ADIO And Rabdan Academy Collaborate To Develop Emirati Talent For Industrial Leadership
The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and Rabdan Academy have formed a strategic partnership to nurture Emirati talent for impactful roles in Abu Dhabi's industrial sector. This collaboration was announced at the Make it in the Emirates Forum 2025 (MIITE), highlighting Abu Dhabi's dedication to building a competitive national workforce aligned with its economic transformation goals.
Training and certification programmes, co-developed by ADIO and Rabdan Academy, will be introduced to meet labour market needs. These programmes aim to increase awareness of private sector opportunities within the industrial value chain. The focus is on critical sectors such as safety, security, defence, emergency preparedness, and crisis management (SSDEC).

The training initiatives will be delivered through a mix of in-person sessions, digital learning, and flexible course structures. This approach supports both current workforce upskilling and the preparation of new talent. The partnership also includes collaborative research, industry engagement, and national outreach to enhance understanding of industrial sector opportunities.
Mohammad Ali Al Kamali, Chief Trade and Industry Officer at ADIO, stated, "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, remarked that this agreement is a significant milestone in enhancing industrial and societal security in the UAE. He emphasised investing in human capital through specialised programmes that address rapid global industrial changes.
Al Zaabi added that their goal is to equip Emirati generations with skills necessary for adapting to swift industrial shifts. This encompasses not only defence and safety but also all priority sectors, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s status as a leader in resilience and innovation.
This initiative aims to serve all regions of Abu Dhabi by preparing Emirati talent with capabilities needed for leadership in high-growth industrial fields. The focus remains on creating an impact by aligning educational efforts with industry demands.
With inputs from WAM