Mohammed bin Rashid Leadership Forum Kicks Off with Strategic Dialogues Featuring Top 1000 Influential Figures

Dubai is hosting its premier annual leadership summit, bringing together 1,000 top executives from government and private sectors to chart the emirate's path toward becoming the world's best city. The Mohammed bin Rashid Leadership Forum, held under the patronage of Dubai's ruler, represents a major push to develop next-generation leaders capable of navigating rapid global changes while maintaining Dubai's competitive edge.

The forum reflects Dubai's systematic approach to leadership development, moving beyond traditional management training to focus on transformational thinking. Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, who heads the Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Leadership Development, emphasized that the gathering embodies the ruler's philosophy that leadership requires continuous change and evolution.

"This forum represents a powerful engine for new transformations in Dubai, and for preparing new leaders who will lead these transformations," Al Gergawi said. The event aims to create unified decision-making that aligns with Dubai's vision of empowering people, building tomorrow's economy, developing future cities, and using technology to achieve exceptional quality of life.

Five Strategic Leadership Councils

The forum is structured around five specialized leadership councils, each tackling different aspects of Dubai's development strategy. These councils bring together sector experts with international specialists to address specific challenges and opportunities.

The Cultural and Media Identity Leadership Council, opened by Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, focuses on strengthening Dubai's cultural presence globally. The council examines how heritage and innovation can work together to establish Dubai as a hub for cultural diversity and creative excellence.

Dubai's Economic Leadership Council addresses the emirate's financial and investment sectors, with sessions on "Economic Transformations in the Next Decade" led by international experts. The council aims to reinforce Dubai's position as a global economic capital by identifying new competitive advantages.

The Future City Leadership Council concentrates on building smart, sustainable urban environments centered around human needs. Sessions include mapping future cities from vision to implementation, featuring insights from MIT's Senseable City Lab research team.

Technology and Social Integration Focus

Two additional councils address critical areas for Dubai's future development. The Community Integration Leadership Council works on building cohesive society based on social harmony and quality of life, while the Technology and Digital Leadership Council focuses on digital transformation and artificial intelligence applications.

International speakers include bestselling author Dr. Tasha Eurich, who will discuss how leaders can start with self-awareness to achieve strategic goals in high-stakes environments. Technology entrepreneur Yury Maksimov will present on technological and digital transformations expected over the next decade.

The forum includes a graduation ceremony for participants in the Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Leadership Development programs, highlighting the emirate's investment in continuous leadership education.

Global Best City Vision

A key panel discussion will explore practical steps toward achieving the vision of making Dubai the world's best city. Senior officials from Dubai's executive council, municipality, knowledge authority, health sector, and land department will participate in this strategic conversation.

Another significant session focuses on Dubai's free trade philosophy, featuring prominent business leaders including the chairman of Dubai Chambers and the founder of major development companies like Emaar.

The forum represents more than a networking event - it's designed to create actionable roadmaps for each leader across every sector and institution. The goal is ensuring Dubai's continued excellence while strengthening its global model for sustainable development and positive transformation.

This systematic approach to leadership development reflects Dubai's understanding that maintaining its competitive position requires constant evolution of its human capital. The forum serves as both a think tank and action planning session, bringing together local expertise with global insights to address the challenges of rapid technological and economic change.