US students take coveted prizes in Dubai Business Associates

Two US students have graduated from Dubai Business Associates, receiving prizes for their success and contribution throughout the nine-month program.

Alexander Taylor, alumnus of Morehouse College, and Varika Pinnam, University of Texas alumnus, were the only two US students to graduate among the 34 associates, selected from a pool of 12,500 applicants worldwide.

During the program, Alexander Taylor was recognized as an Expo Planet Champion by Expo City Dubai during COP28. He was also part of a team that won best consulting project for their work developing an urban farm strategy.

Alexander said the program offered invaluable skills and the chance to experience a vibrant and dynamic city. “Learning management consulting and forecasting skills with top Dubai companies was an unparallelled opportunity. The cohort also relished in the cultural offerings that Dubai has to offer.”

Varika meanwhile was named Best Fellow, an award voted for by fellow associates who they consider to be the top contributor to the learning process, as well as the best to get along with. As part of her experience, she delivered an expansion strategy for a leading Dubai-based retail company.

“Undergoing the Dubai Business Associates has been a transformative experience,” she said. “Having the opportunity to work with leading Dubai entities like the Dubai Future Foundation was truly exciting, and I’d encourage aspiring graduates everywhere to apply for the opportunity to live and breathe Dubai for nine months.”

Run under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Dubai Business Associates program provides talented young professionals with the opportunity to develop and strengthen their skills in strategy, business, and leadership.

The fully-funded program provides classroom learning and real-world experience through consulting projects at leading Dubai-based organizations, such as Emirates Airline, Dubai International Financial Center, Expo City Dubai, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, Dubai Future Foundation, and Falcon and Associates.

The next edition of Dubai Business Associates kicks off in September. Interest in the program was huge – applications were received from nationals of 166 countries.