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Mid East Info
24-04-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Dubai Business Associates Celebrates 10 Years of Developing Future Leaders - Middle East Business News and Information
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid meets with alumni of Dubai Business Associates programme Dubai's world leading graduate talent programme with just a 0.5% acceptance rate, celebrates its 10th year 278 Associates from 44 different countries have successfully completed the future global leader's programme Associates have delivered 84 strategic projects for partner organisations, saving $27M in consulting fees alone Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the world-leading graduate talent programme, Dubai Business Associates (DBA), this week celebrated its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of developing future global leaders and global ambassadors for Dubai. As part of the celebrations, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed met with alumni of the programme and said that 'investing in human capital is essential to building a creative, innovation-driven economy, with the goal of empowering future entrepreneurs to transform ideas into impactful projects that address future challenges and benefit society.' Sheikh Mohammed expressed his delight in meeting graduates of the programme hailing from the UAE and around the world, encouraging them to harness the knowledge and entrepreneurial skills they acquired to shape a future built on knowledge, driven by innovation, and dedicated to improving quality of life. The anniversary was commemorated with a landmark event at the iconic One&Only One Za'abeel, attended by members of the UAE and Dubai leadership, senior government officials, diplomats, C-suite executives, strategic partners, and more than 100 DBA alumni from around the world. Among the distinguished guests was His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline & Group, who took to the stage to present Partner Appreciation Awards to a selection of key Dubai organisations in recognition of their outstanding contributions and continued support of the DBA programme over the past ten years. Awards were presented to Learning Partners: PwC Academy, Capadev, and Bon Education; and Strategic Partners: Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), dnata, and Emirates—for their continued commitment to developing young global talent. Director of Dubai Business Associates, Rami Tawfiq, said: 'Celebrating DBA's 10-year anniversary is a chance to reflect on the impact we've made and look ahead to an even more ambitious future. We aim to expand our reach to 200 markets, welcome new partners, and continue developing the next generation of global leaders with our innovative and practical approach to professional development.' Renowned as one of the world's most competitive business and education programmes, DBA receives over 5,500 applications annually from both international and UAE-based graduates. The programme is managed by Falcon and Associates, a Dubai-based entity specialising in marketing, communications, events and innovation, which was established in 2009. The nine-month course blends academic learning with business placements, industry networking, coaching, and cultural immersion. Its tenth edition welcomed 36 participants from 22 countries, including nine Emiratis, for a nine-month training programme. Associates work on real-world consulting projects with leading Dubai-based organisations including Emirates, DIFC, dnata, DP World, and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Since its inception in 2014, the programme has attracted 278 associates from 44 countries, including 56 UAE nationals. Furthermore, over 140 work placements have been completed, in partnership with over 30 of Dubai's leading companies. Added to that, 84 consulting projects with a saving of over $27 million in consultancy fees alone, have been delivered, providing myriad benefits for Dubai's wider business ecosystem. In addition, over 30% of applicants come from QS Top 10 global universities. DBA's academic and professional excellence is ensured by leading learning partners including PwC's Academy, Capadev, and Bon Education, who support the curriculum with world-class training and development to prepare Associates for their professional careers. Voices of Impact During the event, CNN anchor Becky Anderson hosted an on-stage discussion with five DBA alumni about the experiences and opportunities this exclusive programme has given them. Speakers included: Majed Bin Thaneya, Youth Leadership Council Member & Talent Partner, Emirates (UAE) Raymond Zhu, CEO, Dhow Holding (China) Jodi Cullity, Founder, Eleveno (USA) Ksenia Trubacheva, Business Analyst, McKinsey (Russia) Mahrukh Shahid, Managing Partner, Globesight (Pakistan) Tech entrepreneur Raymond Zhu, who launched MENA's first live shopping platform, Wing Go, credited his DBA placements at the Prime Minister's Office and Dubai Technology Entrepreneurship Centre with providing the skills, experience, and network to succeed. The DBA programme is unique in its approach to developing future global business leaders and reflects Dubai's position as a hub for talent, innovation, and enterprise,' said Zhu. 