Hamdan bin Mohammed attends the graduation of the first cohort of the Innovation Professionals Program

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, attended the graduation of the first cohort of the Innovation Professionals Program (IPP), launched by the Dubai Government Excellence Program, part of the General Secretariat of The Executive Council of Dubai.
His Highness said: “Dubai is a city that envisions a future shaped by innovation, creativity and agility. Under the visionary leadership and guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the culture of innovation has been deeply ingrained within the institutional work environment of the emirate. In this pursuit, our government has placed a paramount focus on fostering innovation and excellence to better serve society.”
His Highness highlighted the key role of the Dubai Government Excellence Program in launching initiatives that seek to enhance capabilities and competencies within government entities. The Program’s offerings are testament to Dubai's success in cultivating a culture of innovation and fostering a diverse and flexible government environment, he said.
The graduation was also attended by His Excellency Abdulla Mohammed Al Basti, Secretary General of The Executive Council of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Government Excellence Program, and Dr. Hazza Al Nuaimi, Coordinator General of the Dubai Government Excellence Program. 
The Innovation Professionals Program aims to enhance the innovative capabilities of Dubai government employees and foster a proactive mindset and culture of innovation within government entities. It achieves this by providing exposure to global methodologies and innovative practical tools. 
Through the Program, individuals are empowered to embrace innovation as an integral part of their daily work, ultimately leading to the improvement of the lives of the people of Dubai.
The first batch of the Innovation Professionals Program consisted of 50 government employees from 30 entities. Throughout their six-month participation, the graduates familiarised themselves with global best practices in innovation and developed creative solutions for challenges faced by the Dubai government.
The Innovation Professionals Program, developed in collaboration with the Dubai Future Foundation, Ashridge University and specialised global innovation institutions, includes three main training modules. The ‘Learning Path’ focuses on building innovative thinking and introducing new topics and tools. The ‘Experimentation Path’ enables participants to apply these tools to create solutions for key challenges. The ‘Exploration Journey’ exposes participants to global innovation practices through seminars and field trips to institutions focused on innovation within the UAE.
Following the success of the inaugural edition, the Dubai Government Excellence Program has announced the launch of the second cohort of the Innovation Professionals Program with the participation of 35 employees from 29 government entities.
The Innovation Professionals Program plays a vital role in nurturing creativity, empowering government employees and advancing innovation across Dubai. It reflects the emirate’s commitment to embracing a future-oriented approach and seizing the great opportunities that lie ahead.