Dr. Sheikh Majid bin Saeed Al Nuaimi and Noura Al Kaabi attend launch

The fifth edition of Abdulaziz bin Humaid Leadership programme, ALP, was launched at Ajman Saray today, in the presence of Dr. Sheikh Majid bin Saeed Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Ajman’s Ruler Court, Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs, and Marwan bin Ghalita, Vice Chairman of Abdulaziz Bin Humaid Foundation. The programme was by attended by 20 young participants from the UAE and various GCC countries.

The event was held under the patronage of Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Abdulaziz bin Humaid Foundation.

Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, the Chairman of the Abdulaziz bin Humaid Foundation, commented on the occasion, saying, "Today, we look back on the four successful years of this leadership programme that has taken an elite group of young men and woman and transformed them into creative leaders after being trained by the most qualified specialists in all fields. The programme has contributed significantly to the development of their personalities and functional skills. Now, they are filling important leading positions in various workplaces, 80% of whom have introduced new initiatives that benefit their companies. It brings us great pride to see some of them here today for the launch the fifth consecutive edition of the programme."

He added, "Today, we take pride in everything ALP has accomplished, leading to its well-deserved reputation from successive achievements. We are thankful for the support of His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ajman and for the support of His Highness Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman and Chairman of the Ajman Executive Council. We look to the future with great optimism. With a stable foundation to achieve our future goals, we will make the Abdulaziz bin Humaid Leadership programme a starting point for all ambitious GCC youth."

He extended sincere thanks to the strategic partner of ALP Ajman Holding, the supporting partners Gulf Craft and DAMAC Properties, the specialised partners Thumbay Group, Ajman Chamber of Commerce and Industry and R Holding, and the collaborating partners Khalifa University, the Emirates Foundation, and Ajman Saray Hotel for their continuous trust and support.

Noura Al Kaabi said in her speech on the occasion, "The participation in this programme is a source of inspiration for us all. It is a great pleasure to see this incentive for career development. For me, there is nothing more gratifying than the daily sense of satisfaction at work. It is a deep feeling of fulfillment, passion and leads to opportunities. Every day I meet people who suggest various visions despite their similar goals. This is exactly what makes us develop as human beings."

She added, "You all know that it is not easy to feel that self-satisfaction in a career that you do not enjoy. As people, we always have the incentive to do more. I think that is why you are here today. As you know, the Abdulaziz bin Humaid Leadership programme serves as an excellent opportunity for career development. What I would like to highlight is one of the most important elements I learned from this programme, which is guidance."

She clarified, "Guidance is a key factor in any leadership training programme. It is important for anyone who will take leadership responsibility to work with leaders who have been able to confront challenges and achieve milestones and success in their tasks. When I was a student at the United Arab Emirates University, the most important lessons came from my colleagues and professors. I was lucky to meet with more mentors, some of them in the various organisations I joined and others in my life. I think that age and background are not the basis for finding a mentor, but instead, it is experience and knowledge that matter. The training you will get from leadership experts will guide you long after the programme is completed. I can assure you that there is always something to learn from every person we meet."

Al Kaabi addressed the new participants in the programme, saying, "Emotional intelligence is one of the most important skills that a leader needs to be successful. You should understand the people with whom you work; what are their strengths and weaknesses and the areas that they need support. You should understand yourselves; how to respond in different situations. What frustrates you and why? And how do others view your behaviours. Your colleagues will seek your advice. Sometimes you will have the appropriate answers and sometimes you will not. It is normal. As you have the leadership skills and the willingness to listen and learn, you will be excellent leaders regardless of the subject matter, area or sector."

She advised the participants, "You must pay attention to the training sessions. Be curious and do not be afraid to ask questions. All of you have come here to achieve a personal goal – something you pursue. Do not forget that. While your goals may change, you are here to be leaders and the role of leader changes with time."

A film about the previous editions of ALP was screened during the ceremony. In addition, a panel discussion was held with Humaid Al Ajmani, Board Member of Abdulaziz bin Humaid Foundation, Dr. Barry Cummings, one of the ALP’s main trainers, and Maryam Al Zaabi, a graduate of the previous edition of the programme. The panel highlighted the journey of the programme and its importance in developing the skills and abilities of young participants.

He explained the details and phases of ALP’s journey with basic headings, namely: Creativity, Empowerment, Sustainability, and Giving. He expressed that the programme would conclude in February 2018.

This year, ALP will cover core competencies like Innovation and Creativity, Global Trends, Personal Development Plan, Strategic Management, Change Management, Emotional Intelligence, and other subjects that help to achieve the programme’s objectives. Moreover, there are supplementary modules, including Etiquette and Protocol, Health and Nutrition, Interacting with the Media, Social Media, and many more.