The Dubai Business Associates (DBA) programme is a fully funded, nine-month leadership and consulting experience that brings ambitious young graduates to Dubai to study, train, and work. It is managed by Falcon and Associates, a Dubai government-linked company established in 2009 by Ruler’s Decree, under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai. Associates combine academic modules, consulting-skills training, and short-term project placements at partner organisations across the public and private sector. The programme frames itself as a bridge from university into professional life and between cultures. Eleven cohorts have completed it, the eleventh graduating on 2 June 2026, and the twelfth begins in September 2026. The programme awards no academic degree. What it delivers is hands-on consulting experience, professional certifications, and an international network.
Benefits & funding
- Fully funded: accommodation, flights, and visa support provided for each associate
- Monthly stipend to cover living expenses in Dubai
- Nine months of academic modules, consulting-skills training, and master classes with CEOs and industry leaders
- One to two real consulting placements at Dubai-based partner organisations
- A dedicated career coach and life coach for every associate
- Professional certifications (including from PwC Academy), plus cultural events, excursions, and an induction week
- A cohort of roughly 30–40 associates drawn from many nationalities
Eligibility
- Open to applicants of all nationalities
- A completed bachelor’s degree in any field of study
- Early-career: fewer than three years of work experience; recent graduates and those with no full-time experience are welcome (relevant internships are viewed favourably)
- Typically aged 23–27, which the programme gives as a guide rather than a fixed cut-off
- Fluent written and spoken English, curiosity about Dubai and the UAE, and a commitment to personal growth
- Applicants with families, disabilities, and People of Determination are encouraged to apply (family members are not funded)
Can you apply?
Worth a closer look
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Education required
Bachelor
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Experience required
≤ 2 yrs
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Appears to have an age limit “aged 23”
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We only check the criteria we have data for. Always confirm full eligibility on the official page before applying.
Application process
- 1Watch the Programme Requirements page for the admissions portal to reopen; the twelfth-year round ran from 5 November 2025 to 1 March 2026.
- 2Register on the DBA application portal and submit a CV (1–2 pages), a cover letter of no more than 500 words, and a 90-second video introduction.
- 3Shortlisted candidates complete two rounds of interviews assessing skills and fit with the programme.
- 4Successful applicants receive an offer to join the cohort in Dubai.
Program timeline
Applications opened for the twelfth cohort
Nov 5, 2025
Application deadline for the twelfth cohort
Mar 1, 2026
Twelfth cohort begins its nine months in Dubai
September 2026
Inside the nine months
Academic Module 1, business fundamentals, 5 weeks, September–October; first placement, 12 weeks, October–January; Academic Module 2, innovative thinking in local context, 4 weeks, January–February; Academic Module 3, creating value and consulting skills, 2 weeks, February–March; consulting project, 12 weeks, March–June; presentations and graduation, 1 week, June
June 2027
Twelfth cohort expected to graduate (the eleventh graduated on 2 June 2026)
Late 2026
Applications for the thirteenth cohort are expected to open. As of this check the official Programme Requirements page states only that “the next round of admissions is expected to open in late 2026”, with no date, and the site publishes no application dates anywhere else. The deadline above is the twelfth cycle’s, already passed, and is shown so the listing reads as between cycles rather than open.