The Department of Government Enablement – Abu Dhabi (DGE) has honoured more than 400 Abu Dhabi Government directors and section heads at a graduation ceremony of The Drive Program. The four-month programme is designed to strengthen interdepartmental relationships and enable a future-ready, next generation government.
Launched by DGE in November 2023, The Drive Program was developed in collaboration with multiple Abu Dhabi government entities, with input from learning and development professionals across the government. The programme is designed as a transformative journey aimed at enhancing leadership skills, behavioural competencies, and performance management across all Abu Dhabi Government Entities (ADGEs), while focusing on elevating professionalism, fostering partnerships and strengthening team collaboration.
Participants engaged in a wide range of activities, including intensive workshops, networking sessions with communities of solvers, group coaching and mentoring, individual projects, case studies and thought leadership sessions. These activities provided a platform for government leaders to break down silos, build connections across departments and cultivate a united vision for Abu Dhabi’s future.
The graduation ceremony opened with a keynote address by His Excellency Dr Yasir Al Naqbi, Director General of GovAcademy at DGE, followed by a panel discussion on the experiences and insights from the programme.
Dr Yasir Al Naqbi said: “The Drive Program is ambitious and broad in scope—it equips leaders across Abu Dhabi Government entities with the practical skills and vision they need to transform Abu Dhabi’s Government into a future global leader. Participating in The Drive Program is a commitment to the future of our government and the people we serve.
“The programme was created to develop government directors and section heads that can face challenges with flexibility, lead with empathy and inspire others to overcome obstacles. We are building leaders who understand that leadership is not just about giving directions but about empowering others to lead alongside them.”
Looking ahead, additional cohorts of directors and section heads will join the ongoing Drive Program, embarking on a similar transformative journey to acquire advanced leadership skills essential for meeting and surpassing the priorities of the Abu Dhabi Government.
As part of its broader mission, DGE is committed to empowering the next generation of talent in Abu Dhabi's public sector. By developing programmes like The Drive, DGE aims to build a resilient and capable leadership pipeline that is equipped to navigate future challenges and drive sustainable growth. Through continuous investment in skills development, mentorship and innovative learning experiences, DGE strives to ensure that Abu Dhabi’s leaders of tomorrow are prepared to advance the emirate's strategic vision and uphold its commitment to excellence in governance.
