flydubai launches 9-month leadership programmes to build future-ready talent
New initiatives target executives and managers across the organization as workforce surpasses 6,700 employees
DUBAI – flydubai has unveiled two new leadership development programmes aimed at accelerating internal talent growth, strengthening leadership capability and embedding a high-performance, values-driven culture across the organisation.
The initiatives form part of the airline’s long-term people strategy as it continues to expand its operations and workforce. Both programmes are structured as nine-month blended learning journeys focused on translating strategy into measurable business impact.
The newly launched initiatives comprise an Executive Leadership Programme for senior leaders and a Management Training Programme for mid-level managers. In their first year, the Executive Leadership Programme will enrol 18 members of flydubai’s executive leadership team, while the Management Training Programme will support the development of 120 managers across the organisation. Together, they are designed to create a sustainable leadership pipeline that supports the airline’s operational growth and transformation agenda.
Executive focus
The Executive Leadership Programme is targeted at vice presidents and senior vice presidents, with a focus on strengthening strategic leadership, executive presence and innovation capability. The programme combines immersive learning sessions with executive coaching aligned to flydubai’s growth priorities. It is structured to build a consistent and standardised executive leadership culture, with an emphasis on driving operational performance, enhancing customer experience and enabling AI-driven innovation across the business.
Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, said the programmes reflect the airline’s commitment to investing in its people. He noted that structured leadership development plays a critical role in translating strategy into action and supporting sustained growth. Al Ghaith added that the initiatives are closely aligned with Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33 and wider talent development strategies, supporting the emirate’s ambition to rank among the world’s leading cities for business, innovation and quality of life.
Management engine
The Management Training Programme has been positioned as the operational engine of flydubai’s organisational transformation. It is designed to equip senior managers and managers with the skills required to act as performance multipliers and cultural ambassadors within their teams. The programme focuses on shifting leadership mindsets from task execution to team enablement, while strengthening communication, accountability and the operational delivery of strategy through clear ownership and performance outcomes.
Nasser Binkherbash, Senior Vice President of Human Resources at flydubai, said the programmes were built to develop leaders at every level of the organisation. He highlighted the emphasis on real-world application and cultural alignment, noting that the approach is intended to foster a work environment where employees are empowered to perform, grow and lead with confidence. According to Binkherbash, the initiatives support both day-to-day operational leadership and long-term strategic direction.
People strategy
Both leadership programmes will run annually and form a core pillar of flydubai’s broader people development strategy. The airline aims to ensure continuity in leadership capability as it continues to scale its network, operations and workforce. By embedding leadership development into its organisational framework, flydubai is seeking to support long-term transformation while maintaining alignment with its values and performance objectives.
Now in its 17th year of operations, flydubai employs more than 6,700 colleagues representing 144 nationalities. The airline continues to undertake recruitment across multiple departments, supporting steady workforce growth and reinforcing its commitment to developing internal talent alongside future expansion plans.