• Al Ghurair Investment celebrates the graduation of 41 graduates across two tailored development programmes.

Dubai, UAE: Al Ghurair Investment, one of the largest diversified family business groups in the UAE, today announced the successful completion of its first Executive and Advanced Leadership Development Programmes. The programmes, launched by the Group’s People and Culture (P&C) division 18 months ago in a drive for enhanced Learning and Development (L&D) opportunities, mark a critical milestone in Al Ghurair Investment’s ongoing group-wide cultural transformation journey, cementing its status as a recognised Top Employer.

The Executive Leadership Development Programme (ELP), conducted in collaboration with the IE Business School of Madrid, marked its completion with the graduation of the first cohort - comprising 26 candidates - in a ceremony held on March 8th. The ELP, a structured leadership development programme and tailored learning experience, focused on senior executives, offering candidates ample opportunities to interact with industry experts and engage in a variety of guided, group and individual learning activities. The programme covered key areas including Purpose-led Strategy, Leadership, Innovation, Change and Customer Centricity, in addition to other key topics aimed at creating ‘Fit for Future’ leaders, which were then applied to a business-related capstone project.

Commenting on the programme’s completion, Debra Teles, Chief People & Culture Officer, Al Ghurair Investment said: “We are delighted to have partnered with IE Business School of Madrid to develop this exclusive programme for our executive community at Al Ghurair, and I am so proud of our graduates who have piloted and completed our first Executive Leadership Programme. We truly believe that investment in learning is critical to our transformation journey, as we equip our leadership community with the skills and tools to drive it and to cultivate change. By empowering our people to fulfil their potential, and realise their professional aspirations, we foster wellbeing and build a healthier, more motivated and success-driven organisation – aligning with our accredited Top employer status.”

Commenting on the collaboration for the ELP, Stephen Adamson, Director of Programmes said: “The Executive Leadership Development Programme is an excellent example of what can be achieved when a business invests in its talent. Simultaneously we can improve engagement of key employees, improve their skillsets in areas fundamental to the future of the business, and help them make a positive impact on the business and, as a result, on the UAE. We are delighted to see the success of this collaboration with Al Ghurair Investment and look forward to welcoming a second cohort.”

In addition to the ELP, Al Ghurair Investment had also launched the Advanced Leadership Development Programme (ALP), a structured leadership programme designed for Fit For Future Leaders, focused on first line managers. The ALP, offering a similar structure to the ELP, witnessed the graduation of 15 candidates, bringing them closer to their career goals.

John Iossifidis, GCEO, Al Ghurair, remarked: “Over the last two and a half years, Al Ghurair has embarked on an ambitious, Group-wide journey, building the next chapter of Al Ghurair – and our people are at the heart of that journey. This dual graduation ceremony marks a significant day for our business, as we celebrate the achievements of our talented people who have demonstrated a thirst for learning, a commitment to our Purpose, vision and values, and who have showcased how they – themselves – are focused on the pursuit of better, through learning and development!”

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About IE Business School:

IE Business School is a graduate and undergraduate school of business, located in Madrid, Spain, European Union, Europe. It was founded in 1973 under the name Instituto de Empresa and since 2009 is part of IE University. IE Business School runs BBA, MBA, Executive MBA, master's degree programmes in finance and management, executive education programmes, PhD, and DBA programmes.

IE Business School is centrally situated in Barrio de Salamanca, Madrid's financial district. The IE campus currently occupies a total area of some 28,000 square metres, distributed among 17 buildings along and near Calle Maria de Molina.

About Al Ghurair Investment:

Al Ghurair Investment is one of the largest diversified family business groups in the Middle East, with operations in six distinct industry sectors: Foods and Resources, Properties, Construction and Services, Energy, Mobility and Ventures. Established in 1960 as a trading business, Al Ghurair was one of the first pillars of industry and commerce in the emerging United Arab Emirates.

From modest beginnings, and with a proud history of innovation and entrepreneurship, the Al Ghurair family name has become synonymous with the heritage, evolution and vision of the prestigious country itself.

Headquartered in Deira, the business’ diversified operations span more than 50 countries across the globe, employing approximately 28,000 people. Today, Al Ghurair Investment continues to build on its enduring 60+ year legacy, guided by its purpose: ‘Enhancing Life’, as it strives to facilitate meaningful and sustainable change across the communities within which it operates.

For more information, please visit: www.al-ghurair.com

For media enquiries, please contact:
Sara O’Hara
Head of Group Communications & Group Press Office
Al Ghurair Investment
Email: media@al-ghurair.com