Dubai Business Associate Programme receives online cultural diplomacy masterclass from H.E. Zaki Nusseibeh
Managed by Falcon and Associates, DBA programme supports an accelerated route to leadership while enabling mutually beneficial business and cultural exchange between Dubai and the countries involved.
27 associates from the Dubai Business Associate (DBA) programme, created by, and held Under the Patronage of, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, had a cultural diplomacy masterclass with H.E. Zaki Nusseibeh, Minister for Cultural Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
In a virtual fireside setting, the associates heard about H.E. Zaki Nusseibehs early years as Sheikh Zayeds translator and adviser. HE Zaki observed first-hand how culture played a role in the union of the seven Emirates. He talked about how Sheikh Zayeds leadership shaped the UAE into the country it is today.
H.E. Zaki Nusseibeh spoke of his great passion for cultural diplomacy and explained how it differs from and complements public diplomacy. As leader of the OPCD (Office of Public Cultural Diplomacy), he described the offices role and its current projects, utilizing culture to both promote the UAEs agenda abroad and boost its public image as a tolerant society and hub for culture.
Created by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and managed by Falcon and Associates, DBA is now in its 6th edition and has 27 Associates from the UAE, China, USA and 8 other countries, and has an alumni group of 150+ global ambassadors from 17 countries. Associates, aged 21-26, launch their careers in Dubai, solving complex consulting problems and experience a deep immersion into Dubai Inc organisations. They tell their Dubai story to their current and future global network.
Speaking after the meeting, H.E. Zaki said, It was a pleasure to hear about the associates career boost in the UAE as they begin their international careers. They become lifelong cultural ambassadors with UAE within their DNA, strengthening the bridges and friendships between Dubai, the UAE and the world. Here they learn to spread the universal message of tolerance that is needed in the post COVID 19 world.
Aashif Shaikh
Mumbai, India