UAE Ministry of Defence Celebrates Graduation of Future Leaders in Partnership with Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government
The UAE Ministry of Defence, under the patronage of the Office of His Highness the Minister of Defence, has celebrated the graduation of the inaugural cohort of the Future Leaders Programme, a strategic leadership initiative developed in collaboration with the Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government (MBRSG).
Held at the Etihad Museum in Dubai, the graduation ceremony was attended by Staff Major General Ishaq Saleh Mohammed Al Baloushi, ACOS Joint Capabilities at the Ministry of Defence, His Excellency Khalifa Rashid Al Hamli, Director of the Office of the Minister of Defence, and other senior officials and board members from both institutions.
Empowering the Next Generation of National Leaders
The event marked a milestone for the Ministry, as 25 participants from various roles and specialties successfully completed a transformative training programme tailored to global leadership standards. The programme is part of the Ministry’s wider efforts to enhance institutional excellence, strengthen government agility, and empower national talents to take on leadership roles in a rapidly evolving world.
Staff Major General Al Baloushi praised the programme as a "strategic achievement" that positions the Ministry of Defence at the forefront of governance innovation. “We are preparing national cadres to lead change, adapt to global developments, and meet future challenges with agility,” he said, commending MBRSG for its role in shaping capable future leaders.
H.E. Khalifa Rashid Al Hamli echoed this sentiment, stating, “This graduation signifies a key step in reinforcing the Ministry’s readiness to align with modern leadership and management transformations. The knowledge gained will strengthen our government’s resilience and sustainability.”
Investing in Human Capital and Innovation
From his side, H.E. Dr. Ali bin Sebaa Al Marri, Executive President of MBRSG, congratulated the graduates and reaffirmed the UAE’s long-standing commitment to investing in human capital, a principle embedded in the country’s foundation and carried forward by its leadership.
Dr. Al Marri noted that the Future Leaders Programme reflects a visionary approach that equips participants to excel in digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and strategic planning. “This initiative ensures our institutions remain proactive, efficient, and competitive on a global scale,” he stated.
Driving Innovation Through Practical Projects
Participants engaged in the development of five innovative group projects that addressed real-world challenges within the Ministry. These included improving workplace environments, deploying smart teams, enhancing planning tools, and strengthening collaboration with sectors such as media, economy, and technology.
The programme is built around eight core pillars:
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Global trends
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National competitiveness
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Modern public administration
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Future foresight
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Change management
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Strategic communication
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Institutional excellence
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Effective leadership
By integrating these components, the programme aligns with the UAE’s 2031 strategy and Centennial 2071 Plan, ensuring long-term national readiness and sustainable leadership across all sectors.
