Emirates Group offers future leaders a window to the world in collaboration with Microsoft

The Emirates Group and Microsoft have joined forces to train, mentor and transform high-potential UAE Nationals to become future leaders. The curated, high-impact programme is designed around Microsoft’s technology courses, including digital transformation and driving business impact with AI, as well as the development of soft and leadership skills. The shared vision is to educate and inspire these future leaders of the Emirates Group as well as to carve out a clear career roadmap based on their business and cultural transformation.

With over 120 hours of classroom workshops within a hybrid setting, the programme is underpinned by mentorship led by Microsoft’s leadership team in the UAE, as well as an opportunity for participants to meet and learn from senior leaders at Microsoft Headquarters in Redmond, USA.

Adel Al Redha, Emirates’ Chief Operating Officer, said: “We value our historical collaboration with Microsoft, and we are delighted to extend it to opportunities for our future leaders to develop their careers and gain wider knowledge. We cherish our common vision centred on developing and empowering our people for a better future, and we rely on their potential and contribution to benefit our businesses and communities. This new initiative is a first step, and we look forward to strengthening our collaboration to support our Emiratisation strategy.”

Speaking on the occasion, Naim Yazbeck, General Manager of Microsoft UAE, said: “The rapid pace of digital transformation across key industries, such as the aviation sector in the UAE, means that it is more important than ever for young professionals to hone the digital skills they need to succeed in the workforce of tomorrow. We are excited to collaborate with the Emirates Group on this new programme to empower the next generation of UAE leaders with the skills and knowledge they need to tackle challenges and innovate solutions that drive business excellence. This collaboration with the Emirates Group will drive sustainable economic growth as well support the UAE’s plans to establish itself as an international hub of future talent.”

The Emirates Group recently launched its UAE National Talent Acceleration Programme – which includes four key pillars – under its Emiratisation strategy Rehlaty. The Take-off Internship Programme offers selected students from top global universities internships for up to 12 months. An International Bachelor Scholarship Programme offers full academic scholarship to top-performing high school students at major universities in the UK and US. The Fly High Graduate Programme is for top local and global university graduates, while the Masters Scholarship Programme offers full-time scholarships to Group employees accepted into Masters Programmes at top universities.

Besides the acceleration programme, the Group offers a host of other development opportunities – leadership and skills training, internal rotation, scholarships, internships, and courses designed to empower women. The team continually reviews and introduces new initiatives to attract, develop, and retain talented UAE Nationals and make the Emirates Group an employer of choice.

Through its internal training programme, Tomoh, Microsoft UAE continues to support the strategic goals of Emiratisation and boosting employability among Emirati youth by equipping them with globally recognised skills and providing students, graduates, and job seekers the opportunity to embark on a professional development journey that includes Microsoft training and certification, and on-the-job experience.