Creating world-class leadership through mega events

The success of any initiative relies on a number of factors, at the forefront of which comes the qualities of leadership, teamwork and commitment.

Similarly, realising a vision requires a individual leader who uses logic and clear thinking to make that vision a reality.

To execute a world-class vision, one needs world-class leaders and a world-class workforce.

The magnitude of Dubai's vision for itself requires a number of dedicated leaders. These leaders must understand the vision and possess the qualities and skills necessary to translate that vision into success. Dubai has leaders with the relevant qualities and skills. It is creating additional leaders to augment its already strong team.

Dubai's success in business, trade and tourism has largely been the result of an integrated vision guided by General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister.

A few years ago Shaikh Mohammad launched Vision 2010 and Vision 2020 to transform Dubai an erstwhile trading settlement into a world-class business and tourism centre.

The sheer scale of projects that have followed has already made headlines across the region and in the international press.

Money has been pouring in since then, with creative ideas being implemented one by one all part of the vision.

The government had to give priority, however, to creating a leadership cadre as well. How does one create a leader?

It is said that leaders are born, not made. True. Searching for people with the quality of leadership also requires a lot of effort and talent. One must put potential leaders under a microscope, to observe and assess them. The true leader, in time, stands out from the rest.

There are a number of leaders who are currently working on various projects in Dubai to realise its vision. They are doing what they have been assigned to do. Many of them are in turn developing creative ideas and adding value to Dubai's continuous development.

These leaders include: Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chairman of Emirates Group; Mohammad Ali Al Abbar, director-general of the Department of Economic Development (DED); Sultan Ahmad Bin Sulayem, executive chairman of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation and Nakheel; Mohammad Al Gergawi, chief executive of Dubai Holdings and chairman of the Dubai Development and Investment Authority; Khalid A. Bin Sulayem, director-general of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), and Qasim Sultan, director-general of Dubai Municipality.

There are a number of budding leaders, however, who are currently in various stages of being groomed.

Among Dubai's current crop of leaders, three Mohammad Al Gergawi, Hussain Ali Lootah and Saeed Mohammad Al Naboudah - all share something in common.

They have honed their leadership skills through the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF).

The pattern is simple. They begin their careers at DED and move up through the ranks while learning the basics and more. By their late 20s or early 30s they are assigned an executive responsibility the position of the chief executive of DSF.

It is like dropping someone who doesn't know how to swim in a pool of water and forcing him to survive.

The difference here is that there is no end to this run. When it comes to Dubai, there is no end to growth and development. You continue to pursue ever higher levels of excellence.

Saeed Mohammad Al Naboudah, DSF's current chief executive, says the event has helped him to sharpen his skills as a leader.

"Since its inception, the DSF has been a mega festival involving an entire society. It has become an institution in itself and we are playing our part in it," he said.

He has been part of DSF for the last seven years.

"I have learned a lot from the event. Every DSF is different. Every year, we have to deal with all kinds of stakeholders overseas clients, international media, retail outlets in the city. All are our clients and have a stake in the success of the event.

"DSF is surely building top-class leaders, who are going to become the pillars of Dubai's future growth and development. Some of my predecessors have already proven their mettle in their larger responsibility," he said.

Al Naboudah is DSF's third CEO. He heads up an event billed as the mother of all festivals in the region.

He has been given the responsibility at an age when most professionals are completing their apprenticeship. He is already an accomplished leader in his own right.

In his early 30s, he is marking his third year as chief executive of this prestigious event. Was he nervous at the thought of shouldering such a huge responsibility?

"No. I was prepared for that. It was challenging, of course. There are challenges everywhere, however.

"First, I thought it was a premature decision to offer me such a huge responsibility. I proved myself, however, by working hard. I have a dedicated team. Most of the credit goes to them," he said.

A plain-speaking gentleman, he has a sharp eye and a smile that creates an easy rapport with the person he is talking to. Despite having such successes early in life, he remains modest.

"Whatever I have achieved is due to the trust, confidence and blessings of the rulers of Dubai. We do not just say 'thank you' for giving us the responsibility we thank them by working hard and bringing in results.

"There is no luck. Success is a result of sheer hard work. It is a combined effort and every effort counts."

DSF not only helps the emirate's economy and its tourism sector, it also boosts local employment, Al Naboudah said.

"We first hire students as volunteers, who then learn and gain experience in event management. Some of them join our team and take this as a career option.

"With DSF, our national workforce is proving they are capable of doing anything and are ready to undertake any challenges.

"What counts is our being in the field. Give us the opportunity, and we will prove our abilities."

He also emphasised the role of young female UAE nationals in his team.

"They have a large share in the success of DSF. We have successfully groomed some of them to be able to take up larger responsibilities," he said.

The million-dollar/dirham question for Al Naboudah, after three years at the helm of the DSF is he ready for a bigger responsibility?

"I do not know what the Government's plans are for me. Maybe I will be in charge of a new project. I am ready for anything, however. DSF has equipped me with necessary capabilities [to take on new responsibilities]."

A vision is a useless piece of paper unless transformed into reality. Dubai is working with vigour to realise its vision, while engaging all its energy.

To make sure this vision is a sustainable one, Dubai is also developing leaders who can preserve and enhance the unique niche it has carved out for itself in a competitive world. And the Dubai Shopping Festival is helping the emirate to cultivate top calibre leaders.