UAE-India Leaders Program
Strategic Initiative by Zayed Education Foundation
Delivered in Partnership with Authentica
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- Program Type
Leadership Development Program
- Location
India, UAE
- Suitable Professions
Emirati professionals & postgraduate students
- Cost
Fully Funded – Zero cost to participants
Program Overview
The Zayed Education Foundation invites exceptional Emirati professionals and postgraduate students to join an elite cohort that will shape the future of UAE-India relations. This prestigious, fully-funded program combines immersive learning in India with high-level networking to build the next generation of bilateral leaders.
Program Snapshot
Component | India Tour | UAE |
|---|---|---|
Duration | 2 Weeks | 2-8 Weeks |
Total Hours | 60 hours of content | 30 hours over 2-8 weeks |
Delivery Format | In person | Online + In person |
Combined Sessions | NA | 12 Hours |
Track-Specific Sessions | 60 Hours | 18 Hours |
Benefits of Joining UAE-India Leaders Program
- Program Support
- Business Class Flights to India via Emirates
- 5-Star Accommodation throughout the program
- All Meals including halal options and cultural dining experiences
- Complete Logistics including local transportation and site visits
- Zero Cost to participants or their organizations
- World-Class Education
- 90 Hours of premium executive education content
- Expert Faculty from leading Indian institutions
- Exclusive Access to government officials, CEOs, and cultural leaders
- Hands-on Projects with real-world impact potential
- Certificate of Completion from this prestigious government initiative
- Elite Networking
- Direct Access to India’s top policymakers and business leaders
- Lifelong Connections with fellow UAE rising stars
- Alumni Network for ongoing collaboration opportunities
- Mentorship from established UAE-India relationship builders
Key Program Elements
Participate in Specialized Track Learning
- Track 1: International Relations – Focusing on geopolitical strategy and diplomatic solutions
- Track 2: Science, Technology & Sustainability – Exploring innovation and technological partnerships
- Track 3: Arts, Culture & Architecture – Experiencing India’s creative industries and cultural diplomacy
Engage with Strategic Leaders and Institutions
- Exclusive meetings with India’s top policymakers and government officials
- Site visits to leading Indian institutions
- Direct access to business leaders across various sectors
- Interaction with cultural leaders and creative industry professionals
Themed Tracks
Program Overview
This leadership program focuses on equipping Emirati mid-level professionals with a strategic understanding of India’s geopolitical positioning, economic policies, and its evolving ties with the UAE. Through a combination of immersive experiences in India and follow-up sessions in the UAE, participants will develop a comprehensive understanding of India’s role in global affairs and identify opportunities to strengthen UAE-India relations.
Total Hours of content:
90 (India Tour: 60 hours / UAE Sessions: 30 hours)
Perfect for:
Government officials, policy analysts, diplomatic corps, international business professionals and professionals from global business development
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this program, participants will be able to:
- Analyze key themes in India’s current role and position in world affairs
- Understand the historical and economic factors shaping India’s international relations
- Evaluate economic, political and social aspects of India’s global policies
- Interpret significant elements of UAE-India relations
- Recommend policy steps to significantly advance UAE’s relations with India
Program Itinerary
Part 1: Two-Week India Tour Curriculum
Locations:
Week 1: Delhi and Agra (Days 1-7)
Week 2: Delhi and Mumbai (Days 8-14)
DAY 1 & 2
Arrival in New Delhi for Orientation, Introductory Sessions, Welcome Dinner
Understand program objectives and setup agenda
DAY 3
Delhi: Immersive Cultural Tour
Understand India’s cultural diversity through city immersion
DAY 4
Visit leading companies such as Infosys, HDFC, Ola Cabs and interact with experts
Understand aspects of of Indian economy and business
DAY 5
Visit Think tanks such as IDSA, FICCI, CII and ICRIER and reflect
Understand India in world affairs
DAY 6 & 7
Visit Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Wildlife SOS and Sheroes Cafe
Understand history, society, and culture through cultural immersions and visits
DAY 8
