all aspects of the DFSA's regulatory activities. The programme will help them to build strong professional and leadership skills, gain valuable experience working in an internationally focused environment, and achieve industry-specific qualifications. This comprehensive early-career development will equip them to become future leaders within the UAE and financial services sector. 'The DFSA's focus on talent development through the 2025 Graduate Programme, and other initiatives will continue to play a pivotal role in ensuring that the DIFC, Dubai, and the United Arab Emirates, excels as a global centre for forward-thinking and innovative finance,' said Fadel Al Ali. Join the 2025 DFSA Graduate Programme If you are a UAE National who has recently graduated or are about to complete your studies, we encourage you to apply for the DFSA Graduate Programme. Applications are now open and will close on 30 June 2025. Candidates should apply via the DFSA website and applications should include a detailed CV. Candidates who meet the DFSA's selection criteria will be invited to participate in an interview and undertake aptitude and psychometric assessments at the DFSA office. Successful candidates will commence the programme in September 2025. The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) is the independent regulator of financial services conducted in and from the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), a purpose-built financial free zone in Dubai, UAE. The DFSA regulates and supervises financial services firms and markets in the DIFC. These include asset managers, banks, custody and trust services, commodities futures traders, fund managers, insurers and reinsurers, traders of securities and fintech firms. We supervise exchanges and trading platforms for both conduct and prudential purposes, overseeing an international securities exchange (Nasdaq Dubai) and an international commodities derivatives exchange (Gulf Mercantile Exchange). The DFSA is also responsible for supervising and enforcing anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism requirements applicable in the DIFC. Please refer to the DFSA website for more information. Fadel Al Ali was appointed Chairman of the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) on 1 June 2021, having joined the DFSA Board of Directors in 2008. Mr Al Ali held a number of senior positions with First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), his last position was as FAB's Deputy CEO and Group Chief Operation Officer in 2021. Prior to joining FAB, Mr Al Ali was the CEO of Dubai Holding, a global group with assets of USD 35 billion across 21 countries and interests in 14 economic sectors. Mr Al Ali led the financial restructuring of Dubai Holding's investment groups and led the new business model of Dubai Holding as a strategic investor. Mr Al Ali started his career at Citibank in 1989, and left Citi in his capacity as UAE Head of Distribution, before joining Dubai Holding in 2004. Mr Al Ali is also the Chairman of the Board of Directors of IMKAN Waterfront in Morocco, the Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Wio Bank, and a Board member of the Commercial International Bank Egypt. Aisha Emara is a Senior Manager in Markets, Strategy & Risk at the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). She began her career at the DFSA in 2018 as part of DFSA's 'Tomorrow's Regulatory Leaders' Graduate Programme (now 'DFSA Graduate Programme'), gaining cross-functional experience through rotations across key regulatory functions including Supervision and Enforcement. Following her completion of the programme, she joined the Markets Division in 2020, where she has contributed to the DFSA's regulatory oversight of secondary markets. In 2024, she was selected for a prestigious secondment to the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) in Madrid. There, she led the work of Committee 2, which focuses on policy issues relating to secondary markets, engaging with global regulators and contributing to international standard-setting efforts. She holds a BSc in Finance from the American University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, and a MSc in Investment and Risk Finance from the University of Westminster, United Kingdom.
The National
09-05-2025
- Politics
- The National
What losing my aunt to cancer taught me about grief
Hala is a Social Media Journalist and has experience covering Middle East politics, as part of her training on The National's 2024 graduate programme. May 09, 2025
