The Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) has launched the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Program, in partnership with Emirates NBD and ESCP Business School, to cultivate a new generation of Emirati financial leaders equipped to advance sustainable economic growth and institutional excellence.
The initiative will provide 29 Emirati professionals with an intensive five-month training program, combining advanced financial education, strategic leadership development, and international exposure.
Advancing Dubai’s Economic Vision
The program aligns with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which seeks to double the size of Dubai’s economy and strengthen its role as a global hub for finance, investment, and innovation.
Developing Financial Leadership
Abdullah Ali Bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director General of DGHR, stated that the program embodies Dubai’s long-term vision of empowering national talent through world-class learning and hands-on experience.
“Investing in human capital and enhancing Emirati capabilities are key priorities,” he said. “The CFO Program represents an important step in developing leaders who can combine financial expertise with strategic vision to drive institutional success.”
He added that the initiative underscores the impact of public-private collaboration, translating the leadership’s vision into tangible efforts to build a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy, enhance institutional performance, and prepare Emiratis to lead Dubai’s financial future.
Public-Private Partnership
Hesham Abdulla Al Qassim, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Emirates NBD Group, said the bank’s involvement reflects its commitment to nurturing UAE national talent in alignment with the D33 objectives.
“As a leading national financial institution, we are proud to contribute to the CFO Program. It supports the creation of a strong pipeline of future financial leaders through world-class training and hands-on experience, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a global financial centre,” he noted.
Professor Léon Laulusa, Executive President and Dean of ESCP Business School, expressed pride in collaborating with the Government of Dubai to enhance the skills of financial executives, noting that the program merges Dubai’s vision for financial excellence with ESCP’s globally recognised academic expertise.
Comprehensive Five-Month Curriculum
The program offers a comprehensive learning experience, featuring:
- In-person training and interactive simulations addressing real-world financial challenges.
- Field visits to major financial institutions both in the UAE and abroad.
- Mentorship and leadership sessions with international finance experts.
- The curriculum is structured around five core pillars:
- Strategic Thinking and Business Leadership
- Advanced Financial Management and Performance Analysis
- Business Valuation and Corporate Governance
- Influential Communication and Crisis Management
- Global Trends in Finance and Business
Delivered by internationally accredited faculty, the program integrates applied projects and case studies designed to generate practical impact within participants’ organisations.
Building National Expertise
Through the CFO Program, DGHR reaffirms its commitment to strengthening national competencies and aligning professional development with Dubai’s long-term economic ambitions.
By investing in Emirati leadership in finance and business, the initiative seeks to enhance Dubai’s global competitiveness and solidify its standing as a world-class centre for innovation, entrepreneurship, and financial excellence.
