New courses launched for Dubai government employees

Professor Raed Awamleh, Dean, MBRSG; Dr. Ali bin Sebaa Al Marri, Executive President, MBRSG; Humaid Mohammed Al Qatami, Chairman, MBRSG; Chairman of the Board and Director General, DHA and Dr. Tayeb Kamali, MBRSG during the launch of Mohammed bin Rashid School of Government in Dubai. Photo by Dhes Handumon/Khaleej Times

To support UAE leadership vision of the future, the Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government (MBRSG) launched three new master's degree programs to serve the needs of government entities.
Under the theme 'The Future Government,' the academic programs launched are Master in Innovation Management (MIM) and Master of Public Policy (MPP) that includes five specialisations: Education, Health, Sustainable Development, Social Policy, and Science and Technology.
The Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) will be taught in Arabic to support the government's focus on enhancing the Arabic language and identity in the country.
Speaking during the announcement, His Excellency Dr Ali Sebaa Al Marri, Executive President of MBRSG, said the programs were established in line with Dubai Strategic Plan 2021 and after talks with government entities on their needs to move towards the future. The fields were added to fit the school's objectives that specialize in public policy in the Arab world.
"The new government formed in February 2016 was a proactive step that the world looks up to. Therefore, it needed advanced programs to focus on legislation and on developing and evaluating policies of various sectors including health, education, sustainable development and social policy to contribute to an effective government," said Al Marri.
He added that the programs launched are expected to equip leaders that are shaping the future with the required skills and knowledge to efficiently undertake their roles.
"Cooperation between academic institutions and government entities is very important to solved the challenges facing the government of the future," said Al Marri.
Registration is now open for students of all nationalities on the condition of obtaining a Bachelor's degree and a minimum of three years experience of government service. Students who apply for an Executive masters must have a minimum of six years of experience in government service.
According to Professor Raed Awamleh, Dean of MBRSG, doors will also be open to those who have work experience in NGOs or private and international organizations that deal with public policies.
He added that a Dh10,000 scholarship will be offered to Emirati nationals, and Dh10,000 grant will be given to employees in federal and local governments. If an institution wishes to sponsor its employees, an extra Dh10,000 grant will be given to five of its students.
"Our studies showed a clear need for these programs in the future within the government. We believe it will enhance not only individual careers but also add value to the UAE government that focuses on themes like innovation and Arabic language," said Awamleh.
Classes at prices of Dh120,000 for the master's program and Dh140,000 for the Executive masters program will commence twice a year, starting from March. The second batch will start in September. Students can finish the programs, which are available in full and part time fitting to a capactity of 30 students, in one or two years as per their convenience.
On the sidelines of the press conference, the school also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs and the Future to provide full annual scholarships for its distinguished employees to participate in the school's academic programs.
There are also current talks with the ministry to offer scholarships in specific specializations such as health and education.
The MBRSG introduced its Master of Public Administration in 2005, to which it added the three new programs.
sherouk@khaleejtimes.com