Mona Al Shamsi, a member of the investment support team at the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, has expressed her confidence in utilizing the leadership skills she has developed in her varied responsibilities. She stated, “I have always aimed for growth and excellence within the department. From the start, I believed that the training programs offered to us would be key to leveraging opportunities that help us achieve our professional aspirations.”
Mona’s journey exemplifies the Department’s commitment to nurturing and advancing the skills of its citizen employees, who are looking toward the future. It also highlights the transformation occurring within Dubai’s governmental bodies, which are launching pioneering programs to cultivate talent. Dubai is emerging as a leading global hub for business and tourism, fueled by ambitious goals, strategic vision, and a long-term commitment to investing in human capital. The Department of Economy and Tourism draws inspiration from the wise leadership of Dubai, setting new standards in supporting and empowering talent in the public sector amid rapidly changing global dynamics.
Empowering National Talent
The Department focuses on developing national human resources with high levels of skill and adaptability to meet future needs, aligning with the ambitious targets of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the emirate’s economy by 2033 and solidify its status as a premier global destination for business and leisure.
Nida Al Marri, the Director of Human Resources at the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, commented, “Human capital is foundational to our strategy, not merely a significant pillar. Talent development is a national priority for us within the Department. This commitment embodies the national vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, to empower individuals as the driving force behind Dubai’s promising future. Our programs are fully aligned with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 as they are designed to accelerate the integration of Emirati talent into the private sector, while enhancing standards of governmental excellence.”
Training Initiatives
In line with this ambitious vision, a series of leading programs have been initiated to train national talents and enhance workforce capabilities to meet future trends in the job market. Among these programs are the Pathway for Graduate Studies, a Mini MBA program, and a Vocational Education Program.
The Pathway for Graduate Studies program paves the way for many young Emiratis to enter the public sector, providing them with an introductory overview and essential skills for this field. Targeted at recent graduates, the program introduces them to the internal departments and operations of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, offering training sessions and guidance across various departments, leading to the development of specialized skills.
This program was developed in collaboration with PricewaterhouseCoopers, one of the world’s largest providers of assurance, tax, and consulting services. Since its launch last year, the program has welcomed 18 participants who have secured positions in various departments within the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, including affiliated institutions like the Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises.
Additionally, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism launched a Mini MBA program as part of its efforts to enhance leadership capabilities, refine talents, and improve the expertise of its internal teams. This intensive program is designed for high-potential employees.
To date, the program has enrolled 68 participants who have undergone training in collaboration with respected institutions such as Human Network International and Alliance University. Its goal is to educate participants about the business motivations behind government decision-making processes and equip them with the skills necessary to take on broader responsibilities within the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and beyond.
Vocational Education Program
The Vocational Education Program launched by the department is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at developing national talent and enhancing their readiness for workforce demands. During the program, 39 employees were seconded to leading private sector companies, including KPMG, Al-Futtaim, and Unilever. This initiative prepares public sector employees to face real-world work challenges efficiently, through a comprehensive experience that covers all aspects of the work environment, from defining roles and tasks to evaluating impact and results, ensuring mutual benefit for both the employees and their host organizations. Participants gain valuable hands-on experience in multiple areas, including digital transformation, innovation, customer service, and operational processes.
Nida Al Marri stated, “We are developing a comprehensive system that contributes to Dubai’s growth, opening new horizons and promising opportunities for Emirati youth. By collaborating with global partners such as KPMG and Unilever, we aim to redefine the human capital system in the public sector and equip our employees with practical skills applicable across various fields. This cross-sector approach reflects Dubai’s vision of embracing flexibility and innovation, forging strategic partnerships that accelerate economic transformation, and supporting the emirate’s global aspirations. Investing in individuals is an investment in the city’s future.”
The ambitions for the future are progressing confidently, as Dubai currently hosts over 800 companies specializing in artificial intelligence and is experiencing notable growth in other vital sectors such as fintech, tourism, and logistics, which reinforces the demand for skilled and adaptable competencies. Furthermore, Dubai ranks third globally in job creation for 2024, according to the annual report on foreign direct investment projects within the emirate, showcasing the proactive approach of the emirate in developing a conducive business environment and stimulating economic growth. The initiatives of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism play a crucial role in enhancing this momentum and form a fundamental pillar in shaping the next phase.
Today, more than 60,000 students are enrolled in vocational and technical education programs in Dubai. A recent report on “Future Jobs” issued by the department in collaboration with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority indicates that 25% of existing job tasks worldwide may be transformed due to automation and artificial intelligence.
The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism aims to expand these developmental initiatives by attracting more strategic partners, broadening its programs, offering digital training, and aligning its efforts with Dubai’s priorities in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence and sustainability.