Sixty Emirati professionals and university students have completed immersive learning visits to India under the UAE–India Leaders Programme and returned to the UAE to begin work on capstone projects.
The program, organised by Zayed Education Foundation, is designed to support future leaders through exposure to sectors shaping both countries, including international relations, technology, sustainability, arts and culture.
Participants were divided into three groups of 20, with each cohort focused on a specific theme: international relations; science, technology and sustainability; and arts, culture and architecture.
The learning journeys included field visits, discussions with experts and meetings with representatives from government, academic institutions and civil society.
The participants travelled to New Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and Bangalore, where they visited institutions including the Indian Institute of Technology, the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore and the Mumbai Stock Exchange. They also attended the Jaipur Literature Festival and visited landmarks including the Taj Mahal and local markets.
During the program, the Emiratis met officials from the UAE Embassy in New Delhi and the UAE Consulate General in Mumbai as part of efforts to strengthen dialogue and cross-cultural understanding.
Zayed Education Foundation said the initiative supports the development of globally aware leaders capable of contributing to their communities through knowledge exchange and international engagement.
Back in the UAE, participants are now working on capstone projects intended to support cooperation between the UAE and India in areas including policy, innovation, cultural exchange and economic collaboration.
Dr Abdulnasser Jamal Alshaali, UAE Ambassador to India, said the program reflected the strength of ties between the two countries.
“As they move into the capstone phase, these emerging leaders are well positioned to contribute meaningfully to our shared future,” he said.
The foundation said details of the programme’s next phase will be announced through its official channels.