Synopsis:
Zayed Education Foundation’s UAE–India Leaders Program is empowering 60 Emirati professionals and students through immersive learning in India. Participants are now developing capstone projects aimed at strengthening UAE–India collaboration across policy, science, culture, and innovation.
A total of 60 Emirati professionals and university students participated in the program, which was divided into three thematic tracks: international relations, science, technology and sustainability, and arts, culture and architecture. Each group included 20 participants. The program combined classroom learning with real-world exposure. Participants travelled across India, visiting New Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Bengaluru. They engaged with leading institutions such as the Indian Institute of Technology, Indian Institute of Management Bangalore, and the Mumbai Stock Exchange.
They also attended cultural and public events, including the Jaipur Literature Festival, visits to the Taj Mahal, and interactions at local marketplaces. These experiences helped participants understand India’s diverse social, economic, and cultural environment in a practical way. During the visit, participants also met officials from the UAE Embassy in New Delhi and the UAE Consulate General in Mumbai. These interactions strengthened the program’s focus on diplomacy, dialogue, and international cooperation.
The foundation said the program is designed to go beyond traditional learning models. It aims to develop leaders who can translate global exposure into practical solutions. “Through this modality of immersive learning and cultural exchange, coupled with concrete deliverables in the form of strategic projects upon return, we are investing in a new generation of leaders imbued with compassion and curiosity to drive long-term impact in their communities,” said a spokesperson from Zayed Education Foundation.
The spokesperson added that connecting Emirati participants with leaders from government, academia, business, and cultural institutions in India is helping build stronger partnerships. “We are building enduring bridges that will strengthen UAE–India collaboration and empowering leaders to share shared solutions for the future,” the statement said. After returning to the UAE, participants have now entered the capstone phase of the program. They are working on structured projects that translate their learning into actionable proposals.
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These projects focus on strengthening UAE–India cooperation across areas such as policy development, innovation, cultural exchange, and economic collaboration. The initiative aligns with the UAE’s broader vision of building global partnerships and investing in leadership development. The program reflects a shift toward experiential learning, where international exposure is combined with practical application. It aims to equip participants with the ability to navigate global challenges and contribute to meaningful cross-border collaboration.
His Excellency Dr Abdulnasser Jamal Alshaali, Ambassador of the UAE to India, highlighted the significance of the initiative. He said it reflects the depth of the bilateral relationship between the two countries. “Having personally welcomed the participants during their time in India, it was inspiring to see their engagement across science and technology, arts and culture, and international relations,” he said. He added that the participants are now well positioned to contribute to shared future goals through their capstone work.
The UAE-India Leaders Program continues to serve as a platform for developing globally minded leaders who can strengthen diplomatic, cultural, and economic ties between the two nations.