Arrival in Mumbai
Reflect and Synthesize
DAY 9
Mumbai: Immersive Cultural Tour
Understand India’s commercial capital and colonial heritage
DAY 10
Visit startups, social enterprises & NGOs such as Dabbawallas, Udaan India Foundation, Mirakle Couriers
Learn about social entrepreneurship and inclusive development
DAY 11
Dharavi immersion to understand entrepreneurship in urban slums
Understand urban development challenges and opportunities
DAY 12
Participant Presentations and Free time for shopping/leisureÂ
Synthesize learnings and reflection to present the strategies
DAY 13
Wrap up and Reflection Sessions, Farewell Dinner
Consolidate findings and wrap up the study tour
DAY 14
Departure day
Reflect and Synthesize
- Activity
- Learning Value
Part 2: UAE Component (30 hours over 2-8 weeks)
Combined Sessions (12 hours)
- Pre-Departure Orientation (3 hours)
- UAE-India Relations: Strategic Overview (3 hours)
- Session on India’s Economy: UAE Perspective (3 hours)
- Program Integration and Way Forward (3 hours)
Track-Specific Sessions (18 hours)
- Cross-Cultural Leadership Workshop (3 hours)
- India-UAE Relations: Challenges and Prospects (3 hours)
- India’s Global Relations (3 hours)
- Historical and Social Factors in Foreign Relations (3 hours)
- Ideas Exchange Workshop (3 hours)
- Final Presentations Preparation (3 hours)
Final Component
- Final Presentations (Full Day)
- Networking Farewell Dinner
Program Overview
This leadership program enables Emirati mid-level professionals to explore India’s advancements in technology, energy, and sustainability while identifying potential UAE-India collaboration opportunities. Through immersive experiences in Delhi, Agra, and Bangalore, combined with follow-up sessions in the UAE, participants will gain comprehensive insights into India’s innovation landscape and develop actionable proposals to enhance bilateral cooperation in science, technology, and sustainability.
Total Hours of content:
90 (India Tour: 60 hours / UAE Sessions: 30 hours)
Perfect for:
Engineers, researchers, sustainability professionals, tech entrepreneurs, healthcare specialists
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this program, participants will be able to:
- Analyze India’s progress and challenges in food security, water management, and sustainable agriculture
- Evaluate India’s contributions to global technological advancements, particularly in IT and space technology
- Understand India’s energy landscape, including its shift towards renewable sources and nuclear energy
- Assess the environmental challenges faced by India and its strategies to combat climate change
- Evaluate the potential areas of collaboration between UAE and India in science, technology, and sustainability
Program Itinerary
Part 1: Two-Week India Tour Curriculum
Locations:
Week 1: Delhi and Agra (Days 1-7)
Week 2: Bangalore (Days 8-14)
DAY 1 & 2
Arrival in New Delhi
Orientation, Introductory Sessions, Welcome Dinner
Understand program objectives and setup agenda
DAY 3
Visit to Sehgal Foundation
Visit cyber city and tech companies
Understand the contrast between rural and urban India and Learn about IT sector and its growth
DAY 4
Visit organizations such as ISROÂ
Understand India’s space program and future plans
DAY 5
Visit research institutes and interact with experts from IIT Delhi, CSIR
Understand agricultural innovation and cutting edge research
DAY 6 & 7
Visit organizations for water management in Agra such as Yamuna River Restoration Project
Understand environmental challenges and restoration efforts
DAY 8
Visit the Taj Mahal & Agra Fort, travel to Bangalore
Understand historical architecture and sustainable preservation techniques
DAY 9
Visit to IT industry and Global Technology Leadership
Learn about India's transformation into global technology powerhouse and enterprise solutions
DAY 10
Visits Research and innovation centres
Understand cutting-edge research capabilities and business innovation strategies
DAY 11
Bangalore city Immersion and visit organization working on food security
Understand architecture and culture in Bangalore
Visit organizations such as Akshay Patra, Hariyali seeds working on food security and sustainability
DAY 12
Startup Ecosystem and Technology Entrepreneurship
Learn India's vibrant startup culture and technology commercialization
DAY 13
Wrap up and Reflection Sessions
Farewell Dinner
Consolidate and reflect on the study immersionÂ
DAY 14
Departure day
Reflect and Synthesize
- Activity
- Learning Value
Part 2: UAE Component (30 hours over 2-8 weeks)
