Dubai, UAE – In a significant contribution towards realizing the UAE’s vision for a knowledge-based economy, ESCP Business School Dubai, in collaboration with Al Rostamani Group, proudly celebrated the graduation of its inaugural 100% Emirati cohort. This milestone event exemplifies the UAE’s commitment to empowering its citizens with world-class education and the skills essential for the nation’s future.
Al Rostamani Group fully sponsored the first 100% Emirati class at ESCP’s Dubai campus, comprising 220 students. Named the ‘Abdulla Hassan Al Rostamani Inaugural Cohort,’ this class is a true representation of the UAE, with members hailing from all seven emirates. ESCP selected exceptional individuals from among the nation’s brightest talents, nominated by the Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Leadership Development (MBRCLD) and other prestigious national programs. This collective effort underscores the UAE’s strategic focus on nurturing homegrown talent to drive innovation and excellence in critical fields such as Big Data and Business Analytics.
This cohort also embodies the UAE’s dedication to gender equality, with a balanced mix of 50% male and 50% female graduates. This commitment to inclusivity is a cornerstone of the UAE’s broader goals of social progress and national unity, ensuring that the nation’s development benefits all its citizens equally.
Distinguished officials and proud family members attended the graduation ceremony, a momentous occasion for both the students and the nation. It celebrated the academic achievements of these young Emiratis and their potential to contribute to the UAE’s ongoing transformation into a global leader in technology, innovation, and economic diversification.
ESCP’s Dubai campus, the institutions first outside Europe, symbolizes the UAE’s rising stature as a global hub for education and innovation. The partnership with Al Rostamani Group, a leading UAE family business, made this project possible and is aligned with the country’s broader objectives of fostering strategic collaborations that strengthen national capabilities.
Commenting on the ceremony, Marwan Abdulla Al Rostamani, Chairman of Al Rostamani Group, said, “Our partnership with ESCP Business School is a testament to our commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders in the UAE. Representing the values of the late Abdulla Hassan Al Rostamani, who championed the transformative power of education, we are thrilled to see these talented Emirati students graduate and look forward to seeing them transition into roles that will significantly contribute to the UAE’s digital transformation.”
Expressing his enthusiasm about the milestone, Philippe Houzé, Chairman of the Board ESCP Business School, said, “Today, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of our inaugural graduating class in Dubai. Equipped with newly gained skills, they are now poised to lead in an era of technological advancement. Reflecting the pioneering spirit that defines this institution, they will drive the UAE’s progress and carry forward the values of visionary leadership and lifelong learning embodied by the late founder Abdulla Hassan Al Rostamani, after whom this cohort was named.”
This graduation represents a significant milestone in the UAE’s pursuit of becoming a global leader in education and innovation. By equipping Emirati students with advanced skills in Big Data and Business Analytics, this program directly supports the UAE’s National Innovation Strategy, particularly in the education and technology sectors. These graduates are now prepared to drive technological advancements and innovation, contributing to the nation’s strategic objectives of developing a highly educated workforce and fostering data-driven decision-making across industries.