The UAE is sharing its government modernization model with Syria through a specialized executive leadership initiative aimed at enhancing public-sector capabilities. This program, which is part of the UAE Government Experience Exchange initiative, seeks to equip Syrian government leaders with practical tools to address administrative challenges and strengthen institutional transformation.
Participants in the Syrian Government Executive Leadership Program are currently engaged in a knowledge visit to the UAE, where they are examining leading government practices and developing practical projects to tackle real-world challenges. This initiative aligns with Syria’s efforts to rebuild its government institutions and improve administrative capabilities while fostering regional partnerships.
Leadership Skills Development
The program commenced on August 31 and spans seven days, featuring four training modules delivered in Arabic through live sessions. Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University describes the initiative as a means to equip government leaders with skills in strategic leadership, innovation, and public policymaking, essential for navigating rapidly changing conditions.
Participants will focus on translating theoretical concepts into practical applications, particularly in government leadership and institutional transformation. The curriculum includes design thinking for the public sector, public policy design, and future governance, ensuring that training is relevant to the challenges faced by government officials.
Innovation in Governance
Innovation is a key focus of the program, which aims to help participants identify opportunities for institutional development and lead transformation initiatives. Training will also cover anticipating trends and potential scenarios, enabling leaders to incorporate foresight into strategic planning.
By the end of the program, participants are expected to develop actionable strategic plans that support agile and innovative government institutions. This practical approach links the leadership program directly to implementation, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to knowledge exchange.
Expanding the Exchange Model
This initiative builds on the UAE Government Experience Exchange Programme, established in 2018 to share government development practices globally. A report from the UAE government noted that the program has formed over 35 international partnerships and delivered more than 30 million training hours.
The current focus on Syria underscores the UAE’s broader strategy of enhancing human capital development as part of government modernization, particularly as Syria emphasizes digital transformation in its institutional development agenda.
Strengthening Economic Ties
Alongside government cooperation, economic relations between the UAE and Syria are rapidly expanding. A recent UAE delegation to Damascus discussed trade and investment opportunities, with non-oil trade between the two countries reaching approximately $1.4 billion in 2025, marking a 132.4% increase from the previous year.
Further discussions in August between UAE and Syrian ministers explored cooperation in various sectors, including tourism, infrastructure, and advanced industries. The UAE aims to continue investing in Syria, supporting sustainable development and fostering a more attractive environment for investors.
For more details, visit Economy Middle East.
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