Adnoc’s executive leadership, chaired by Dr Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Managing Director and Group CEO of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc), convened in Al Dhannah City to discuss key priorities and strategic projects as the company grows its diversified portfolio to ensure a secure, reliable and responsible supply of energy to support a just, orderly and equitable global energy transition.

Dr Al Jaber highlighted how 2024 will be an important year for Adnoc to deliver on its mandate to transform, decarbonise and future-proof its business, in line with the directives of the UAE’s wise leadership and the Adnoc Board. He stated that the increased investment for landmark decarbonisation projects, technology and lower-carbon solutions to $23 billion (Dhs84.4 billion) has bolstered Adnoc’s position as a global energy transition leader, and will support the Company as it delivers on its industry-leading Net Zero by 2045 ambition.

Speaking following the two-day offsite meeting, Dr. Al Jaber said, “2024 is an important year for Adnoc as we further transform, decarbonise and future-proof our business. We have been entrusted to prioritise transformational growth, accelerate decarbonisation, and drive further growth in renewables, with a particular focus on our investment in Masdar, the UAE’s renewable energy champion, and invest in lower-carbon solutions and further diversify our energy portfolio. At the same time, we will continue to be a catalyst for domestic growth, while driving in-country value and prioritising UAE talent development.”

To deliver on this transformational mandate, Dr Al Jaber also stressed that the Company would continue to ensure an inspiring culture and working environment while upskilling UAE Youth and deploying cutting-edge technology. This includes the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to drive performance and efficiency and unlock value across its operations.

During the gathering, Dr. Al Jaber launched and hosted a dedicated “Youth Changemakers Majlis” where he highlighted the importance of Adnoc Youth in driving decarbonisation and delivering on the energy transition. He emphasised that, as future leaders, ADNOC Youth will play a pivotal role in future-proofing the company as Adnoc continues to prioritise and invest in world-class technology and innovation to ensure a just and equitable energy transition.

Dr. Al Jaber and the Executive Leadership team also met with staff and undertook a tour of Adnoc’s world-scale downstream and petrochemicals hub in Al Ruwais Industrial City, during which they were updated on strategic growth projects.

Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi Ports Group (AD Ports), a global leader in logistics, industry, and trade, has launched the Abu Dhabi Knowledge Bridge (ADKB), an education centre aimed at transforming corporate training and professional development across Abu Dhabi and the wider region.

ADKB’s programmes of study are strategically designed to address the skills gap in the professional workforce. It offers an extensive array of training syllabi that span various industries and disciplines, with modern methodologies, encompassing practical hands-on exercises, interactive workshops, multimedia content, simulations, and capstone projects.

The initiative is particularly focused on professionals in key sectors like Finance and Banking, Accounting and Audit, Management Reporting, Project Management, Supply Chain, Human Resources and Leadership.

Dr. Yasser Al Wahedi, President of Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy, said, “ADKB is set to become a world-class training hub, attracting top talent and forming strong strategic partnerships to provide cutting-edge skills for career advancement.

“It embodies the UAE’s wise leaders’ vision to empower individuals and organisations, enhancing the nation’s knowledge economy and provide continuous learning for personal and professional growth.”

He added, “Through this initiative, AD Ports Group showcases its commitment to advancing trade, logistics, and now professional skills development in the region. The establishment of ADKB is a testament to our dedication to enhancing the skills landscape and supporting the UAE’s vision for national development.”

Aligning with the UAE’s national objectives and market trends, ADKB will significantly boost Emiratisation, aiming to contribute to a 10 percent increase in Emiratisation rates in skilled jobs by 2026. With a focus on providing practical, hands-on training, the centre is set to equip professionals with future-ready skills, essential for navigating and thriving in the rapidly evolving job market.

Offering a holistic approach to learning and development needs, ADKB begins with diagnostic assessments to identify areas for improvement and progresses to delivering transformative learning experiences. The centre also provides comprehensive training academy management solutions that include competency management, learner tracking, content development, and seamless administration.

Targeting a broad spectrum of learners, ADKB collaborates with prestigious certification bodies to deliver expertise from world-class trainers with deep industry knowledge. It offers flexibility in training formats to accommodate different learning preferences, customisation of programmes for maximum relevance and applicability, comprehensive project management support, and a focus on delivering successful outcomes that translate into improved performance, increased productivity, or enhanced professional growth.

Abu Dhabi’s latest education centre was announced at the ADQ Carnival 2024, an annual event to inspire, educate and enrich the community, held over a span of three days, from 25th to 28th January at Khalifa Park. As part of ADQ - one of the region’s largest holding companies, AD Ports Group is taking a significant step towards positively contributing to the UAE economy with this newly developed centre.

WAM