Dubai - MENA Herald: The Dubai Business Internships (DBI) class of 2017 today graduated from the prestigious business training programme, established under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. The ceremony brought together representatives from the programme’s placement partners, 25 of Dubai’s leading commercial and governmental entities, to celebrate the achievements of the graduating associates.
The unique initiative, facilitated by Falcon and Associates, combines business education with work placements and cultural exchange - creating a bridge between education and industry. Its associates graduate into a network of future business leaders with global mindsets and a deep understanding of Dubai and the region.
The 27 associates – who come from China, Kazakhstan and Russia – concluded the intensive 10 month programme working in teams to deliver consultancy projects for nine of DBI’s placement partners: the Department of Economic Development (DED), Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), DIFC Courts, DP World, Expo 2020, Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (Jafza), Jumeirah Central, Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and Smart Dubai.
Each consultancy project focused on addressing real-time challenges and opportunities at the forefront of industry needs, and delivering tangible recommendations for the placement partners. Projects ranged from developing technology strategies to support smart government, to opening new international market opportunities, to planning cities and schools of the future.
At the ceremony, held in Dubai International Financial Centre, James Maughan, Director of DBI at Falcon and Associates, commented, “We are immensely proud of our DBI Associates who, over the past 10 months, have delivered real commercial value to Dubai entities through their placements and consultancy projects. Their journey has been transformative and they leave the programme having developed the skills to adapt to and meet business challenges of the future.”
“As a result, our graduating associates are highly sought after. Typically, around three quarters gain immediate employment, many with our Dubai partners, whilst others embrace new challenges such as starting their own venture or entering into further education. Wherever their careers take them, in Dubai and around the world, as part of our global network of alumni they remain connected to the city and continue to contribute to ongoing growth opportunities.”
DBI is delivered in partnership with world-class education specialists, the European School of Management and Technology, and local consultancies Capadev and Bon Education, with the support of 25 DBI Placement Partners which span the city’s diverse economic sectors.
Speaking on behalf of the DBI Placement Partners during the ceremony, Morgan Parker, COO, Jumeirah Central, Dubai Holding, said: “We have been hugely impressed at Dubai Holding by the quality of thinking and work delivered by the DBI Associates - it has been of immense value to our team and a privilege be part of the programme. We were so impressed we have extended an offer of employment to one of our DBI Associates and look forward to working with DBI again next year.”
Dr. Abdulla Al Karam, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director General of KHDA said: “Dubai Business Internships is a great programme that takes the best education and employment opportunities in Dubai, and pairs them with talented, driven young people who want to make a positive difference. The DBI interns are popular members of the team at KHDA, whose enthusiasm and unique perspectives make a valuable contribution to our work. We’re happy to have supported DBI since its inception, and look forward to welcoming many more wonderful interns to our team in future.”
Also in attendance were senior representatives from DBI’s 25 Placement Partners, including: DIFC Courts, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), Dubai Holding, Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), Dubai Silicon Oasis, Emirates Literature Foundation, Emirates NBD, Jumeriah Group, TECOM.
Since its launch in 2014, DBI Associates and alumni have been instrumental in delivering tangible commercial outcomes for Dubai entities, these range from the signing of MOUs with international organisations, to establishing new entities, to expanding sales prospects across China. The programme was recently a finalist in the EFMD Excellences in Practice 2017 Awards for Talent Development, a top accolade in global executive business education.