Dubai Business Associates (DBI), run under the patronage of UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has welcomed its latest intake of 40 international graduates from universities in China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and the United States to join the 10-month programme offering an unrivalled opportunity to study and do global business in Dubai.
Through an educational experience with leading institutions, the programme aims to develop business leaders of the future while bridging the skills gap to meet industry demands and proactively supporting Dubai’s ever-growing relationships with markets of strategic importance.
First launched in 2014, DBI’s programme structure combines management training, cultural exchange and a 26-week work placement with some of Dubai’s most dynamic and innovative entities, including: Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), Dubai International Financial Centre Courts, Dubai Chamber of Commerce, DP World, Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), Emaar, Emirates Group, Emirates NBD and Jumeirah Group.
“At its heart, DBI serves as a bridge. A bridge between study and work, boosting employability and success, a bridge between different cultures and most importantly, a bridge to the future. We are delighted that the inaugural DBI experience for both the interns and the Dubai companies with whom they were placed was such that 10 participants were offered, and took up, employment with their Placement Partner,” said James Maughan, Director of Dubai Business Associates, Falcon and Associates.
“Interns made a significant impact contributing to projects and developments for Dubai. This year, we have expanded the scale of the programme to match the demand of all those involved and we look forward to introducing this talented group of young people to Dubai and the organisations at the forefront of its economy,” he added.
Speaking as a DBI Placement Partner representative, Essa Ali Alzaabi, Senior Vice President – Support Services, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said “With more than 177,000 members from 200 countries that span the globe, Dubai Chamber has an important role to play in furthering Dubai’s mission to be an international business hub. Programmes like DBI are beneficial not only for the interns but also for those companies who host them. We have gained valuable market insights from the assignment projects delivered by the interns and we are excited to welcome those who will be joining our team in the next few months.”