The Office of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, today signed a partnership agreement with Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government (MBRSG), a research and teaching institution focusing on public policy in the Arab world. Under this agreement, MBRSG is mandated to develop and execute a Leadership Program for the Office of His Highness the Crown Prince.

The partnership agreement was signed by His Excellency, Saif Jafaar Al-Ketbi, Director General of the Office of the Crown Prince of Dubai (OCPD) and His Excellency Dr Ali Sebaa Al Marri, Executive President, MBRSG. The core objective of the year-long Leadership Program that is set to commence in December 2015, will be to develop leadership skills and competencies among 40 employees from the top and middle management of the OCPD.  

Given the focus on developing leadership and managerial skills, the course curriculum will be tailored to integrate strategic planning, institutional excellence, decision making and communication as core subjects. The Leadership Program will include lectures, discussions, workshops, and practical projects, highlight interesting case studies and host interactive sessions on successful government leaders and organizations.  

His Excellency Saif Jafaar Al-Ketbi, Director General of the Office of the Crown Prince of Dubai, said: “The OCPD considers the development of leadership skills of our employees and the enhancement of their core competencies a top priority. This is in line with our commitment to participate proactively in shaping the future of Dubai, under the vision of our wise leadership. The goals and objects of the OCPD are aligned with the Dubai Strategic Plan 2021 that aims to make Dubai ‘a city of happy, creative and empowered people’ led by ‘a pioneering and excellent government’.”

He added: “We selected MBRSG as our partner in this development endeavor for its credibility as a local and regional reference for public administration and leadership building. MBRSG also brings to the table its vast experience in institutional excellence combined with a deep-rooted understanding of the requirements and culture of local institutions.”

His Excellency Dr Ali Sebaa Al Marri, Executive President, MBRSG, said: “We are delighted to partner with the OCPD to develop and deliver this important program. We are always keen to collaborate with government organizations to help build capabilities and enhance skills. In delivering this program, we hope to leverage our expertise in transferring knowledge from across the world to allow the teams at OCPD to unlock their potential and reach the highest levels of excellence. Our ultimate aim is to help build a generation of leaders that can tackle current and future challenges and contribute to the development of government performance in the UAE.”

“The Leadership Program is being designed by a number of curriculum specialists in MBRSG in collaboration with the OCPD to ensure the delivery of best-in-class content that will address the specific needs of the office, and are on par with highest international standards.”

Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government is committed to promoting good governance through enhancing the region’s capacity for effective public policy. The School uses a four-pronged approach, which includes applied research in public policy and management, academic programs in public policy and administration, executive education programs and knowledge forums for scholars and policy makers.