Repton Dubai and Capital Club launch programme to prepare students for future business careers
The Future Leaders Programme will connect Sixth Form students with more than 1,300 business leaders and professionals through industry events, leadership discussions and career development opportunities.
Repton Dubai and Capital Club Dubai have launched a strategic partnership aimed at preparing young people for future business careers by connecting students with industry leaders and professionals across the UAE.
The initiative, named the Future Leaders Programme, will provide Sixth Form students at Repton Dubai with direct exposure to the business community, helping them explore career opportunities, gain industry insights and make informed decisions about their academic and professional futures.
Announced on November 9, 2026, the partnership will give students access to Capital Club Dubai's network of more than 1,300 business leaders and professionals through four dedicated events scheduled between December 2026 and May 2027.
The programme will focus on four key areas: Technology and Innovation, Strategy and Leadership, Banking and Finance, and Entrepreneurship. Through these sessions, students will gain first-hand insights into different industries, explore university and career pathways, and develop professional connections.
The partnership was formalised at Capital Club Dubai in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) on November 6, with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by Michael Bloy, Principal of Repton Dubai, and Mohamed Karmaoui, General Manager of Capital Club Dubai.
Bloy said the partnership would help bring real-world professional experiences into the school environment, allowing students to learn from individuals shaping the UAE's business landscape and make more informed decisions about their futures.
Karmaoui highlighted the importance of connecting young people with experienced business leaders, adding that the initiative would give students opportunities to learn from professionals contributing to the country's economic development.
Industry exposure and leadership opportunities
Under the Future Leaders Programme, students will participate in business events, CEO and leadership dialogues, and professional insight conversations. An Alumni and Young Professional Pathway will also help them maintain professional connections during university and the early stages of their careers.
The two organisations plan to organise leadership discussions, industry events and professional insight sessions throughout the academic year to ensure continued engagement between students and the UAE's business community.
The programme's official launch featured a panel discussion titled ‘What Does the Future Hold for You?’, moderated by Jan Bladen, Chairman of Capital Club Dubai's Strategic Council.
The discussion brought together four business leaders who shared their perspectives on artificial intelligence, the digital economy, entrepreneurship, leadership and the changing nature of professional careers. Students also had the opportunity to ask questions about career choices and future opportunities.
The panel included Sarah Malik, CEO and Founder of SOL International Ltd, who discussed careers in law, entrepreneurship and effective leadership; Thani Al Shirawi, Vice Chairman and Group Deputy Managing Director of Al Shirawi Group, who shared insights into business innovation and managing a diversified organisation.
Bashar Kilani, Managing Partner at Boyden and Founder and Managing Director of AI360 Innovations, discussed artificial intelligence, digital transformation and the future of work, drawing on his previous leadership experience at IBM and Accenture.
Stefano Ferretti, Founder of Stefano Ferretti Project Management Services and former Managing Director of IMQ Gulf, shared his experience in project management, business leadership and translating ideas into successful outcomes.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment by Repton Dubai and Capital Club Dubai to strengthen links between education and industry. By providing students with access to professional networks and practical business insights, the Future Leaders Programme aims to help prepare the next generation of professionals for an evolving global economy.
