Dubai sets new plan to prepare future leaders for government roles using smart & simple succession planning

Dubai is a city of continuous progress. It cherishes innovation and strives to plan in the long term. These were also qualities that made it a global leader in development. Last week Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed issued a new plan. The focus of this plan is on the preparation of future leaders for the role in government. The management is not only about people. Basically it is about keeping Dubai good for future generations. Under this new plan, the right people will always be those that fill top government roles.

Or at least the plan is meant to prevent a gap in leadership that’s too sudden. It prevents important positions from going vacant. Someone is always ready to take over. It’s like a relay race. When the baton comes, each runner knows when to pass it. By doing it this way it keeps momentum from being lost. What it is about, is passing on experience very smoothly. ‘Planning like this helps keep people motivated,’ experts say. This helps keep things moving in fast hand cities like Dubai.

Some of these companies already use succession planning. When leaders change, it helps keep things stable. Dubai is a city that wants things done. The city is never satisfied until it’s sky high from the Burj Khalifa to Expo 2020. This is why they need to have a system for leadership change. Sheikh Hamdan understands that, sometimes, the future is unpredictable. By planning, you’re reducing risks. That helps ensure that government services don’t stop. It helps establish a trust between the people and our government. It also helps employees enhance their skills with intention. They know they have a chance for advancement.

This plan also looks at turning leaders of within. Training programs will be attached with skill assessments. Mentors to help guide employees will also be a part of this. The intent is to develop talent within the government. In this way they’re ready to transition to new roles. These are the smart ways to keep knowledge within the organization, say the experts. Picking a replacement is not only that. What it is, is a team that is prepared for anything.

Lessons are clear for any public or private organization. Invest in your people. Plan ahead. Lack of leadership continuity is one of many reasons why startups don’t last. Create your own plan for future leaders if you want to stay ahead. Rather than wasting time training your talent, focus on training the person. Be ready to adapt to changes. The Dubai plan exposes that succession planning is far from being just a strategy. Investing in a good future is what it is.

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References:

• Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed. Resolution on Succession Planning System. Media Office of Dubai. November 8, 2024.
• Dubai Government Media Office. Dubai Continues to Innovate in Governance and Leadership. Media Office of Dubai. 2024.
• Ahmed, Fatima. Building Future Leaders: Dubai’s Approach to Talent Development. Gulf Governance Review. 2024.
• Smith, David. Best Practices for Succession Planning in Public Administration. Global Policy Journal. 2022.