'As a graduate, the opportunity to work on real-world projects with top organisations provided the perfect foundation for my career.' Jodi Cullity, who worked as a strategy consultant for Expo 2020 Dubai, shared how her DBA journey led to working with First Lady Jill Biden at the White House and launching ELEVENO Pickleball. With a unique blend of cultural immersion, strategic training, and real-world experience, DBA continues to serve as a global launchpad for exceptional talent, while creating Dubai ambassadors around the world. As Dubai cements its position as a leading hub for innovation, opportunity, and enterprise, Dubai Business Associates remains committed to developing the next generation of future global leaders—equipped with the mindset, skills, and ambition to create lasting impact. Interview Profile: Jodi Cullity (US) From: Boston, Massachusetts Education: Shanghai University, International Business and Chinese, 2025 University of Maryland, 2013 – 2016 Experience since DBA Founder and CEO, ELEVENO Pickleball, October 2022 – present Advance Associate, The White House, March 2016 – present Protocol Manager, USA Expo 2020, June 2021 – June 2022 Executive Director, Libreum Research Institute, October 2019 – September 2021 Strategy Consultant, Expo 2020 Dubai, October 2018 – July 2019 Consultant, PwC's Academy Middle East, September 2018 – June 2019 Strategy Consultant, Dubai Business Associates, September 2018 – July 2019 Quote: 'DBA provided an optimal balance of hands-on, professional business experience with innovative learning modules that gave me the foundation to succeed in my professional career. I couldn't recommend it enough to aspiring global graduates.' 'And Dubai really is the perfect environment to undertake such a programme. It's a dynamic and forward-thinking city, with unrivalled networking opportunities with like-minded, ambitious individuals.' Interview profile: Leya Ali (UK) From: London, England Education: University of Cambridge, Master of Philosophy, Planning, Growth & Regeneration Goldsmiths, University of London, Undergraduate Economics Experience since DBA: Business Development (M&A), dnata, Dubai Quote: 'The overall DBA experience has not just been about the hard and soft skills you learn in relation to all things 'professional' and 'work'. We were a cohort consisting of almost 20 nationalities, with entirely varied backgrounds and past experiences where there was so much openness about learning each other's culture, religion and stories.' 'DBA really is the place for learning and if you have the quench to study and work really hard in order to grow your skills, experience and business acumen during a small timescale, DBA is for you.' Interview profile: Raymond Zhu From: China Education: Tsinghua University, Research Assistant, Machine Learning Zi'an Jiaotong University, Bachelor of Science (Engineering), Software Engineering Experience since DBA: Founder & CEO Dhow Hlding, Founder & CEO, ZENO, Co-Founder, Zehn Technologies Group, CTO, TRADE X Co-Founder, Machine Colony Emirates Airline, Data Scientist Quote: 'Dubai Business Associates is truly a unique programme for entrepreneurs. I was fortune enough to work on major consulting projects including the largest tech incubator in the Middle East, and on the initial model of the first Global Blockchain Council at the Prime Minister's Office.' 'I couldn't recommend the course highly enough. DBA and its key learning and professional partners continue to remain at the cutting edge of graduate education, which is greatly enhanced by its cultural components.' About the Dubai Business Associates programme: Run under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Dubai Business Associate programme offers outstanding and ambitious graduates from all around the world an unrivalled opportunity to study and work in Dubai, with a dynamic and multicultural hub for global commerce, to develop as future global leaders. Through a practical, project-based learning approach, Dubai Business Associates facilitates the transition from talented young graduates to future global leaders with highly sought-after skills, thereby serving as a bridge between university and the world of work.