Combined Sessions (12 hours)
• Pre-Departure Orientation (3 hours)
• UAE-India Strategic Partnership in Technology (3 hours)
• Cross-Cultural Innovation Workshop (3 hours)
• Program Integration and Future Directions (3 hours)
Track-Specific Sessions (18 hours)
• Food Security and Agriculture (3 hours)
• Information Technology and Digital Transformation (3 hours)
• Renewable Energy Innovations (3 hours)
• Space Technology and Applications (3 hours)
• Innovation Ecosystem and Entrepreneurship (3 hours)
• Building Bridges: Presentation Preparation (3 hours)
Final Component
- Final Presentations (Full Day)
- Networking Farewell Dinner
Program Overview
This leadership program deepens participants’ appreciation of India’s global cultural resonance and soft power, creative industries, and architectural heritage, with a view to strengthening UAE-India cultural ties. Through immersive experiences in Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, and Pune, combined with follow-up sessions in the UAE, participants will gain comprehensive insights into India’s rich cultural landscape and develop actionable proposals to enhance bilateral cooperation in arts, culture, and architecture.
Total Hours of content:
90 (India Tour: 60 hours / UAE Sessions: 30 hours)
Perfect for:
Cultural professionals, architects, media specialists, tourism experts, creative industry leaders
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this program, participants will be able to:
- Analyze how India’s cultural, linguistic and religious diversity, different forms of art and expressions, and medieval and modern architecture shape the country’s identity and influence its global standing
- Evaluate the contemporary cultural landscape of India and its influence on global creative industries
- Understand the historical development and preservation challenges of India’s architectural monuments and heritage sites
- Interpret the role of arts and culture in India’s soft power diplomacy and international relations
- Recommend strategies for enhancing UAE-India cultural cooperation and exchange in creative sectors
Program Itinerary
Part 1: Two-Week India Tour Curriculum
Locations:
Week 1: Delhi and Agra (Days 1-7)
Week 2: Mumbai and Pune (Days 8-14)
DAY 1 & 2
Arrival in New Delhi
Orientation, Introductory Sessions, Welcome Dinner to understand program objectives and setup agenda
DAY 3
Visit Kathak Kendra to understand classical art
Understand classical forms of art in India and experience the same
DAY 4
Visit leading companies Visit Lotus Temple & Qutub Minar to explore Delhi architecture
Understand diverse religious structure from past and present
DAY 5
Visit Sahitya Akadami & National School of Drama to understand literature and theatre
Understand literary and theatrical traditions in India
DAY 6 & 7
Travel to Agra to visit Taj Mahal and Agra Fort and attend workshop on marble painting
Travel to Agra to understand Indo-islamic art forms and technique
DAY 8
Visit to film studios (Red Chillies, Film City) and participate in Bollywood Dance workshop
Understand India's film industry and experience dance class
DAY 9
Heritage walks in South Mumbai
Understanding Indo-Saracenic architectural style and colonial influence
DAY 10
Visit Jahangir Art Gallery & Prithvi TheatreÂ
Understand contemporary art and institutions that teaches the same
DAY 11
Visit NIFT, Sabyasachi, Fab India to understand fashion industries
Understand fashion and textile industry of India and its impact on trading
DAY 12
Pune city immersion
Understand different type of architectural style and learn about film archives
DAY 13
Wrap up and Reflection Sessions
Farewell Dinner
Consolidate findings and wrap up the study tour
DAY 14
Departure day
Depart from India to travel back to Abu Dhabi
- Activity
- Learning Value
Part 2: UAE Component (30 hours over 2-8 weeks)
Combined Sessions (12 hours)
• Pre-Departure Orientation (3 hours)
• UAE-India Cultural Relations: Strategic Overview (3 hours)
• Cross-Cultural Creative Industries Workshop (3 hours)
• Program Integration and Cultural Diplomacy (3 hours)
Track-Specific Sessions (18 hours)
• Indian Classical Arts and Music (3 hours)
• Indian Literature and Theatre (3 hours)
• Bollywood and Indian Cinema (3 hours)
• Indian Architecture Through Ages (3 hours)
• Indian Textiles and Fashion (3 hours)
• Cultural Diplomacy and Soft Power (3 hours)
Final Component
- Final Presentations (Full Day)
- Networking Farewell Dinner
Program Highlights
Visit Public Sector offices
Visit Organizations and Business hubs
Visit cultural heritage sites
