Sheikh Hamdan Celebrates Graduates of Lead & Design Programm
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, recently attended the graduation ceremony for the second cohort of the Lead & Design Programme. This initiative, organized by the Dubai Future Foundation, is designed to equip Emirati talent with essential skills in design and leadership, fostering innovation for the future.
Empowering Emirati Talent
The Lead & Design Programme aims to cultivate a new generation of leaders by providing participants with tools for creative problem-solving and design thinking. These methodologies focus on addressing community needs and developing human-centered solutions. Sheikh Hamdan emphasized the importance of nurturing youth talent, stating that they play a crucial role in shaping Dubai’s future.
“Developing national talent will continue to be one of our top strategic priorities in shaping the future of Dubai and the UAE,” he remarked. He highlighted the necessity of design thinking skills in creating innovative, people-focused services within organizations.
Programme Highlights
The graduation ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, and Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence. The second cohort consisted of 38 participants from various sectors, who engaged in a comprehensive 14-week curriculum.
Throughout the programme, participants participated in interactive workshops, local and international field visits, and lectures focused on design thinking and leadership development. They were introduced to a variety of design thinking tools and strategies, guided by experts in the field. This hands-on approach allowed them to explore future scenarios and gain practical experience.
Final Projects and Community Impact
The culmination of the programme featured participants presenting their final projects, which aimed to propose innovative solutions across several areas. These included enhancing government services, improving quality of life, protecting the environment, advancing education, and empowering individuals with disabilities. The projects showcased the participants’ ability to apply their newly acquired skills to real-world challenges.
FAQs
What is the Lead & Design Programme?
The Lead & Design Programme is an initiative by the Dubai Future Foundation aimed at empowering Emirati talent with design and leadership skills through workshops, field visits, and expert-led sessions.
Who attended the graduation ceremony?
The ceremony was attended by notable figures, including Sheikh Hamdan, Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, and Omar Sultan Al Olama, among others.
How long is the Lead & Design Programme?
The programme lasts for 14 weeks, during which participants engage in various activities designed to enhance their skills in design thinking and leadership.
Conclusion
The Lead & Design Programme represents a significant step towards empowering Emirati youth with the skills necessary for future leadership roles. As Dubai continues to prioritize the development of its national talent, initiatives like this will play a vital role in fostering innovation and addressing community needs. Moving forward, the graduates are expected to contribute meaningfully to their respective fields, driving progress and enhancing the quality of life in the UAE.
The Lead & Design Programme is part of a broader strategy by the Dubai Future Foundation to enhance the capabilities of Emirati youth in various sectors. This initiative aligns with the UAE’s Vision 2021, which emphasizes the importance of education, innovation, and the development of a knowledge-based economy. By focusing on design thinking and leadership, the programme aims to prepare participants for the challenges of a rapidly changing global landscape, ensuring they are equipped to contribute effectively to their communities and the nation.
In addition to the skills gained through the programme, participants also benefit from networking opportunities with industry leaders and peers. This interaction fosters collaboration and encourages the exchange of ideas, which can lead to further innovations in their respective fields. The emphasis on practical application through projects not only reinforces the learning experience but also allows graduates to make immediate contributions to societal challenges, reinforcing the importance of community engagement in their professional journeys.
As the UAE continues to invest in its human capital, initiatives like the Lead & Design Programme are crucial in building a sustainable future. The graduates are expected to leverage their training to drive initiatives that align with national priorities, such as sustainability, technological advancement, and social inclusion, ultimately contributing to the UAE’s long-term vision of becoming a global leader in various sectors.
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