Zawya
24-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Admissions open for PwC Academy's Young Employable Scholar programme as higher education landscape shifts
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: PwC Academy, the talent and skills development business of PwC Middle East, has opened admissions for the sixth edition of its highly successful Young Employable Scholar (YES) Programme. With 80% of graduates securing positions in leading organisations, this transformative higher education pathway combines the prestigious ACCA (the Association of Chartered Accountants) qualification with the UAE VAT Compliance Diploma and AI training. This two-and-a-half-year programme equips ambitious students with the fundamental skills needed to excel in a career in accounting and finance. The YES Programme reflects a wider shift in perception and expectation towards higher education. A recent report from World Economic Forum (WEF) and PwC found only around 50% of surveyed country's working populations are employed in professions that match their formal education level, highlighting a clear need for a more direct focus on job-relevant skills. The programme provides a combination of qualifications, practical training, and exposure to industry experts from a Big Four firm, directly preparing students for the work they will be performing. This new age approach is rapidly gaining recognition among high-achieving students seeking a first-class career in accounting or finance while side-stepping traditional higher education barriers. This cost and time-effective solution to higher education, tailor made by PwC professionals, targets the skills that will enable accountants to flourish in tomorrow's world. This accelerated timeline means graduates can start earning and advancing their careers while their peers are still studying. One recent graduate, who now works at PwC said: 'The YES programme was a great experience that I couldn't recommend enough. The level of teaching and support I received throughout the programme was exceptional, and as a result I secured a role at PwC within a month of graduating.' The YES Programme reflects a wider shift in professional qualification requirements. For example, a recent US study by specialist research platform Intelligent found 45% of surveyed companies are moving away from traditional degree requirements in favour of skills-based hiring. Beyond strengthening accounting and workplace skills, the programme is also a pathway to internship opportunities at renowned entities in the UAE, upon successful completion. For those seeking further education, graduates can advance directly to an MSc from University of London, bypassing traditional bachelor's degree requirements. Taimur Ali, PwC Partner and Head of Qualifications at PwC Academy: 'The value of the YES programme goes far beyond cost and time savings. It provides students with a comprehensive academic experience, equipping them with the skills essential to excel in today's fast-paced world. Organisations in the region thrive on the agility and adaptability of their talent, which is why programmes such as YES are pivotal in shaping the leaders of tomorrow." The YES programme is open to exceptional high school graduates with strong academic performance in Mathematics and English who demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to a career in accounting or finance. PwC Academy will host a programme Open Day on 12th April 2025, offering prospective students and their parents an opportunity to meet faculty and learn more about the programme. During this event, candidates can participate in an assessment for the chance to win a 100% scholarship to the 2025 cohort. Interested candidates can register here. Applications for the 2025 cohort are now open. Interested students can find additional information at Media enquiries: Sama Al Shibani, Mojo PR, on email pwcacademy@ About PwC Academy PwC Academy is the talent and skills development business of PwC. We are committed to supporting the sustainable growth of talent across the region. We operate across the Middle East and are part of a growing network of PwC Academies present in over 40 countries worldwide. For further information on PwC Academy, please contact pwcacademy@ or visit
Hi Dubai
27-01-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
PwC Academy Launches First Professional Consulting Programme in the Middle East
PwC Academy, the talent development arm of PwC Middle East, has launched the region's first Professional Consulting Programme in collaboration with the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). This prestigious programme leads to the Chartered Management Consultant (ChMC) accreditation, setting a new benchmark for consulting excellence in the region. In December, the programme welcomed its first cohort of over 12 experienced professionals from various sectors, including project management, customer experience, and finance. These professionals are embarking on a journey to attain the globally recognised ChMC status, which is held by over 1,200 consultants worldwide. As Middle Eastern economies continue to evolve under ambitious national visions, the demand for home-grown consulting expertise has skyrocketed. The region's consulting sector, expected to exceed $6 billion this year, requires consultants skilled in stakeholder relationship development, strategic analysis, and transformational leadership—skills critical for navigating complex digital transformations and sustainability initiatives. The ChMC accreditation, which has over 2,000 active learners across 50+ firms globally, represents the highest standard of consulting excellence. The programme is designed to develop the capabilities necessary for consultants to lead major transformations and deliver measurable outcomes. Taimur Mir, PwC Partner, emphasized the importance of combining global business acumen with a deep understanding of the regional economy. "We are committed to equipping consultants with the strategic capabilities and professional recognition vital for leading complex transformations," he stated. The programme offers two levels: Level 5 for early-career professionals and Level 7 for seasoned experts. It combines online learning with in-person workshops to accommodate the busy schedules of working professionals, ensuring flexibility and comprehensive development. News Source: Mojo PR
