The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Rabdan Academy to prepare the next generation of Emirati talent for high-impact careers within Abu Dhabi’s industrial sector. Announced during the Make it in the Emirates Forum 2025 (MIITE), this collaboration reflects Abu Dhabi’s commitment to developing a competitive national workforce aligned with the momentum of the emirate’s long-term economic transformation.
As Abu Dhabi scales its industrial ecosystem, the partnership will deliver training and certification programmes co-designed by ADIO and Rabdan Academy that align with labour market requirements and drive awareness of private sector career opportunities across the industrial value chain. The programmes are tailored to critical sectors, including safety, security, defence, emergency preparedness and crisis management (SSDEC), equipping Emirati talent with future-ready skills.
The training programmes will be delivered through a combination of in-person instruction, digital learning and flexible course structures to support both current workforce upskilling and the preparation of new talent.
The partnership will also encompass collaborative research, industry engagement and national outreach to foster greater understanding of industrial sector opportunities.
With a clear focus on impact, the initiative will serve all regions of Abu Dhabi, ensuring that Emirati talent is prepared with the capabilities needed to lead in high-growth industrial fields.
Mohammad Ali Al Kamali, Chief Trade and Industry Officer at ADIO, said: "At the centre of Abu Dhabi’s industrial ambition is the development of a skilled and empowered national workforce. Our partnership with Rabdan Academy ensures that Emirati talent is well-equipped to pursue impactful careers that advance the emirate’s economic transformation. This partnership reflects our commitment to connecting education with industrial demand, translating economic vision into human capital strength”.
Hamad Al Zaabi, Executive Director of Support Service Sector at Rabdan Academy, commented: “This MoU marks a strategic milestone in the Academy’s journey to enhance industrial and societal security in the UAE by investing in human capital and developing specialised programmes that respond to the rapid transformations taking place in the global industrial landscape.”
He added: “Our objective is to provide Emirati generations with the necessary skills to adapt to rapid industrial changes. This includes not only defence and safety but also all priority sectors, thereby strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a global leader in resilience and innovation.