Emirati Human Resources Development Council in Dubai signs MoU with American University in Dubai
Launched by the AI Office to enhance the readiness of talents
H.E. Omar Sultan AlOlama: 'The UAE places empowering minds and talents at the core of its strategies and goals to develop the digital economy'.
H.E. Al-Falasi: 'Strengthening partnerships in the education sector is essential to empowering the UAE youth with cutting-edge skills and essential tools to keep pace with the rapid technological advancements.'
Dr. Long: 'This partnership signifies a strategic milestone in equipping Emirati students with digital skills that enhance their competitive edge in the global technology job market.'
Dubai, UAE: The Emirati Human Resources Development Council in Dubai has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the American University in Dubai (AUD) to empower 5,000 Emirati students over the next five years with digital skills and essential tools, enhancing their readiness to join leading global technology companies. The initiative also aims to develop their capabilities to contribute to advancing innovation in future technologies and the UAE's digital transformation.
The partnership aims to empower national talent through the 5,000 Digital Talents initiative, launched last year by the Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications Office in partnership with the Emirati Human Resources Development Council in Dubai, in line with the directives of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, and Chairman of the Higher Committee for Future Technology and Digital Economy. The partnership serves as an extension of the UAE government's efforts to build a sustainable digital economy that prioritises knowledge, technological innovation, and academic excellence, while also enhancing the national human capital.
The agreement was held in the presence of H.E. Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications and was signed by H.E. Abdullah Bin Zayed Al-Falasi, Deputy Chairman of the Council and Director General of Dubai Government Human Resources Department, and Dr. Kyle Long, President of AUD.
H.E. Omar Sultan Al Olama stated that the UAE places empowering minds and talents at the core of its strategies and goals to develop the digital economy under the guidance of its leadership. This commitment reflects the leadership's belief that its people are its most valuable asset and highlights its understanding that digital innovation, with artificial intelligence at its core, is key to shaping the future and driving sustainable growth.
H.E. Omar Sultan Al Olama stated that the UAE continues to strengthen the supportive environment for talents by launching initiatives and strategies that contribute to the UAE's global leadership and reinforce its position as a global hub for the digital economy.
H.E. Abdullah Bin Zayed Al-Falasi underlined how this strategic move is an integral part of the Council's dedication to developing local talent and equipping them to take the lead in the digital economy of the future. His Excellency also emphasised the significance of strengthening collaboration with the education sector, especially in digital fields, as a fundamental element in equipping Emirati youth with advanced capabilities and the necessary tools to stay current with the rapid advancements in technology. These efforts align with Dubai's ambitious vision of establishing itself as a global hub that fosters innovation and establishes a sustainable economic and developmental model based on knowledge and technology.
Dr. Kyle Long, President of AUD, said, "This MoU signifies a strategic step in empowering Emirati students with digital skills that enhance their competitive edge in the global technology job market. The American University in Dubai is committed to delivering comprehensive educational programs that are tailored to meet the demands of the digital economy. Likewise, we work with leading international technology businesses to integrate the newest technologies into our academic programs and provide students with practical training prospects. These initiatives aim to equip students with the essential skills needed to enhance their capabilities and make a lasting impact in the technological landscape."
The MoU seeks to develop a new generation of innovators to propel the nation's digital transformation by providing national talents with the necessary tools to improve their preparedness for leading prominent global technology companies. The agreement further establishes a framework for both parties to conduct informative workshops for students in their third and fourth years of technology-related disciplines, as well as intensive training programs to prepare them for the digital job market. In addition, it offers career coaching and guidance for students, assisting them in developing their digital professional profiles on social media platforms and increasing their chances of success in accordance with the expectations of the technology job market.
