### Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan Celebrates Graduates of the Lead & Design Program
Recently, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, marked a significant milestone by attending the graduation ceremony for the second cohort of the Lead & Design Program. This initiative, organized by the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), is dedicated to empowering local talent with essential design skills that are forward-thinking and innovative.
### Focus on Future-Focused Skills
The Lead & Design Program is tailored to cultivate national talent, emphasizing design thinking methodologies that directly address community needs and aspirations. The aim is to equip participants with creative leadership tools essential for developing innovative solutions that enhance various sectors within society.
During the graduation event, Sheikh Hamdan stressed the role of youth as vital contributors to shaping Dubai’s future. He highlighted the necessity of nurturing design thinking skills and creativity to foster the development of human-centered services across different entities.
### Emirate’s Vision for National Talent Development
Sheikh Hamdan stated, “Developing national talent will continue to be one of our most important strategic priorities in shaping the future of Dubai and the UAE.” He expressed a strong commitment to ensuring that Dubai remains one of the leading future-ready cities globally, powered by its creative workforce and visionary leadership.
He further asserted that design thinking serves as an innovative approach for tackling challenges and enhancing services. He expressed confidence that graduates from the Lead & Design Program would make significant contributions within their teams and organizations. These new leaders are expected to enhance their future readiness by seizing promising opportunities and applying newfound skills in ways that prioritize community and user needs.
### A Day of Celebration with Notable Attendees
The graduation ceremony brought together various esteemed officials, including His Excellency Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, and Vice Chairman of the DFF, along with His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence. Their presence underscored the program’s importance in Dubai’s strategic framework for future developments.
### Inside the Lead & Design Program
The latest cohort of the Lead & Design Program featured 38 participants hailing from both public and private sectors in the UAE. Over a rigorous 14 weeks, these participants engaged in interactive workshops, field visits locally and internationally, and enlightening lectures focused on design thinking and leadership enhancement.
The program was meticulously structured into several training phases, each designed to arm participants with a comprehensive understanding of design thinking tools. Guided by subject matter experts, the cohort explored future scenarios and gained practical experience applicable to their work environments.
### Prototyping Innovative Solutions
Participants delved into the complexities of societal challenges while honing their skills in prototyping innovative solutions. They were tasked with presenting projects geared towards the enhancement of various government services and the quality of life encompassing education and environmental concerns while also focusing on empowering individuals with disabilities, often referred to as “People of Determination.”
With a concentration on real-world applications, the presentations illustrated practical strategies for improving existing services and creating greater accessibility, reflecting the program’s overarching commitment to community benefits and innovative thinking.
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