Dubai Holding Expands Emirati Talent Programmes for Future Economy

DUBAI, UAE: Dubai Holding is expanding its national talent development programmes to equip Emiratis with the skills, experience and leadership capabilities needed to contribute to the UAE's future economy, according to Group Chief People Officer Fatma Hussain.

Speaking to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Hussain said the group's "Al Multaqa" Emiratisation platform and "Leaders of Tomorrow" graduate programme provide structured career pathways spanning recruitment, professional training, mentoring and leadership development.

She said investment in national talent remains a key pillar of Dubai Holding's strategy, with career pathways designed to enable Emiratis to develop professionally and progress into positions of greater responsibility.

The programmes align with the UAE's wider focus on positioning national talent as a driver of sustainable development and future competitiveness. Hussain noted that the rapid evolution of a knowledge-, innovation- and technology-driven economy requires professionals capable of continuous learning and leading change.

Al Multaqa Brings Talent Initiatives Together

Hussain described Al Multaqa as a strategic framework bringing together Dubai Holding's Emirati talent development initiatives.

The platform encompasses internships, graduate development, career mentoring, educational scholarships and leadership programmes, while also providing participants with access to senior leaders and industry experts.

Dubai Holding recently celebrated the graduation of 23 participants from its 2025 cohort, representing businesses including Jumeirah, Dubai Holding Real Estate, Dubai Holding Entertainment and Dubai Holding Community Management, alongside other companies and destinations across the group.

The group's diversified portfolio provides Emiratis with career opportunities spanning real estate, hospitality, entertainment, retail, investments, community management and business districts, through companies and destinations including Jumeirah, Mِeras, Nakheel and TECOM Group.

Dubai Holding will also hold the Al Multaqa career fair on 23rd September at Joharah Ballroom in Madinat Jumeirah. The event will bring together the group's seven companies and connect Emirati talent at different career stages with opportunities across its businesses.

Building the Next Generation of Leaders

According to Hussain, the impact of Dubai Holding's national talent programmes is measured through participants' career progression, retention, advancement into roles with greater responsibility and their contributions to projects that create value for the business.

The Leaders of Tomorrow programme combines practical training, strategic projects, mentoring from senior leaders and engagement with experts. It also incorporates a learning track led by PricewaterhouseCoopers focused on future skills.

For students, Dubai Holding's internship programme provides up to 16 weeks of workplace experience, allowing participants to contribute to real projects, receive direct mentoring and gain exposure to the group's working environment.

The Irshad programme provides Emiratis with opportunities to learn from leaders and managers across the organisation, while Leadership2X, delivered in partnership with international institutions including INSEAD, focuses on leadership readiness, influence and decision-making.

Preparing Emiratis for Technology-Driven Sectors

As artificial intelligence, digital technologies and new economic sectors reshape the workplace, Dubai Holding is also focusing its talent strategy on capabilities expected to become increasingly important.

Hussain said preparing national talent for future sectors requires a combination of digital skills, strategic thinking, commercial understanding, innovation, adaptability and decision-making.

The objective, she added, extends beyond preparing Emiratis for future employment. Dubai Holding aims to enable national talent to develop ideas and solutions that contribute to shaping the economy while building a new generation of Emirati leaders capable of driving innovation and transformation.