-Ends-
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The National
2 hours ago
- The National
Pioneering Emirati pilot on a mission to inspire as UAE women build for the future
The sky is the limit for a trailblazing Emirati woman hoping to inspire others to make their dreams take flight as she provides a crucial guiding hand in the success of a cutting-edge crewless aircraft made in the UAE. Mariam Al Mansoori recently etched her name in the history books when she became the first female citizen to remotely pilot the high-tech Garmoosha, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) used for surveillance and reconnaissance missions. The light aircraft was developed by Adasi, a subsidiary of defence conglomerate Edge, to act as a critical tool for armed forces by flying into hazardous areas to capture valuable information without putting a pilot's life at risk. Edge is one of the top 25 military suppliers in the world, known for investing heavily in innovation, smart weapons and emerging technology. Ms Al Mansoori, a senior production engineer at Adasi, was among the high-flying Emirati women to tell The National of their achievements to mark International Women in Engineering Day, celebrated on June 23 each year. 'I'm so proud of myself. Recently I achieved my dream. I became a UAV pilot for Garmoosha," said Ms Al Mansoori, who joined Adasi nearly a decade ago. "So I'm not only working as an engineer, I'm also a UAV pilot.' She has worked on Garmoosha from its earliest days, involved in its development, integration and testing, and now supervises its production line. 'It's amazing. You build it, then you see it fly and you have full control. That feeling is huge,' she said. 'Since the first day I joined Adasi, I had this plan, inshallah, one day I will become a pilot. Last week, I graduated.' She is now certified after completing ground school and 20 hours of field training. 'When you see Garmoosha flying and you're the one in control, it's something else," she said. Her success, she said, sends a message to young Emirati women: 'Women can work and achieve in all fields. Our role is not different than men's.' Leading from the front Mouza Al Zaabi, an engineer at Edge subsidiary PPI, works in the defence and oil and gas division. She leads complex repair projects from start to finish – from technical analysis to customer communication and delivery. 'As an engineer in a high-precision, high-stakes environment, every day is a learning opportunity,' she said. 'These challenges have shaped me, I've become more resilient and agile.' Ms Al Zaabi said her family have always been her foundation by offering their encouragement. 'They encouraged me and made me the proud Emirati woman I am today,' she said. 'Their belief gave me strength.' Her advice to anyone wanting to follow in her footsteps is: 'Always believe in yourself. Don't underestimate what you can bring. Engineering isn't about gender, it's about skill and passion.' Powering progress At Halcon, another Edge company that focuses on guided weapons systems, Aliya Al Jaberi works as an engineer in the power electronics department. She is responsible for designing how electricity is controlled and distributed across the company's advanced weapons platforms. 'I've been at Halcon for three years now,' she said. 'What fascinated me about electronics engineering is understanding how complex, critical systems work.' She acknowledges the challenges of working in a male-dominated field but sees it as an opportunity for growth, not limitation. 'It shaped me for the better,' she said. 'My advice to other women: trust yourself. Our country has invested in us, now it's time we give back.' Championing diversity Emirati women are also reshaping the workplace landscape at Ducab, one of the region's largest cable and wire manufacturers. Out of 99 engineers at Ducab, 16 are women, an encouraging number in an industry historically dominated by men. Ducab is a member of the Challenger Programme, a national initiative to increase gender diversity in heavy industry by improving workplace culture, leadership pipelines and company policies. Projects in the pipeline include gender audits, a culture toolkit and cross-organisational mentorship programmes. Gender should be no barrier Asal Alameri, an operational excellence engineer, sets performance standards and works on improving manufacturing processes across the company's cable production plants. 'It's a very fun and challenging field,' she said. 'Engineering isn't as physical or male-oriented as people think. It's about solving problems.' She joined Ducab through a student sponsorship while studying at Higher Colleges of Technology. Her sister who is also an engineer, paved the way. 'She taught me things I didn't know – like how GPA [grade point average] works from the first semester, or the importance of attendance and first impressions,' Ms Alameri said. 'That made a difference.' While cable production is still machinery-heavy, she says the engineering teams are increasingly balanced. 'Maybe not 50-50 yet, but women are excelling in every department,' she said. 'It's not about quantity, but quality.' Rising to the challenge Shaima Ali, senior material engineer at Ducab, manages the raw materials that power the company's products – from copper and aluminium to specialised polymers. 'My background is chemical engineering,' she said. 'I can apply that to choosing the right materials and understanding how they affect quality and performance.' She began as a trainee engineer, moved into manufacturing, and now leads material selection and compliance, ensuring all materials meet regulatory and technical standards. 'It's never boring. There's always a new challenge,' she said. 'But the most exciting part is seeing how AI and technology are transforming our roles. "For example, we used to do reports manually. Now, with a few inputs, the system generates them automatically, saving 50 per cent of our time.' Her message: 'Believe in your potential. Don't let stereotypes define your path. Engineering needs diverse minds.' Shama Almarzooqi, also at Ducab, is a senior operational excellence engineer currently preparing to pursue a doctorate in artificial intelligence and sustainability in manufacturing. She joined the company in 2020 after being sponsored as a student in 2018. Since then, she has rotated through various roles from process engineering to manufacturing and now excellence optimisation. 'I'm a progress person,' she said. 'I already finished my Master's, and now I'm working on my research for a PhD. I'm thinking about how AI can make manufacturing more sustainable.' Her job involves analysing production data to reduce costs and improve quality. She works closely with departments across Abu Dhabi and Dubai. 'It's not a desk job,' she said. 'I move between departments and sites. Sometimes it's exhausting, especially in the summer, but when I see the results, I feel proud.' Among her recent accomplishments was helping to develop an AI tool to track production output and plan machine maintenance, reducing downtime and improving performance. 'It's a powerful feeling,' she said. 'It shows how data and innovation can create real value.' When she first told her family she wanted to become an engineer, it was a surprise for them. 'I was the first woman in my family to choose this path. It was a challenge just to explain it to them,' she said. 'But once I started, they gave me the strength to keep going.' Her advice to others: 'Engineering isn't just about machines or maths. It's about shaping the future. If you're curious and determined and want to make an impact, this is your path.'
