Talent programmes announced to develop Emirati industrial leaders

The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) has launched a set of new talent development programmes designed to accelerate Emirati leadership across high-impact industrial roles.

Announced during the Make it in the Emirates Forum 2025, the initiatives form a core pillar of Abu Dhabi’s long-term industrial strategy, equipping the national workforce with critical capabilities in AI, Industry 4.0 and sustainable manufacturing.

These new pathways are designed to prepare UAE nationals for high-value roles and leadership positions, driving innovation and productivity across the emirate’s manufacturing landscape. ADIO’s new talent programmes support the Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy 2031 and signal a decisive move to anchor world-class skills within the local workforce, powering Abu Dhabi’s rise as a global hub for future-defining industries.

To bridge the gap between training and employment, ADIO is partnering with the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) to host a dedicated Industrialists Career Fair during the Make it in the Emirates Forum. With the aim of directly placing over 100 Emiratis into strategic roles within Abu Dhabi’s industrial sector, the initiative is part of a broader push to deepen national participation in the emirate’s economic transformation.

In collaboration with Rabdan Academy, one of Abu Dhabi’s leading academic institutions for safety, security, defence, emergency preparedness, and crisis management, ADIO also plans to deliver an Upskilling Talent Development Programme for more than 100 Emiratis currently employed in the industrial sector. This initiative is designed to enhance professional growth, boost productivity and build a robust career path for UAE talent at all levels.

A cornerstone of the launch is the Industry 4.0 and Sustainability training programme, developed in partnership with EDGE Learning Innovation Factory and TÜV SÜD. This hands-on, globally accredited programme will focus on automation, digital systems and sustainable production, creating a pipeline of highly skilled Emiratis to lead in next-generation manufacturing. It is expected to create 1,000 new employment opportunities for UAE nationals by 2031.

Mohammad Al Kamali, Chief Industry and Trade Officer, ADIO, said, “Our talent programmes are a direct investment in the next generation of nation-builders. By embedding critical skills within our workforce and unlocking global pathways for talent, we are reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s competitive advantage and enabling UAE nationals to lead the future of industrial advancement, not just locally, but globally.” ADIO’s programmes represent a strategic approach anchored in sustainable industrial growth, powered by local expertise. Abu Dhabi is building a resilient, export-driven economy driven by knowledge, fuelled by innovation, and led by national talent, forming the foundation of the emirate’s diverse economic future.

Strategic partnership: The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) announced a strategic partnership with e& enterprise, the digital transformation arm of e&, to establish an advanced industrial ecosystem anchored by AI-powered Industry 4.0 and sustainable manufacturing practices.

The agreement reflects the emirate’s commitment to cultivating a productive and globally competitive industrial base aligned with its economic vision.

Announced during the “Make it in the Emirates” 2025 (MIITE), the partnership will enable industrial firms in Abu Dhabi to access proof-of-concept technologies, ready-made solutions and curated knowledge programmes that address real-world challenges and unlock operational value.

The collaboration supports the emirate’s ambitions to lead in sustainable, export-oriented industries supported by digital innovation and skilled talent.

ADIO and e& enterprise will convene expert-led workshops to facilitate sector-wide engagement, focusing on practical guidance and strategic application.

Sessions will address key topics including industrial sustainability, data management and the ethical use of AI-driven data in manufacturing. The workshops will be complemented by joint publications to advance policy dialogue and strengthen the industrial knowledge base.

Recognising the importance of human capital in driving transformation, ADIO and e& enterprise will also offer tailored assessments to accelerate digital readiness among Abu Dhabi manufacturers. This includes free materiality assessments, along with AI maturity evaluations and discounted, in-depth AI assessments for early adopters.

Participating companies will also have access to a digital sustainability platform for streamlined reporting. In parallel, curated training programmes will be made available to upskill both frontline employees and C-level executives across the industrial sector.

WAM

The initiatives will be equipping the national workforce with critical capabilities in AI, Industry 4.0 and sustainable manufacturing