The Dubai Financial Services Authority has announced the launch of its 2025 Graduate Programme, targeting Emirati graduates and final-year students aspiring to build careers in financial regulation. Set to commence in September 2025, the two-year initiative aims to equip participants with practical skills and global perspectives essential for the evolving financial services sector.
Fadel Al Ali, Chairman of the DFSA, emphasised the programme’s role in fostering national talent. He stated, “Empowering and investing in young UAE’s national talent is a priority for the DFSA. However, our Graduate Programme is more than a training initiative – it is a platform to prepare the next generation of financial services professionals who will ensure that the UAE’s financial sector remains innovative, resilient, and globally competitive.”
Since its inception in 2006, the DFSA Graduate Programme has been instrumental in developing Emirati professionals in the financial regulatory domain. The 2025 iteration continues this legacy by offering structured training that combines theoretical knowledge with on-the-job experience. Participants will rotate across various regulatory divisions, including Supervision, Enforcement, Markets, Strategy & Risk, and Policy & Legal, providing a comprehensive understanding of the DFSA’s operations.
Aisha Emara, a programme alumna and now Senior Manager in Markets, Strategy & Risk at the DFSA, highlighted the programme’s impact on her career. “The DFSA Graduate Programme is the perfect transition from academia to the work environment – as the comprehensive training pathway combines both theoretical and on-the-job experience. The programme also provides the opportunity to learn from talented and experienced international regulators,” she remarked.
The DFSA’s commitment to nurturing Emirati talent aligns with broader national objectives to strengthen the UAE’s position as a global financial hub. By investing in the development of skilled regulators, the programme supports the integrity and resilience of the financial sector within the Dubai International Financial Centre .
Applications for the 2025 Graduate Programme are open until 30 June 2025. Eligible candidates include UAE nationals who have recently graduated or are nearing the completion of their studies. The selection process aims to identify individuals with the potential to contribute meaningfully to the DFSA’s mission of ensuring fair, transparent, and well-regulated financial services.
The DFSA continues to adapt its programmes to meet the dynamic needs of the financial industry. By integrating practical training with exposure to international regulatory practices, the Graduate Programme prepares participants to navigate the complexities of modern financial systems and contribute to the UAE’s economic development.