Introduction to the Commercial Ambassador Leadership Programme
Emirates, in collaboration with the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA), proudly hosted a graduation ceremony on June 14, 2024, for the inaugural cohort of 32 Emirati outstation managers. This event marked the completion of the Commercial Ambassador Leadership Programme, specially designed to enhance the diplomatic and leadership skills of Emirati nationals. The ceremony took place at Emirates’ headquarters, celebrating the achievements of participants who underwent extensive training to represent the Emirates brand globally.
Programme Structure and Content
The Commercial Ambassador Leadership Programme was structured in two distinct phases. The first phase, conducted in 2023, spanned five days and focused on a variety of crucial subjects. These included International Protocol and Etiquette, Global Trends & Issues, Negotiation & Influencing, UAE Economics, Commercial Diplomacy, Media Handling, and Communication and Intercultural Awareness. The training aimed to prepare Emirati managers for effective representation and management of Emirates’ interests abroad. With an 88% satisfaction rate, the program’s relevance and the quality of training materials were highly commended by participants.
The second phase, held in 2024, was a three-day intensive session focusing on Media Skills and Etiquette Practices. This phase aimed to build confidence among the managers, deepening their understanding of media operations and enhancing their communication skills to align with Emirates’ commercial and brand objectives.
Graduation Ceremony Highlights
The graduation ceremony was attended by senior Emirates executives including Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer; Nabil Sultan, Executive Vice President, Passenger Sales and Country Management; Oliver Grohmann, Executive Vice President Human Resources; Amira Al Falasi, Vice President Training & Development; and Dr Mohammed Al Dhaheri, Deputy Director General of AGDA. The event not only celebrated the graduates’ accomplishments but also underscored Emirates’ commitment to developing a skilled UAE workforce capable of leading on an international platform.
Strategic Impact and Future Prospects
Emirates’ partnership with AGDA for this programme reflects a strategic initiative to enhance the diplomatic capabilities of its Emirati workforce, aligning with the broader goals of the UAE’s global engagement strategy. By investing in such tailored training programs, Emirates aims to fortify its leadership pool, preparing them to drive strategic objectives and strengthen the UAE’s international presence. The success of this programme is set to encourage continued investment in the professional development of Emirates’ staff, ensuring that the airline’s representation across the world remains both professional and culturally informed.