His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, attended the graduation ceremony of the second cohort of the Dubai Family Business Management Programme.
The event was held during the Mohammed bin Rashid Leadership Forum at Dubai World Trade Centre, bringing together 1,000 senior figures from government and business sectors to discuss future leadership and administrative transformation.
Launched in October 2023 by His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the programme is organised by the Dubai Centre for Family Businesses under Dubai Chambers, in collaboration with the Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Leadership Development (MBRCLD).
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Speaking at the event, Sheikh Hamdan said Dubai’s economy continues to “set global benchmarks for leadership and excellence” under the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. He highlighted the role of family businesses as “a cornerstone of the emirate’s economy” and key drivers of growth and sustainable development.
Family businesses account for around 90% of private companies in the UAE, contribute nearly 40% of the national GDP, and employ more than 70% of the private-sector workforce. Their investments span multiple sectors, strengthening Dubai’s position as a global business hub.
The programme is designed to prepare second-tier leaders for generational transitions by focusing on governance, leadership, and management skills. Training was delivered by faculty from the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) through a combination of virtual sessions, mentorship, and practical projects.
Participants also gained exposure to Dubai’s economic priorities, particularly the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, and worked on development projects for their family businesses. The curriculum included leadership, emotional intelligence, storytelling, and strategies to strengthen trust and governance within family enterprises.
The graduation marks another step in Dubai’s strategy to equip the next generation of business leaders with the skills needed to drive sustainable growth, strengthen public–private partnerships, and ensure the long-term continuity of family enterprises.
With the completion of the second cohort, the Dubai Family Business Management Programme continues to build future-ready leaders who will uphold the legacy and growth of family enterprises in Dubai and beyond.
