Dubai Business Associates celebrates graduation of 11th cohort

Dubai Business Associates has celebrated the graduation of its 11th cohort, with 37 young professionals from 21 countries now ready to make their mark in the business world in Dubai and beyond.

The graduation ceremony took place yesterday at The Ritz-Carlton in Dubai and recognised the achievements of the Associates who successfully completed the nine-month programme. The graduating cohort included 12 Emiratis alongside 25 international professionals from countries including Colombia, France, India, Peru, Russia, South Africa, the UK, and the US.

Dubai Business Associates is a fully funded programme, combining instruction with practical consulting experience across some of Dubai’s leading public and private sector organisations. The programme is supported by educational partners PwC, CAPADEV, and Bon Education, who provided specialised training across leadership, strategy, business, and professional development.

Members of this year’s cohort delivered consulting projects for the likes of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, Emirates, Digital Dubai, Dubai International Financial Centre, and Kerzner International. These projects spanned a range of topics, including strategy, sustainability, investments, and digital transformation.

Commenting on the graduation, Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani, Director General of The Dubai Ruler’s Court, said at the ceremony: “Through programmes such as Dubai Business Associates, Dubai continues to invest in both Emirati and international talent, equipping future leaders with the skills, experiences, and global perspective needed to contribute meaningfully to the future economy.”

Since its launch, Dubai Business Associates has welcomed 349 Associates from 56 countries and delivered over 100 consulting projects. With thousands of applicants from around the world each year, the programme is among the most sought-after in the industry.