To establish a leadership development ecosystem driven by merit and excellence, fostering institutional and societal growth, while ensuring a resilient and sustainable talent pipeline that advances the strategic priorities of Abu Dhabi Government.
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Al Jadaara Leadership Development Programme unlocks the full potential of high-merit talent, through a momentum-building, personalised learning journey that fosters continuous growth and drives far-reaching impact across Abu Dhabi’s strategic priorities
The programme integrates immersive learning experiences, global exposure, and strategic foresight to cultivate curiosity-driven leaders who inspire change in those around them. Participants will:
Sharpen leadership and technical skills through dynamic classes, simulations, collaborative exercises, and self-paced learning, all aimed at training innovators in global trends
Gain new perspectives, seeing the world through the eyes of decision-makers, learning from global coaches and changemakers, and engaging in international visits, while shaping a personalised development plan
Prepare for any challenge by leading strategic projects and participating in learning sprints, and scenario planning, transforming insight into impact, while promoting physical and mental well-being and resilience
Built on five core pillars, the programme provides a solid foundation for a holistic and transformative journey for its participants
Navigate the Abu Dhabi Government ecosystem effectively
Gain exposure to top UAE and global leaders
Acquire enhanced leadership capabilities and core techical skills
Accelerate readiness for greater responsibility and strategic roles
Build enduring professional relationships and global networks
Engage in peer consultations and partnerships
Drive collective problem-solving and proactive team building
Develop a high-impact talent pool to drive Abu Dhabi Government initiatives
Strengthen institutional resilience with future-ready leadership
Position government as an employer of choice
Boost excellence across government through cross-entity collaboration
Promote agile governance through innovative thinking and data-driven decisions
Gain ability to inspire others across the government ecosystem
Prepare leaders to represent the UAE on the global stage
Shape regional and global conversations on leadership, innovation, and governance
Catalyse societal impact through leadership that influences families, communities, and sectors
UAE Nationals employed within the Abu Dhabi Government who:
– Hold a performance rating of 4 or 5
– Have a record of impactful contributions
– Embody Abu Dhabi Government values
– Are committed to lifelong learning and growth
Values-Driven Leadership: Prioritises integrity, accountability, and leadership to empower others, while demonstrating emotional intelligence and resilience
Execution Excellence and Future Readiness: Delivers meaningful results, drives cross-sector partnerships, and gains high-level exposure to shape the future of Abu Dhabi
Adaptability and Innovation: Champions creative solutions, embraces a growth mindset, and thrives in complex, fast-changing environments
Collaborative and Human-Centric Approach: Builds strong networks across sectors, engages stakeholders effectively, and fosters an inclusive and supportive leadership culture
Strategic and Agile Thinking: Aligns daily decisions with long-term goals, adapts to challenges, and balances vision with execution to create sustainable impact
Candidates eligible for the Middle Management Cohort will undergo the following multi-stage process:
Submit personal information required
Showcase problem-solving capabilities
Demonstrate approach to handling real-world scenarios
Engage in an interview with a high-level panel
To apply for Al Jadaara Leadership Development Programme, complete the application form.
The programme is delivered in partnership with prestigious academic institutions and industry leaders and experts, combining global best practices with regional relevance.
For more information, please reach out to the Department of
Government
Enablement at:
PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
What is the vision of the programme?
To establish a leadership development ecosystem driven by merit and excellence, fostering institutional and societal growth, while ensuring a resilient and sustainable talent pipeline that advances the strategic priorities of Abu Dhabi Government.
What does the programme offer?
The programme offers a hands-on, one-of-a-kind journey that builds leadership skills (strategic foresight, media training, etc) and technical skills (finance, policy-making, AI, etc), expands global and local perspectives, and drives real-world impact.
You will engage in dynamic experiential learning, international exposure, and strategic projects designed to turn insight into action, while promoting innovation, resilience, and long-term growth. This includes, but is not limited to, immersive classroom sessions, self-paced learning, simulations, an international trip, and tailored development plans, all designed to inspire growth and lasting impact.
