Government

The Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) has launched ‘The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Program’, a strategic initiative developed in collaboration with Emirates NBD, one of the Middle East’s leading banking groups, and ESCP Business School, a globally renowned institution. The program aims to equip and qualify 29 distinguished Emirati leaders in the financial sector with advanced skills and strategic insight to foster sustainable economic growth and institutional excellence in Dubai.

This initiative supports the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which seeks to double the size of the Emirate’s economy, strengthen its position as a leading global investment destination, and reinforce Dubai’s role as a center for finance, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

H.E. Abdullah Ali Bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director General of DGHR, emphasized the significance of investing in human capital, stating:

“Investing in human capital and strengthening national capabilities remain a core priority for us. The ‘Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Program’ marks a significant milestone in our efforts to empower Emirati talent. It goes beyond financial skills development by nurturing strategic leadership capabilities essential for guiding institutions with efficiency.”

He added that the program aligns with Dubai’s vision of building a knowledge-based and innovation-driven economy, enhancing institutional performance, and strengthening public-private partnerships. “Through this pioneering program, we are transforming the vision of our wise leadership into actionable steps to build a knowledge-based and innovation-driven economy,” H.E. Al Falasi said. “It demonstrates the critical value of strong public-private collaboration, combining government expertise with global academic excellence to offer a world-class training experience.”

Hesham Abdulla Al Qassim, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Emirates NBD Group, expressed the bank’s commitment to developing Emirati talent:

“As a prominent national financial institution, Emirates NBD Group remains deeply committed to supporting initiatives that advance the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33). We are proud to support the CFO Program, which builds a strong pipeline of future financial leaders by providing a world-class knowledge and training framework, professional insights, and practical experience. This contributes to the UAE’s knowledge economy and reinforces its position as a global financial center.”

Professor Léon Laulusa, Executive President and Dean of ESCP Business School, highlighted the school’s contribution:

“We are honored to collaborate with the HR Department of the Government of Dubai to strengthen the skills of Dubai’s Chief Financial Officers and finance executives. ESCP Business School, ranked No. 1 worldwide by the Financial Times for its MSc in Finance, brings together world-class professors and practitioners to deliver an impactful learning experience.”

The five-month intensive program offers a holistic learning journey that integrates interactive in-person sessions, financial simulations, field visits to leading global institutions, mentorship, and leadership discussions with international experts.

Structured around five core pillars, the program focuses on:

1. Strategic Thinking and Business Leadership

2. Advanced Financial Management and Performance Analysis

3. Business Valuation Techniques and Corporate Governance

4. Influential Communication and Crisis Management

5. Navigating Modern Global Trends in Finance and Business

Delivered by a faculty of internationally recognized professors, the program combines accredited training curricula, applied case studies, and practical projects to ensure measurable impact across participating institutions.

Through this initiative, the DGHR reaffirms its commitment to developing national competencies, fostering innovation, and implementing the latest global best practices in training and leadership development — strengthening Dubai’s competitiveness and its reputation as a global hub for finance, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

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