- Dubai Business Associates (DBA) opens applications for its 2026 fully-funded global graduate program, offering nine months of training in strategy, consulting, and leadership.
- The program provides hands-on consulting experience with leading organizations like Emirates and DP World, alongside training in finance, data analytics, and soft skills from partners such as PwC.
- DBA has a highly competitive selection, with 35 candidates chosen from thousands globally, aiming to develop the next generation of business leaders and reinforce Dubai’s talent and innovation ecosystem.
Dubai Business Associates a fully-funded global graduate training programme for young professionals is now accepting applications for its 2026 cohort. Entering into its 12th year, the nine-month initiative has been tailor-made to give flying colours to a high-achieving university graduate through theoretical as well as hands-on learning in strategy, business, consulting, and leadership. Fully sponsored by the Dubai Government, DBA has become one of the world's most competitive programmes.
The previous edition attracted over 6,600 applications from more than 140 countries, while only 35 candidates were selected. Under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, the program offers its participants a unique blend of academic and experiential learning. Consulting experience is thus obtained hands-on through projects with leading organizations such as Emirates and DP World, while the Associates also immerse themselves culturally and network to expand their global views.
The program has strong technical and soft skills, with partners like PwC, Capadev, and Bon Education providing training in management consulting, finance, data analytics, leadership, and presentation skills. Applications for the 2026 cohort remain open until 1 March 2026 for the programme, which will start in September. Applicants should have a recent bachelor’s degree, up to three years of work experience, fluency in English, and an interest in business, curiosity, and some leadership potential.
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Since its inception, Dubai Business Associates has generated 313 alumni from 53 countries, completed 92 consulting projects for more than 30 public and private entities, and created an estimated value of $23 million. Rami Tawfiq, Director of Dubai Business Associates, highlighted the prestige and global appeal of the programme by declaring, “We are proud to attract exceptional talent from across the world. Our Associates bring new ideas and a shared commitment to driving positive change in business and society".
With an acceptance rate of just 0.5 percent and the best international cohort of future leaders, Dubai Business Associates is indeed one of the most prestigious graduate programs in the world. With its stringent selection process, hands-on exposure to consulting, and development of leadership, DBA positions itself as one of the key platforms that help groom the next breed of business leaders across the world, while reinforcing Dubai’s status as a talent and innovation hub.