How long is the programme? Will it affect my job?
The programme includes 12 months of active learning, followed by ongoing alumni opportunities. You are expected to remain in your role, while maintaining a significant part-time commitment to the programme.
Details will be communicated and coordinated with your respective entity, to ensure they support your availability and growth.
Are the programme dates fixed or flexible?
Key session dates will be fixed and shared in advance with you and your entity to support planning and participation. Meanwhile, self-paced components offer flexibility; the rest of the programme follows a structured calendar.
Is the programme delivered in-person or online? Where will it take place??
The programme is primarily delivered in person to maximise engagement and impact. Certain components, such as self-paced learning and individual coaching sessions, will be offered online to provide flexibility and complement the in-person experience.
In-person sessions will be held in Abu Dhabi, with most sessions to take place at the headquarters of the Department of Government Enablement. Certain sessions will be hosted at partner venues across Abu Dhabi.
What is the breakdown of the topics covered across the 12 months?
The programme integrates five thematic pillars:
A detailed overview of the programme clusters will be shared with selected participants.
Personal Journey
How is the programme tailored to individual leadership styles and goals?
Each participant follows a personalised development journey through an Individual Development Plan (IDP). Guided by coaching and mentorship, the IDP aligns with your strengths, growth areas, and leadership aspirations. It ensures continuous learning, measured progress, and strategic impact aligned with Abu Dhabi’s vision.
Are there any pre-course materials or assessments required?
Yes, selected participants will be required to complete pre-course materials and assessments prior to the start of the programme. Details will be communicated directly to those who are admitted to the cohort.
How will I be evaluated throughout the programme?
You will be evaluated at every step based on, but not limited to, feedback from coaches and programme delivery partners, engagement with mentors and peers, timely completion of self-paced learning, adherence to your Individual Development Plan schedule, and performance in simulations and special projects.
What happens after I graduate?
The programme represents a lasting commitment to both you and the government. We will aim to support you every step of the way through an active alumni community, regular refresher courses, and opportunities for medium-term rotations across government entities. You may also have the chance to lead sessions in future cohorts, mentor future participants, and participate in train-the-trainer sessions.
Eligibility
Who is eligible to apply?
UAE Nationals working within the Abu Dhabi Government, who boast a performance rating of 4 or 5 and a record of impactful contributions.
Cohort-specific eligibility:
– Executive Management: Must hold the grade of Executive Directors or equivalent.
– Middle Management: Must hold the grade of Section Head (Grade 2) or
Director (Grade 1) or equivalent.
– Juniors Cohort: Must hold junior roles or be fresh university graduates.
Is there a cap on the number of participants?
Yes, Al Jaddaara Leadership Development Programme is highly competitive, with a rigorous selection process that ensure candidates with highest levels of merit are selected. Participation is capped to ensure a high-quality, impactful experience for each cohort. The final number of participants is determined following the completion of the selection process.
What are the criteria for selecting participants?
Participants of Al Jadaara Leadership Development Programme are ambitious, forward-thinkers who embody the values of Abu Dhabi’s leadership ecosystem, actively contributing to its development through the following core traits:
When is the deadline for nomination submissions?
Applications for the 2025 Middle Management cohort have closed. Stay tuned for the application deadlines of the coming cohorts, which will be announced across our website and official social media channels.
Selection Process
What is the process after a nomination is done?
After nominations are received for the Middle Management cohort (Directors and Section Heads), candidates go through a 3-step selection process as follows:
After each step, candidates will receive an email updating them on the status of their application. If a candidate progresses through all stages of the selection process, they will receive an email with the final decision.
Stay tuned for details about the selection processes for coming cohorts.
Contact Information
Who can I contact for further information or other questions?
You can reach us at
AlJadaara@dge.gov.ae
for any questions or enquiries.