emirates7 - Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai Business Associates (DBA) has launched its eleventh cohort, marking another milestone in its mission to nurture the next generation of global leaders. The launch ceremony, held at the One&Only One Za’abeel, welcomed 26 participants from 18 different countries.
This year’s cohort was selected from a highly competitive pool of 6,660 applicants representing 146 nations. Participants include young professionals from Brazil, China, Colombia, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Singapore, South Africa, the UK and the US. The diverse representation reflects Dubai’s position as an innovation hub and global talent magnet, offering world-class infrastructure and opportunities for professional and cultural growth.
DBA is a fully funded nine-month programme designed for top graduates, providing training in strategy, business, and leadership. Associates gain hands-on experience through consulting projects with leading Dubai-based institutions such as Emirates, Dubai International Financial Centre, dnata, and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. Over the past decade, the programme has attracted 313 Associates from 53 countries, including 56 Emiratis, while generating real-world impact and saving local organisations more than $30 million in consulting fees.
Rami Tawfiq, Director of DBA, said the new Associates represent a highly accomplished group committed to making a meaningful impact in business, society, and politics. With an acceptance rate of just 0.5%, he added, the programme has cemented its status as one of the world’s most competitive graduate initiatives.
Amna Al Owais, Deputy Director of the DIFC Courts, noted that the programme reflects Sheikh Mohammed’s vision to connect global talent with Dubai’s leading institutions. She highlighted the critical role of strong legal frameworks in fostering trust and innovation, adding that the Courts are proud to support the latest cohort as they build on the achievements of previous participants.
This year’s cohort was selected from a highly competitive pool of 6,660 applicants representing 146 nations. Participants include young professionals from Brazil, China, Colombia, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Singapore, South Africa, the UK and the US. The diverse representation reflects Dubai’s position as an innovation hub and global talent magnet, offering world-class infrastructure and opportunities for professional and cultural growth.
DBA is a fully funded nine-month programme designed for top graduates, providing training in strategy, business, and leadership. Associates gain hands-on experience through consulting projects with leading Dubai-based institutions such as Emirates, Dubai International Financial Centre, dnata, and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. Over the past decade, the programme has attracted 313 Associates from 53 countries, including 56 Emiratis, while generating real-world impact and saving local organisations more than $30 million in consulting fees.
Rami Tawfiq, Director of DBA, said the new Associates represent a highly accomplished group committed to making a meaningful impact in business, society, and politics. With an acceptance rate of just 0.5%, he added, the programme has cemented its status as one of the world’s most competitive graduate initiatives.
Amna Al Owais, Deputy Director of the DIFC Courts, noted that the programme reflects Sheikh Mohammed’s vision to connect global talent with Dubai’s leading institutions. She highlighted the critical role of strong legal frameworks in fostering trust and innovation, adding that the Courts are proud to support the latest cohort as they build on the achievements of previous participants.