Designing and delivering a decade-long program that transforms top global graduates into leaders and lifelong ambassadors for Dubai.
The Concept
“Run under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Dubai Business Associates programme offers outstanding and ambitious graduates an unrivalled opportunity to study and work in Dubai, a dynamic and multicultural hub for global commerce, to develop as future global leaders.” (DBA website)
Bon Education has been a founding strategic and delivery partner of the Dubai Business Associates program since its inception over a decade ago, contributing to both its original program strategy and its sustained delivery. Working alongside PwC Academy and Capadev, under the leadership of Falcon and Associates, Bon Education has helped shape one of the most prestigious global graduate talent programs.
Industry
Talent Development / International Relations / Business Education
Goal
Designing and delivering a world-class talent development program for top international graduates, enabling them to add measurable value to key Dubai companies while becoming long-term ambassadors for the city.
Services
Program Strategy & Research, Career Coaching, Cultural Ambassadorship, Themed Business Visits, Soft Skills Workshops
Impact
300+ alumni; two-time EFMD Excellence in Practice Award finalist (2017, 2019); alumni now in leadership roles across key UAE and international organizations.
The Opportunity
The core opportunity was multi-faceted: developing a world-class talent program for top international graduates in Dubai while ensuring participants moved beyond a temporary stay to become dedicated, long-term ambassadors for the city.
Achieving this necessitated a model that went beyond a typical internship. This involved integrating work placements, hands-on consultancy projects, dedicated professional development, cultural immersion, and significant access to Dubai's leading companies. Crucially, all this had to be delivered through an inspiring journey and a sustainable, multi-stakeholder framework.
Our approach
Strategy & Research
Bon Education was engaged at the program's conception to answer a foundational question: How might we build a world-class talent development program for top graduates from around the world in Dubai?
Career Coaching
Supporting associates through two critical transitions: Arriving in Dubai and integrating into a new professional and cultural environment and adding genuine value within their workplace placements.
Cultural Ambassadorship
Associates gain an understanding of Emirati values, UAE culture, and the social and cultural fabric of Dubai, equipping them to engage respectfully and authentically in their work placement roles and beyond.
Themed Business Visits
To develop genuine economic literacy about Dubai and the wider UAE, Bon Education designs and facilitates themed business visits in which participants meet senior leadership across major public and private sector entities.
Soft Skills Workshops
Bon Education curates soft skills workshops aimed at preparing associates to operate effectively in a globally connected, multicultural business environment.
The Results
Long-Term Ambassador Impact
300+ Alumni have passed through the program, many now occupying senior leadership positions at key UAE companies, while others lead major international businesses.
The program's foundational goal of turning participants into advocates for Dubai has been realized through a global alumni network that continues to champion the city as a destination for business, talent, and opportunity.
Two-Time EFMD Excellence in Practice Award Finalist (2017 & 2019, Talent Development category)
Recognition from one of the world's most prestigious management development bodies.
Sustained Multi-Stakeholder Partnership
Over ten years of collaboration with Falcon and Associates, PwC Academy and Capadev, demonstrating Bon Education's ability to operate as a trusted long-term delivery partner within multi-organization program structures.
More
Projects
Empowering Youth to Explore Critical Industries for the Future
Collaborating with regional governments and leading organizations to ensure a steady pipeline of talent for priority industries in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Bridging the Gap Between University and Employment
Supporting graduates in securing employment through workforce readiness training, career coaching, and industry experience projects.
Creating a Pipeline of Design Talent for the Region
Architecting the GCC’s largest high school design education program with the Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation.
A Program for Program Professionals
Hosting a global community of program directors, L&D managers, community organizers, civil servants, and CSR professionals who support one another in leading high-impact programs.
