Programme brings family business leaders together with senior government officials to support future growth, enhance leadership capabilities and deepen understanding of Dubai’s economic and social priorities
Dubai: The Dubai Family Business Management Programme has concluded its latest knowledge journey with a series of high-level leadership engagements and specialised workshops aimed at strengthening collaboration between family businesses and Dubai Government leaders.
Organised by the Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Leadership Development (MBRCLD) in collaboration with the Dubai Centre for Family Businesses (DCFB), which operates under Dubai Chambers, the programme supports Dubai’s efforts to reinforce strategic partnerships between the public and private sectors.
MBRCLD designed the programme’s leadership and executive pathways to connect family business leaders with government decision-makers, enhance alignment on strategic priorities and provide insights into Dubai’s economic and development agenda.
The first event focused on Dubai Government’s key economic and social priorities and explored opportunities to deepen public-private sector collaboration.
Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director-General of the Community Development Authority in Dubai, highlighted the objectives of the Dubai Social Agenda 33, which places quality of life and wellbeing at the centre of its priorities and aims to position Dubai among the world’s top three cities for quality of life.
Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director-General of Dubai Municipality, outlined the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and its vision for sustainable, people-centred urban development. He also reviewed Dubai’s planning journey since 1960 and the successive master plans that have guided the emirate’s growth.
Mohamed Sharaf, Chief Operating Officer for Investment Attraction at Dubai Economic Development Corporation, discussed the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and its goal of doubling the size of Dubai’s economy by 2033 while strengthening the emirate’s position among the world’s top three economic cities.
Buhumaid encouraged family businesses to explore opportunities in social entrepreneurship, describing it as a key driver of business sustainability and social cohesion.
Bin Ghalita said family businesses have played a vital role in Dubai’s development and noted that the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan creates significant investment opportunities across housing, tourism, education, healthcare, green spaces and economic activities.
Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, said family businesses remain a cornerstone of Dubai’s economy and an important partner in advancing sustainable economic development.
He noted that the programme aims to strengthen future readiness, institutional capabilities and the adoption of best practices while supporting the expansion of family businesses into regional and international markets.
Sharaf said public-private partnerships remain central to achieving the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, with family businesses playing a strategic role in promoting growth, attracting investment and enhancing competitiveness.
Majed Al Shamsi, Director of MBRCLD, said the collaboration with the Dubai Centre for Family Businesses creates an interactive platform for the exchange of expertise and helps strengthen private-sector understanding of Dubai’s development and economic priorities.
The programme’s second event focused on media readiness and communications.
Alia AlHammadi, Vice Chairperson of the UAE Government Media Office, outlined best practices for building an effective media presence, developing messages for different audiences and strengthening television, radio and print interview skills.
Held at Creators HQ, the workshop also addressed media relations, responding to enquiries, managing sensitive situations and crisis communications.
Participants took part in practical exercises covering presentation skills, body language, tone of voice, confidence in front of cameras and handling challenging questions professionally.
The workshop was designed to equip second-line leaders within Dubai’s family businesses with the skills required to communicate effectively, develop impactful corporate messages and represent their organisations confidently across multiple media platforms.
Source: Emirates 24|7