2026 Dubai Business Associates Program
Run under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Dubai Business Associates programme offers outstanding and ambitious graduates an unrivalled and fully funded opportunity to study and work in Dubai-inc companies.
This dynamic and multicultural hub for global commerce is an ideal city to develop future global leaders. The DBA programme is a bridge from higher education into the professional world, and a bridge between cultures.
Employing an experiential and project-based learning approach, the DBA programme is a transformative experience for associates, who develop career-enhancing consulting skills and gain practical insight into the world of work.
The programme has been carefully crafted and combines hard business skills, soft skills, consulting skills, and practical work experience over a period of 9 months that are delivered through:
- Academic modules
- Placements
- Strategy consulting
Throughout the programme, associates attend master classes with industry leaders and CEOs, undergo skills development training, attend cultural events and excursions, and are assigned a career coach and life coach.
The Dubai Business Associates programme is managed by Falcon and Associates, a company established in 2009 by Ruler’s Decree to tell the story of Dubai to the world. Falcon’s pillars of business include education, sport, and events.
Summary of the 2026 Dubai Business Associates Program
- Type: Accelerator Program
- Location: Dubai, UAE
- Duration: 9 Months
- Number of Seats: Each cohort typically consists of around 30 – 40 associates
- Eligible Countries: All
- Benefits: Accommodation, Flight, Visa support, Monthly stipend
- Deadline: 1st April, 2026
Other Benefits of the Program
- Learning by Doing:Â The DBA program uses hands-on projects and real-world experience to help you build professional consulting skills.
- Expert Access:Â You will attend masterclasses led by top CEOs and industry experts.
- Skill Building:Â The program includes specialized training to boost your career and prepare you for the workplace.
- Total Support: Every participant is paired with both a career coach and a life coach for personal and professional guidance.
- Cultural Growth:Â You will take part in cultural events and group excursions to broaden your perspective.
Eligibility Criteria
- The program accepts applications from all nationalities.
- Experience Level: Early-career professionals or recent graduates with 0–3 years of work experience.
- Education: Must hold at least a Bachelor’s degree (all majors are welcome).
- Age Preference: Typically between 23 and 27 years old.
- Work History: Full-time experience isn’t required, but internships are a big plus for new graduates.