The “Dubai Family Business Management Programme” has successfully concluded its enlightening journey, organised by the Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Leadership Development in collaboration with the Dubai Family Business Centre. This initiative aligns with Dubai’s vision to enhance the strategic partnership between the public and private sectors. The programme featured high-level events and leadership meetings through specialised workshops, fostering connections between participants and key government leaders in Dubai.
Strategic Collaboration for Future Growth
The “Dubai Family Business Management Programme” emerged from a strategic collaboration between the Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Leadership Development and the Dubai Family Business Centre, which operates under the auspices of Dubai Chambers. This initiative highlights Dubai’s ongoing commitment to bridging the gap between family business leaders and government decision-makers. Accordingly, the Mohammed bin Rashid Centre has designed and developed leadership and executive pathways, which include leadership meetings and specialised workshops to unify visions and strategies across both sectors.
Opportunities for Direct Engagement
These new events provided a strategic platform for programme participants to engage directly with senior officials and leadership figures in Dubai. Participants gained insights into the latest economic and developmental trends, drew inspiration from exemplary leadership experiences, and acquired vital media skills necessary for meeting the emirate’s future aspirations.
Enhancing Strategic Partnerships
The first event focused on key economic and social strategies of the Dubai government, aimed at fostering partnerships between the public and private sectors. It engaged participants in various economic and community projects through government collaborations, thereby building bridges for communication and cooperation between family businesses and governmental institutions.
Vision for Quality Living
Her Excellency Hessa Bint Issa Bouhameed, Director General of the Community Development Authority in Dubai, presented the objectives of Dubai’s Social Agenda 33 during the first event. This agenda prioritises quality of life and aims to position Dubai among the top three cities in the world for livability.
Sustainable Urban Development
His Excellency Engineer Marwan Ahmed Al Mullah, Director General of Dubai Municipality, shared insights on the objectives of the Dubai Urban Plan 2040. This comprehensive plan outlines sustainable urban development with a human-centric approach and improving the quality of life in Dubai. He traced the planning journey from 1960, emphasising how the city has evolved over six decades based on trade, community connection, and local identity.
Economic Ambitions for the Future
Mohamed Sharaf, Executive Director of Investment Operations at the Dubai Economic Development Corporation, discussed the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the emirate’s economy by 2033 and establish Dubai among the top three global economic cities.
Opportunities in Social Entrepreneurship
In her remarks on future growth prospects, Her Excellency Hessa Bint Issa Bouhameed urged family businesses to explore the promising opportunities within the “Fourth Sector” or social entrepreneurship. She stated, “We need to redefine community investment as the primary driver of business sustainability and community cohesion. Family businesses have the long-term values and capabilities required to lead this transformation by integrating commercial efficiency with a humanitarian mission, converting financial success into sustainable societal value.”
Public-Private Collaboration
His Excellency Engineer Marwan Ahmed Al Mullah affirmed that Dubai’s success is built on a robust partnership between government and the private sector, which has transformed aspirations into tangible projects and achievements. He highlighted that the Dubai Municipality prioritises partnerships with the private sector, particularly family businesses, which play a pivotal role in fostering innovation, investment, and opportunity creation.
Preparedness for Future Challenges
His Excellency Al Mullah encouraged participants and the new generation of family business leaders to leverage Dubai’s rapidly accelerating economic growth by proposing comprehensive solutions and innovative partnerships that contribute to the city’s future aspirations and national strategies.
Supporting Sustainable Development
Mohamed Ali Rashid Loutah, Director General of Dubai Chambers, noted that family businesses are foundational pillars of Dubai’s economy and pivotal partners in sustainable economic development. The Dubai Family Business Management Programme aims to enhance these firms’ readiness for future challenges, institutional capabilities, and adoption of best practices, which ensures their sustainability and adaptation to new market opportunities.
Building Media Competence
The second event focused on preparing programme participants to effectively engage with media and enhance their media presence. Her Excellency Aliyah Al Hamadi, Deputy Head of the UAE Government Media Office, outlined key principles for building an impactful media presence, including crafting tailored messages for different audience segments and developing interview skills.
Practical Training and Skills Development
This workshop, held at the Influencers Headquarters—the first such hub in the UAE and the Middle East—provided participants with best practices for establishing professional media relationships while understanding the operational needs of media institutions. Participants engaged in practical training and simulated real-world media scenarios, aimed at refining their public speaking skills and effectively managing challenging questions.
Boosting Communication Skills
The workshop focused on enhancing the capabilities of second-line leaders in family businesses in Dubai to manage media communications efficiently, craft influential organisational messages, and professionally represent their companies across diverse media platforms.