In cooperation with the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy

Dubai, 6 March 2008: In cooperation with the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore, the Dubai School of Government has launched the Executive Diploma in Public Administration program. Courses are expected to start in Dubai on March 10.

The first cohort of students includes 30 public officials, who will acquire, at the end of the program, an Executive Diploma in Public Administration from the National University of Singapore.  

HE Mr. Nabil AlYousuf, Executive President of the Dubai School of Government, said "The launch of the Diploma at the Dubai School of Government comes in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to give government officials the opportunity to achieve excellence through continuous learning and acquiring degrees."

He added that superior students will have the option of continuing their learning in Singapore, where an additional three months of study will earn them a master's degree in Public Administration from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy. The Dubai School of Government will award scholarships to the top three students for this purpose.

Mr. Stavros Yiannouka, Vice-Dean, Executive Education and Development at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, said "With the rapid pace of change in the Middle East and Asia in general, it is imperative for policy makers and leaders to adapt quickly in order to to rise up to the various economic, social and institutional challenges they face."

He added, "The Executive Diploma in Public Administration introduces leaders and decision makers to the latest developments on the global scene, as well as to the most recent tools for public policy and administration. In fact, the EDPA brings together competences from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore and the Dubai School of Government, hence providing unique expertise from two globalized Asian cities."

According to Mr. Adel al Shared, Director of the Mohammad bin Rashid Program for Leadership Development and Director of National Human Resources Development at The Executive Office in Dubai, "The decision made by the Mohammad bin Rashid program for Leadership Development to grant accredited degrees in Public Policy is, in fact, a vital strategic direction taken in line with the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015. This new program, in addition to providing executive training for leadership development, presents a rigorous comprehensive academic program with training about issues specific to the public sector such as budgeting, performance management, and quality of public services. It also provides the necessary skills for elaborating public policies."

Al Shared added, "Alumni will gain world class knowledge and skills with real application to governance and strategy issues in Dubai. They will guarantee the continuous and efficient development of government work."

Dr. Asma Siddiki, Associate Dean for Development at the Dubai School of Government, explained that "This program distinguishes itself from other similar programs in that it allows government officials to pursue their studies without having to absent themselves from work and/or interrupt their careers."

The EDPA is a 12-month program, divided into intensive sessions that do not require  extended periods of absence from work. The first of its kind in the region, the program is designed for employees wishing to acquire new skills and enhance their leadership and administrative capabilities.

The curriculum is distinguished by the inclusion of lectures presented by prominent political leaders as well as figures from the business world and civil society organizations, offering a rare opportunity for program participants to interact with and learn from the expertise of distinguished personalities who contribute in shaping the future.   

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Note to editors
The Dubai School of Government is a research and teaching institution focusing on public policy in the Arab world. Established in 2004 under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, the school aims to promote good governance by enhancing the region's capacity for effective public policy.

Toward this goal, the Dubai School of Government collaborates with international institutions such as Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government and the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy in its research and training programs. In addition, the school organizes policy forums and international conferences to facilitate the exchange of ideas and promote critical debate on public policy in the Arab world.

For further information:
Noora Al-Mansoori,
A'Sidrah for Public Affairs  
+971 4 364 2319
Noora.yousef@asidrah.ae

© Press Release 2008