Sanad Teams Up With US University For Advanced Leadership Training

Sanad, a prominent entity in aerospace engineering and leasing solutions, has unveiled its latest collaboration with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, a distinguished institution in the fields of aviation and aerospace based in the US. This partnership marks the initiation of the second cohort of the Sanad Future Leaders Program, designed to cultivate the upcoming generation of national leaders within the aviation Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) sector. The program aims to foster sustainable growth through a comprehensive one-year curriculum that includes immersive and practical sessions at both Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's campus in Florida, US, and in Abu Dhabi.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide will tailor a leadership development program specifically for Sanad employees. This initiative will see the enrollment of eight candidates, two-thirds of whom are females, all demonstrating leadership potential in various domains such as human resources, engineering, operations, and quality. The curriculum is designed to equip participants with essential skills to serve global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and both local and international airlines. Key areas of focus will include project management, business communication, strategic development, and financial solutions.

This new phase highlights Sanad's ongoing commitment to talent development. Sanad is fully owned by Abu Dhabi’s sovereign investor Mubadala Investment Company (Mubadala). The collaboration is set to build upon the success of the inaugural Sanad Future Leaders Program conducted in 2023 in partnership with a prominent European business school, which saw the graduation of five national employees in the aviation sector. Upon completing the program, participants will gain industry experiences and exposure to global best practices, potentially enhancing Sanad’s aviation MRO expertise.

The announcement ceremony for the second cohort was attended by key stakeholders including Ismail Ali Abdulla, Head of UAE Clusters at Mubadala’s UAE Investments Platform; Mansoor Janahi, Managing Director and Group CEO of Sanad; Ebraheem Budebs, Group Head of Human Resources at Sanad; and Dr. Maneesh Sharma, Dean of the College of Business at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Mansoor Janahi emphasized the significance of this collaboration for nurturing talent within Abu Dhabi's aerospace industry. He highlighted that this partnership promotes innovation and excellence which are crucial for navigating the potential of the aviation sector. By equipping and empowering talent to seize opportunities and drive sustainable growth, Sanad aims to meet market demands while delivering service excellence.

Ebraheem Budebs remarked on the importance of the Sanad Future Leaders Program for professional growth within their workforce. This collaboration with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University for the second cohort is expected to elevate their technical staff by exposing them to global experts and integrating academic-practical knowledge for leadership excellence in aviation.

John Watret, Chancellor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide, expressed his institution's dedication to the future growth of aviation through this collaboration with Sanad. He noted that with the rapidly evolving industry, the Sanad Future Leaders Program is crucial for keeping Sanad's top talent agile and prepared to lead in delivering outstanding service within the dynamic global aviation sector.

The Sanad Future Leaders Program was initially launched in August 2022 with an aim to develop Sanad's talent and future leaders by covering essential areas such as effective communication, project management, financial acumen, and data-driven decision-making.