42 Abu Dhabi And ADGM Academy Sign MoU To Advance Digital Skills Development

42 Abu Dhabi has entered a Memorandum of Understanding with ADGM Academy to expand digital skills training and support Abu Dhabi’s long-term technology talent needs. The partnership aims to strengthen the emirate’s innovation ecosystem, increase access to specialised learning, and align human capital development with national priorities for digital transformation and future industries.

The MoU is signed between 42 Abu Dhabi, the UAE capital’s coding academy, and ADGM Academy, represented by Dr. Ahmed Al Shoaibi and Ali Khadem Al Mehairi. Senior officials from both organisations attend the signing, which highlights a shared vision to build a robust pipeline of technology professionals across key emerging fields.

Under the agreement, both institutions plan to design and deliver programmes that improve digital capabilities across priority areas. These include coding, artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, and other emerging technologies relevant to modern economies. Training is intended for students, current professionals, and wider community members interested in technology-driven careers or reskilling.

The collaboration combines 42 Abu Dhabi’s project-based learning model with ADGM Academy’s Skills Lab. This integration is expected to provide industry-aligned, hands-on training that mirrors real workplace conditions. Participants will work on practical projects that strengthen technical proficiency, while also improving readiness for roles in technology, finance, and other digitally focused sectors.

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Beyond formal programmes, the partnership includes a series of workshops, talks, and training sessions on digital literacy and technology innovation. These activities target different experience levels, helping learners understand practical uses of digital tools while exposing them to evolving trends in software development, data, and cybersecurity within regional and global markets.

The MoU also supports entrepreneurship and venture creation linked to Abu Dhabi’s innovation and startup ecosystem. Planned initiatives include mentorship, venture-building activities, and specialised sessions for aspiring founders. These will equip entrepreneurs with technical skills and business knowledge needed to launch and scale technology ventures that contribute to the emirate’s economic diversification.

Co-designed hackathons, coding competitions, and innovation challenges form another core pillar of the collaboration. These events are expected to encourage creative problem-solving and applied learning through real-world scenarios. Participants will test their abilities under time pressure, collaborate in teams, and develop prototypes that can translate into market-ready digital solutions for public and private sector needs.

The agreement further enables collaborative academic and industry-led learning pathways. These routes are tailored to strengthen the national talent pool in sectors such as fintech, digital transformation, and cybersecurity. By linking training to actual industry requirements, the collaboration aims to ensure graduates possess relevant skills that address workforce gaps across multiple domains.

Dr. Ahmed Al Shoaibi, Acting CEO of 42 Abu Dhabi, said, "This collaboration with ADGM Academy represents an important step in strengthening Abu Dhabi’s digital ecosystem and expanding opportunities for individuals to develop future-ready capabilities. By aligning our project-based learning approach with ADGM Academy’s specialised training expertise, the collaboration enhances the availability of impactful programmes that support the UAE’s innovation and human capital objectives. This MoU reinforces our commitment to enabling learners to develop advanced digital skills that contribute to the nation’s knowledge-based economy."

Ali Khadem Al Mehairi, Senior Executive Director of Business Enablement of ADGM Academy said, "This MoU underscores our commitment to developing national talent and advancing digital capabilities. Through the collaboration with 42 Abu Dhabi, we are expanding access to specialised programmes that empower learners, nurture entrepreneurial talent, and strengthen industry readiness. Together, we are driving the growth and resilience of the emirate’s innovation ecosystem."

Taken together, the initiatives under the MoU are structured to build a highly skilled, future-ready workforce for Abu Dhabi. By linking digital training, entrepreneurship, and industry collaboration, 42 Abu Dhabi and ADGM Academy support the UAE’s knowledge-based economy goals while reinforcing the emirate’s position as a regional hub for technology talent development.

With inputs from WAM