Al Etihad
10 hours ago
- Al Etihad
Emirati women engineers ‘break barriers, lead with strength' in industrial sector
22 June 2025 22:20 Mays Ibrahim (ABU DHABI)Curiosity, determination, and a willingness to step into uncharted territory have propelled Emirati women engineers to break into roles once thought unconventional. On International Women in Engineering Day, Aletihad spoke to Emirati women who are managing complex industrial operations and driving technological innovation at Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA). Lubna Qasem, Senior Supervisor in the Potlines, Reduction team at EGA, began her journey with childhood curiosity and a strong interest in problem solving, which drove her into the field of engineering. 'I have grown both technically and as a leader through hands-on experience in operations and continuous learning. Working in a demanding environment like the potline has helped me develop resilience and confidence, allowing my career to flourish.'Qasem is the first female graduate engineer in the potline section of EGA's operations and the first women to work shifts at EGA Jebel Ali. 'At first, it was a bit intimidating because I knew I was stepping into new territory,' she said. 'But I also felt proud and determined to pave the way for other Emirati women to follow. It motivated me to work harder and show that we belong in every part of the engineering field. Over time, it became an inspiring experience that made me more confident.'She attributed her growth to EGA's supportive environment - which provided her with technical training and leadership development - along with her own confidence and commitment to learning and taking on new challenges. 'My advice to young Emirati women aspiring to become engineers is to have confidence in their abilities and pursue their passion with determination. Engineering is a field that thrives on innovation, critical thinking, and creativity,' Qasem said. 'Women should not be discouraged by challenges or stereotypes. Our unique perspectives are valuable, and our contributions can help shape a better future for our community and the world. It is important to remain curious, continue learning, and know that there is a place for us in engineering.'Setting Standards, Driving Innovation Nawal Alhammadi, Senior Supervisor in Shift, Energy team, would always start her day by ensuring a smooth transition between operational shifts at EGA. Alhammadi never imagined herself working 12-hour shifts in an industrial role, but taking the leap uncovered her true potential.'Each challenge I face is not just a test of skill, but a declaration that Emirati women are breaking barriers, setting standards, and leading with strength,' she said.'I am part of a new era, where we don't just contribute to change, we define it. We are the architects of a future built on courage, driven by purpose, and limitless in possibility.'With more than 17 years of experience at EGA, Nadia Ahli now serves as the Director of Smelting Development Projects in the Technology Development and Transfer after earning a degree in chemical engineering in 2008, Ahli joined EGA's Technology Development and Transfer department as a graduate passion for tackling technological challenges and driving innovation quickly propelled her into she leads three major areas: Reduction, Carbon, and Cell Lining, overseeing a diverse team of 24 professionals from various nationalities and technical backgrounds. Her proudest moment? Leading the deployment of EGA's proprietary DX+ Ultra smelting technology at Aluminium Bahrain (ALBA) in 2018, where she was the only woman among 11 engineers and the only female working in operational smelter areas. 'This milestone not only showcased EGA's technological leadership but also highlighted the UAE's commitment to empowering women in industrial sectors,' she said. Ahli credited EGA's leadership for its unwavering support, trust, and guidance, empowering her to take on leading roles and consistently strive for excellence. 'I hope to inspire future generations by demonstrating that women can lead, manage, and deliver exceptional results on major industrial projects – both within the UAE and internationally,' she said.