Visit Organizations and Business Hubs
Visit Public Sector Offices
Visit Cultural Heritage Sites
Visit Cultural Heritage Site
Visit Organizations and Business Hubs
Visit Cultural Heritage Site
Eligibility & Application
- Mid-Level Professionals (3-10 years experience)
- Government officials and public sector leaders
- Corporate executives and business development professionals
- Healthcare, engineering, and technology specialists
- Cultural sector professionals and creative industry leaders
- Postgraduate Students
- Final-year undergraduates with exceptional academic records
- Master’s and PhD students in relevant fields
- Young professionals transitioning between education and career
Cost
Inclusions
Business class flights via Emirates
5-star accommodation
All meals including halal options
Complete logistics including local transportation and site visits
24/7 emergency support and program coordination
All workshop materials and educational resources
FAQs About the Program
Active participation and attendance are mandatory for all program components, including both the India tour and UAE sessions. Participants who miss more than 10% of the program may not receive their completion certificate or have their final proposals considered for endorsement. The immersive nature of this executive education program means that missed sessions cannot be effectively made up.
Participants are expected to attend all scheduled sessions on time, contribute meaningfully to discussions, complete assigned pre-readings and reflective assignments, and engage respectfully with guest speakers, site hosts, and fellow participants. Cultural immersion experiences require both physical presence and mental engagement with openness, curiosity, and respect.
The program is committed to providing an inclusive environment. Halal food options will be available at all program meals, prayer facilities will be accessible during program hours, and reasonable accommodations will be made for participants with documented dietary, religious, or accessibility needs. Specific requirements should be communicated to program coordinators in advance.
Appropriate attire is required for visiting religious and cultural sites. Specific guidelines will be provided before each visit, and participants must respect local customs regarding dress, particularly at religious sites where head coverings or removal of footwear may be required. Photography and social media policies vary across sites, so always seek permission before taking photos or videos.
Cultural sites and institutions in India vary in terms of accessibility. The program balances authentic cultural experiences with participant comfort and accessibility needs. Where physical accessibility challenges exist at historical sites, alternative experiences or viewing options will be provided wherever possible.
All participants must maintain the highest standards of professional integrity, engage in respectful dialogue even when disagreeing, honor confidentiality of sensitive information, properly attribute ideas to original sources, and represent their organizations and countries with dignity. Cultural sensitivity and appropriate etiquette are essential during site visits.
Photography and social media sharing policies vary across cultural sites and performances. You must always seek permission before taking photographs or videos, particularly of individuals, and respect restrictions at religious sites and during certain performances. Specific guidelines will be provided for each location.
If unavoidable circumstances arise, you must notify program coordinators immediately. The program provides 24/7 emergency support throughout the India tour. However, due to the intensive nature of the program, making up missed sessions is not possible, and significant absences may affect completion requirements.
Approach each cultural experience with openness, curiosity, and respect. Recognize that discomfort and unfamiliarity are valuable parts of the intercultural learning process. Complete all assigned pre-readings and be prepared to engage meaningfully with the cultural contexts you’ll encounter.
All participants will be accommodated in carefully selected 5-star hotels during the India tour, ensuring high standards of quality, service, and comfort throughout the program.
Ready To Take Action?
This is your opportunity to join an exclusive cohort that will shape UAE-India relations for decades to come.
Email: sanhita@authentica.com
Subject: Application – UAE-India Leaders Program [Track Name]