Dubai Business Associates celebrates graduation of milestone 10th cohort

Dubai Business Associates (DBA) has celebrated the graduation of its latest cohort of graduates, with 35 young professionals from 21 different countries now ready to take on the world in Dubai and beyond.

The nine-month programme provides high-achieving university graduates with knowledge and experience in areas such as strategy, business, consulting, and leadership. Fully funded by Dubai’s government, Dubai Business Associates is a highly competitive program: over 5,550 people from 160 countries applied, out of which 35 were selected – and now graduated.

This year’s cohort includes graduates from the UAE, Australia, China, Colombia, India, Italy, Japan, the UK and US.

Ali Al Shehhi, one of the graduates, said: “The program has been instrumental in helping me navigate the fast-paced world of consulting. Collaborating with associates from diverse backgrounds exposed me to a range of leadership styles and strategic thinking, broadening my perspective and enhancing my ability to adapt and lead in dynamic environments.”

The consulting skills he refers to were provided through a development curriculum developed and delivered in conjunction with PwC, Capadev, and Bon Education.

Bringing those skills to practice, graduates then are provided the possibility to deliver real-world consulting projects at some of Dubai’s leading organisations, including Emirates, Dubai International Finance Centre, dnata, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, and Expo City Dubai.

“What stood out most for me in the program was the exceptional support system, connecting us with dedicated mentors and career coaches who offered guidance on both professional and personal fronts. The network I’ve built has already opened doors and will undoubtedly continue to create opportunities for years to come,” reflected Papamile Isyagi, a graduate from Malawi.

Developing young professionals

Director of Dubai Business Associates, Rami Tawfiq, shared his pride in the success of the current cohort: “Dubai Business Associates has firmly established itself as one of the world’s most sought-after programs for graduates, evidenced by our acceptance rate of around 0.5%. This 10th cohort represents an exceptional group of emerging leaders, and we look forward to tracking their professional journeys.”

Earlier this year, DBA celebrated its 10th anniversary, and to mark the milestone, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed met in person with over 100 alumni from the program, in Dubai.

Meanwhile, the eleventh cohort, set to begin in September, is already in the makes. The number of applicants has already hit a record-breaking 6,600. “The continued success of the programme reflects our committed to pushing the boundaries of graduate development,” said Tawfiq.