Al Etihad
10 hours ago
- Al Etihad
Meet Emirati women making a green impact on urban innovation
22 June 2025 22:10 MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)Amid rapid development and evolving climate risks, Emirati women engineers are stepping up to advance the UAE's carbon neutrality goals. Putting sustainability at the core of urban innovation, they blend heritage design with climate science and cutting-edge the occasion of International Women in Engineering Day (INWED), celebrated annually on June 23, Aletihad spoke to Emirati women engineers who are helping bring the UAE's sustainability vision to her role, Amna Saeed Alzaabi, Senior Analyst in Design Management, Sustainable Real Estate at Masdar City, contributes to aligning urban development with national climate goals.'My work involves managing the design of high-performance, low-carbon buildings that integrate sustainable technologies with traditional climate-responsive design,' she explained. Alzaabi ensures that every project adheres to Masdar City's stringent environmental standards, while also confirming to broader frameworks like Estidama, LEED, and the UAE Net Zero 2050 strategy. 'I work closely with architects, engineers, and sustainability consultants to help shape developments that serve as replicable models for other urban centres in the region and globally,' she said. Alzaabi believes that 'true sustainability starts with climate-responsive design, not just high-tech solutions'.She noted that elements rooted in traditional Emirati architecture, such as natural ventilation, shading, and thick walls, inspired much of the engineering work at Masdar City. 'We use these concepts to reduce energy use by keeping buildings cool without relying heavily on air-conditioning,' Alzaabi said. 'By blending these age-old techniques with modern technology, we create sustainable buildings that respect our heritage while meeting today's environmental goals.'Combining smart technology with passive design can help reduce energy use in buildings to support sustainable urban growth, according to Alzaabi.'Things like advanced building materials, energy modelling, and adaptive shading can make buildings more comfortable and efficient,' she said.'At Masdar City, we're also working on improving cooling systems and creating buildings that produce more energy than they use. These ideas can change how cities are built in hot climates and serve as examples for others to follow.'Alzaabi advises aspiring Emirati women pursuing careers in sustainability engineering to say curious and believe in their ability to make an impact. 'These fields need diverse voices to shape resilient, future-ready cities. Seek out mentors to support you on your journey, embrace learning, and don't be afraid to lead. Sustainability isn't just a goal; it's a mindset, and your perspective is vital to building a better world,' she said. Turning Blueprints Green Aisha Alkindi, Sustainability Manager at Al-Futtaim Real Estate, works on embedding sustainability into the very blueprint of large-scale property developments. 'This starts at the blueprint stage, influencing everything from energy-efficient designs, indoor environment compliances, waste management and water conservation strategies to the selection of sustainable materials and the implementation of robust waste management programmes, ensuring that the implementations are being carried out and sharing the results to all our stakeholders,' she said. 'We're creating places where residents experience a tangible difference - healthier indoor environments, abundant green spaces, and lower utility bills thanks to smart design and technology - across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt.' Balancing green goals with the fast pace of development in the UAE requires a strategic and integrated approach, according to Alkindi.'We achieve this by integrating sustainability directly into our business strategy. We began by conducting comprehensive baseline assessments through various sustainability audits, allowing us to tailor our strategies accordingly,' she said. 'This approach includes investing in advanced green building technologies, optimising designs for passive cooling and natural lighting, and exploring renewable energy solutions that are both environmentally sustainable and economically feasible.'Sustainable practices not only benefit the environment; they enhance property value, reduce operational costs, and align with the evolving expectations of customers and regulators, she noted. Alkindi believes that economic progress must go hand in hand with environmental stewardship. 'Seeing the remarkable growth and vision of the UAE, I felt a strong call to ensure this development is built on a foundation of responsibility and foresight,' she said. Sharing a reminder and a piece of advice to young Emirati women, Alkindi said: 'Your unique perspective is vital in shaping sustainable urban spaces. Champion green initiatives in your communities, advocate for eco-conscious policies, and inspire future generations to build cities that thrive in harmony with nature.'
