Tomorrow’s tests not yet imagined

What challenges will face the next generation of leaders in the UAE? The fast-changing nature of the modern world is that some of those difficulties cannot even be envisaged by those entering the workforce now, which is why the training and preparation for their future responsibilities needs to be exceptional.

Even the anticipated challenges are daunting enough: maintaining the culture of tolerance, stability and security that has allowed this country to be a beacon in a troubled region; navigating an economic path that is less reliant on extractive industries and able to thrive in interconnected global markets; and helping ensure government services are not simply the best in the Middle East, but up with the best in the world.

The mammoth scale of the task ahead explains the importance the present tranche of leaders has placed on helping the next generation be as ready as possible. As The National reported on Friday, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, launched a UAE-developed government leadership programme called "The Leader of the 21st Century Model".

The scheme identifies promising young leaders and aims to enhance their skills and leadership capabilities at federal government level to ensure strong connections both among Government leaders and private-sector companies. Rightly, it identifies the challenges to face the next generation of leaders as different from those that exist today and tries to prepare them for it.

One need only look into our recent past to see the importance of good leadership in times of massive change. We were fortunate to have a leader of the calibre of Sheikh Zayed when oil revenues fundamentally changed Emirati society. The example he set has been carried on by the President, Sheikh Khalifa, and his Government.

Anyone familiar with the UAE’s success knows this has not been a matter of chance or luck. It required hard work and smart choices – traits this course is intended to instil in the next generation, too.