Incubating future talent as conduits of GCC culture

From cultural influencers like Shakespeare, Michelangelo, Mozart, Gandhi, Paolo Coelho, Mark Zuckerberg and the late Steve Jobs to collective societies such as the Japanese, Chinese, Indian and Western societies I believe people have the ability to act as powerful conduits of everything that shapes their respective societies. I would add to Professor Abdulkhaleq Abdulla’s view that more than culture, art, media and political influence, the Gulf states should earnestly endeavour to focus more on the development and subsequently empowerment of potential local and Arab talent taking advantage of the wealth of available resources as well as the huge strides that the GCC has achieved in various sectors. By so doing, we are nurturing a generation of regional and global ambassadors. This is nothing new to large corporations who have adopted this strategy subtly yet effectively through specialised ‘development programmes’, ‘student exchange’ programmes as well as through what is known as ‘cultural diplomacy’ initiatives. The UAE in particular is in a strong position more than ever to lead this approach and His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai announced last year that the country has reversed the ‘brain drain’ phenomenon, which has for long ailed the Arab world can only further reinforce both the opportunity and responsibility the country has to grow regional ambassadors to the world. From Mr Abdul Muttalib Al Hashemi People and workforce development specialist based in Dubai