The Mohammed Bin Rashid Program for Leadership Development (MBRPLD), an innovative leadership program aimed at developing national leaders who are willing and able to promote the sustainable development of the UAE, has announced that participants of its Young Leaders Program have recently arrived in Seattle, USA for the final leg of their international educational tour.

Held under the theme "Dubai Opening," the week-long Seattle visit, which follows a highly successful stopover in Fontainebleau, France, gathers prominent US personalities including top officials of various global firms as well as the Deputy Mayor of Seattle and the Seattle City Council President, who will serve as keynote speakers. Delegates will participate in various workshops, seminars and site tours during their stay in Seattle.

One of the key topics to be discussed in the seminars is an overview of the factors that has made Seattle one of the top cities to live and work in the USA, including its geography, demography, political structure, economy and cultural diversity, among others. The delegates also attended a seminar on the topic 'Managing a global city' with the Honourable Richard Conlin, President of Seattle City Council, as speaker.

The participants also had a dinner meeting with Martin Sina Road, Boeing Vice President for Sales, who discussed the future of the aviation industry in the Middle East and the impact of Boeing's projects in Dubai. During the meeting, the Boeing executive revealed plans to double the airline's fleet in the Middle East by 2026 and also highlighted the key role played by Dubai through its multi-billion dollar investments in the overall development of the aviation industry.

"Our US hosts have prepared thoroughly and have invited high-level officials from both the government and private sectors as guest speakers. We have prepared a busy schedule of activities covering diverse field visits to highlight the concept of global management of cities, focusing on infrastructure and urban planning, research and development centres and the relationship of public, private and governmental excellence and sustainable development plans," said Adel Al Shared, MBRPLD Director and Executive Council Director of National's Development.

The high degree of detail involved in the preparation of the itinerary has been very impressive. The delegates from the Government Leaders level will definitely learn much from this trip, particularly with regards to their future roles in managing a global city such as Dubai," he concluded.