RTA Advanced Leadership Programme for Emirati Leaders
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched the Advanced Leadership Programme, a visionary initiative designed to prepare Emirati professionals in the second and third tiers of leadership for senior roles across the organisation. This programme is a bold step in equipping future government leaders with the tools, insights. and global perspectives necessary to shape the development of Dubai and contribute to the UAE’s strategic vision.
With a focus on investing in national talent, the programme aligns with Dubai’s ambition to create a high-impact public sector workforce that thrives on innovation, sustainability, and strategic thinking. By empowering leaders who are capable of driving change and leading complex projects, RTA reinforces its commitment to building human capital that supports both institutional excellence and national development.
Strategic Goals Behind the Leadership Initiative
The RTA’s Advanced Leadership Programme goes beyond traditional training. It is a strategic investment aimed at strengthening leadership capacity within the Authority and across Dubai’s government framework. The goal is to prepare leaders who are ready to take charge of transformative initiatives, drive innovation, and uphold the principles of sustainable governance.
This initiative supports RTA’s broader organisational objectives while directly contributing to the emirate’s long-term plans for smart infrastructure, world-class mobility systems, and digital transformation. The programme also ensures that RTA has a ready pool of skilled leaders capable of delivering value across diverse departments and sectors.
Participants are trained to become catalysts of progress, equipped with the foresight and adaptability needed to thrive in an increasingly complex and dynamic public service landscape.
Selective Participation and Real-World Challenges
The programme is exclusive in nature, with only 22 Emirati professionals selected for participation. These individuals include directors and deputy directors who have shown potential to grow into senior leadership roles. Their development journey is designed to challenge them in both strategic and operational capacities.
Participants undergo assessments in collaboration with leading global strategic partners. This collaboration ensures that the leadership development experience mirrors real-world challenges and incorporates international best practices. The immersive environment allows participants to engage in simulations and leadership exercises that push them beyond their comfort zones.
These simulations cover strategic decision-making, crisis management, and scenario planning—elements crucial for future leaders who must navigate uncertainty while steering public institutions towards excellence.
Integration With RTA’s Human Resources Strategy 2025–2030
The Advanced Leadership Programme aligns directly with the RTA’s Human Resources Strategy for 2025–2030. This strategy aims to foster innovation, enhance the employee experience, and build a sustainable and inclusive work environment that supports continuous learning.
According to Athari Mohamed, Executive Director of Human Resources and Development at the RTA’s Corporate Administrative Support Services Sector, the leadership programme is central to achieving these goals. She emphasizes that it reflects a broader commitment to nurturing national talent, empowering Emiratis, and preparing them to take on greater responsibilities within RTA and beyond.
The programme supports Dubai’s vision of becoming a global benchmark for government efficiency, agility, and innovation. It enables RTA to remain future-ready by aligning leadership development with emerging trends in government services and governance.
A Structured Learning Journey Featuring Seven Leadership Modules
The year-long programme consists of seven intensive modules, each designed to focus on a different dimension of effective leadership. This comprehensive structure provides participants with a balanced mix of theory and practice, ensuring a well-rounded and impactful learning experience.
The first module introduces participants to strategic planning and decision-making. Here, leaders learn how to evaluate complex situations, analyze data, and make informed decisions under pressure. This is followed by self-leadership and personal mastery, where participants gain insights into emotional intelligence, resilience, and personal accountability.
Another key module focuses on building high-performing teams. It explores group dynamics, team motivation, and the importance of leadership styles in achieving optimal performance. The fourth module covers change leadership—an essential skill for public sector leaders tasked with managing reforms, introducing innovations, and driving transformation.
The fifth module explores the concepts of sustainability and wellbeing. This ensures that future leaders embed these principles in every decision they make, contributing to a more responsible and people-centered government culture. Participants are also trained in managing mega projects, with a focus on stakeholder engagement, project governance, and execution excellence.
The final module serves as a capstone experience, integrating lessons learned from the previous modules. Participants undertake real-world projects and reflect on their leadership journey, allowing them to demonstrate their growth and readiness for senior roles.
Global Exposure and Strategic Partnerships
One of the unique features of the Advanced Leadership Programme is its global orientation. The curriculum is designed in collaboration with international thought leaders and institutions that bring a global perspective to local challenges. This allows participants to benchmark their skills against international standards and apply globally tested frameworks to their work at RTA.
Through expert-led workshops, mentorship sessions, and international case studies, participants gain exposure to leadership practices in leading cities and organizations. They explore how successful governments navigate digital transformation, enhance service delivery, and maintain citizen satisfaction.
This global exposure not only enhances individual capabilities but also supports Dubai’s ambition to remain competitive in the global arena. It reinforces RTA’s reputation as a forward-thinking organisation that values innovation, collaboration, and excellence in public service.
Enabling Emirati Talent for Senior Government Roles
The programme is tailored specifically for Emirati professionals. Its purpose is to build a sustainable leadership pipeline that places nationals at the helm of strategic government initiatives. By preparing Emiratis to take on high-impact roles, the RTA supports the UAE’s vision of empowering its people and enabling them to lead the nation’s transformation.
Participants are empowered to lead with confidence and clarity. The programme cultivates skills such as effective communication, stakeholder management, public engagement, and ethical leadership—all essential for building trust and achieving meaningful change in the public sector.
The combination of theory, practice, mentorship, and exposure ensures that participants emerge from the programme as confident and capable leaders. They are equipped to lead cross-functional teams, manage complex operations, and contribute to national development in meaningful ways.
Reinforcing Dubai’s Commitment to Human Capital Development
Through this initiative, the RTA reaffirms its commitment to human capital as a cornerstone of Dubai’s future. The Advanced Leadership Programme is not an isolated project but a key part of a wider effort to elevate talent and embed a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the public sector.
The focus on Emirati empowerment, combined with international benchmarking and real-world challenges, ensures that the leadership programme serves as a model for other government entities. It reflects Dubai’s proactive approach to preparing for the future by investing in its most valuable asset—its people.
