Qiyada Emerging Leaders

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We are committed to helping young leaders in Abu Dhabi fulfill their potential.

Qiyada Emerging Leaders is an initiative that aims to empower promising young professionals in Abu Dhabi to achieve their full leadership potential.

Following a rigorous application and selection process led by talent acquisition specialists Amplify Talent, Qiyada Emerging Leaders participants embark on a one-year development journey that integrates a wide range of learning formats.

McKinsey invites 20 participants with 3 to 12 years of professional experience who currently lead projects and teams in Abu Dhabi organizations to join us.

Hear what our participants have to say about the Qiyada program.

The program

The program, conducted from January to December 2026, will include the following:
Forums
Leadership-training forums led by distinguished experts to improve your ability to progress as a leader
Coaching
One-on-one coaching sessions with professional coaches to support the creation of your personal learning journey
Team building
Networking and team-building exercises to encourage long-term collaboration among participants
Leadership assessment
A 360-degree leadership assessment to help you understand your strengths and weaknesses
DISC Assessment
A personality tool designed to help you understand how you and others perceive the world and make decisions
Case Studies
Virtual project discussions, with case studies and panel discussions with expert advisors on translative discussions about Abu Dhabi
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Why leaders shouldn’t be afraid to be vulnerable

Dr Shamma Hamdoon Al Naqbi
Dr Shamma Hamdoon Al Naqbi

February 4, 2021 - Abu Dhabi

Dr Shamma Hamdoon Al Naqbi, Program Chair - Rabdan Academy, shares a personal journey of leadership, and finds that balance, especially in one's self, is key.

“I remember when I was accepted into McKinsey’s Qiyada emerging leaders program – a one-year immersive leadership journey for early-stage professionals. I thought to myself, prepare. Prepare for rigour, for reading, for analytics and for a framework driven approach to leadership”.

ArabianBusiness: Why leaders shouldn't be afraid to be vulnerable
Bassem Terkawi

I am inspired by the commitment and depth that every participant has brought to the Qiyada program. Their experience, stories and curiosity helped enrich everyone’s experience.

Bassem Terkawi
Aberkyn Affiliate Advisor, Lead facilitator in the Qiyada Emerging Leaders program
Gulruh Turhan

We are committed to leadership growth. Our intent is to develop Abu Dhabi leaders into becoming among the best leaders for the world. The program is devised to offer something unique. It does not focus on functional and technical skills, rather focused on the introspective work of self-discovery, self-definition, and self-shaping.

Gulruh Turhan
Aberkyn Affiliate Advisor, Co-lead facilitator in the Qiyada Emerging Leaders program

Program Details

Qiyada is for leaders with:

  • a passion for driving and shaping the future of Abu Dhabi
  • a desire to be inspired to make a difference
  • a commitment to self-development and the development of others
  • an interest in networking with others interested in the future of Abu Dhabi

Participants will walk away with:

  • a deeper self-awareness and clarity of purpose
  • an expertise in managing one’s energy and the reactions of others
  • an ability to lead through influence and inspiration
  • an increase in effectiveness when facing complex challenges and decisions

Qiyada is based on the belief that leadership starts from within. At the heart of Qiyada is a journey of self-discovery that goes beyond traditional leadership programs. By understanding their strengths, values, and aspirations, emerging leaders can unlock their full potential and contribute positively to Abu Dhabi’s future.

Rima Assi, Senior Partner, Program Founder
Maitham Albaharna

Qiyada is a unique leadership journey that brings together everything we’ve learned about developing leaders. We designed Qiyada to focus on the often-overlooked elements of personal growth, because we know that true leadership starts with understanding yourself before leading others. This program isn’t just another leadership course — it is an immersive experience that equips young professionals with the introspective foundations necessary to lead courageously and authentically.

Maitham Albaharna, Partner, Program Founder
Salma Khalifa, Associate Partner

Abu Dhabi is going through an ambitious transformation that requires the support of young driven leaders. To enable this important effort, we are excited to launch Qiyada Emerging Leaders for young Emirati professionals. Through a year-long development journey of self-discovery, we hope to unlock both the personal and professional potential that will better equip participants not only to contribute to this transformation but to drive it.

Salma Khalifa, Associate Partner, Program Lead

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