Leadership Competencies for Future Leaders in Dubai Government Organisations

Abstract

Leadership is identified as a critical element for the success of an organisation. With the rapid economic development that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has witnessed in the past three decades, leadership is becoming an increasingly significant factor to the development and future of organisations. Leadership plays a pivotal role in aligning organisational vision with long-term objectives, especially in the public sector, where leaders are responsible for leading change, fostering innovation, and improving performance. Preparing future leaders in Dubai Government organisations therefore requires a shift toward advanced competencies that enable leaders to navigate technological disruption, shifting societal expectations, and increasing institutional complexity. This conceptual paper explores the core competencies essential for future government leaders, drawing on contemporary leadership theories and emerging trends in public‑sector transformation. This paper discusses digital fluency, strategic foresight, ethical governance, agility, and innovation‑driven problem‑solving as foundational capabilities for advancing Dubai’s long-term transformation agenda. These competencies reflect the evolving nature of public service delivery, where leaders are required to operate in dynamic, interconnected, and digitally‑enabled governance systems. Through synthesizing recent scholarly literature and government best practices, the paper examines the leadership competencies most relevant to the future of Dubai Government. It emphasizes the importance of structured leadership development systems in preparing future‑ready leaders who can strengthen institutional resilience, enhance organisational performance, and maintain competitiveness across government entities. The study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by presenting a forward‑looking perspective on public‑sector leadership, and providing a conceptual foundation for designing leadership programs that strengthen readiness, adaptability, and future competitiveness across government entities.