The Dubai Business Associates (DBA) programme proudly celebrates the start of its 10th anniversary cohort, welcoming 27 dynamic and ambitious associates representing 21 different nationalities. The DBA’s reputation for fostering talent through its holistic and immersive programme was once again highlighted during the orientation day, where teamwork, collaboration, and the pursuit of excellence were the core themes.
This year’s programme started with a keynote session featuring the team from Falcon and Associates, including Tareq Sayegh, Neil MacLaren and Erica Smith. The panel provided invaluable insights into Falcon’s strategic initiatives, which focus on amplifying Dubai’s global positioning and reputation through high-impact events and partnerships.
The Falcon team underscored their collective responsibility to deepen the world’s understanding of Dubai. Erica Smith, Falcon’s expert in international market positioning, spoke about managing perceptions and maintaining a positive narrative through initiatives like DXB Unheard. Neil MacLaren discussed Falcon’s role in delivering key sporting events, while Tareq Sayegh highlighted the importance of partnerships and collaboration in amplifying Dubai’s global impact.
During the discussion, Falcon’s commitment to Dubai’s leadership in the global arena was emphasized, with a nod to the guiding vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s quote,
“In the race for excellence, there is no finish line.”
Associates were encouraged to reflect on how their roles contribute to this overarching goal and were given practical examples of Falcon’s ongoing work, such as the rebranding of the Emirates Dubai 7s and the uplift of the Rolex Series.
Leadership and culture were further explored in a session led by Simon Corkill, where associates learned about the scope and scale of Falcon’s event management, including the handling of thousands of participants, spectators, and intricate budgets. Corkill shared his personal techniques for managing large-scale projects, providing insights into leading diverse teams and aligning objectives towards shared success. His reflections on stress management and working with world-class athletes provided an inspiring outlook for the incoming associates.
The orientation day also saw the participation of DBA’s learning partners, including PwC Academy, Bon Education, and Capadev. These partners will play a crucial role in equipping the new associates with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in Dubai’s ever-evolving business landscape. Alumni were also in attendance, sharing their experiences and offering encouragement, adding to the energy and excitement of the day.
As the Dubai Business Associates programme marks its 10th anniversary, it continues to uphold its commitment to developing future business leaders, fostering global perspectives, and strengthening Dubai’s role as an international hub for innovation and collaboration.
The Dubai Business Associates (DBA) programme is a world-class business and professional development initiative designed to accelerate the growth of future global business leaders. Launched in partnership with the Government of Dubai, DBA brings together ambitious associates from around the world to immerse them in the dynamic business landscape of Dubai.