Fifteen young Emiratis have successfully graduated from two pioneering leadership programs launched by Schneider Electric and DP World, marking a milestone in the UAE’s talent development journey.
The graduation ceremony, held at Schneider Electric’s new Dubai office The NEST, celebrated the achievements of nine undergraduate students from the Future Sustainability Leaders Program and six high-performing employees from the Talent Exchange Program.
Both programs are designed to strengthen the UAE’s next-generation workforce by equipping participants with hands-on skills in sustainability, AI, digital transformation, and leadership development.
Future Sustainability Leaders Program: Blending AI, Energy & Innovation
Nine Emirati undergraduates completed the Future Sustainability Leaders Program, a five-month hybrid learning experience that combined theory with real-world exposure. Participants engaged in:
Virtual sessions led by Schneider Electric experts.
A one-month internship at DP World and Schneider Electric.
Practical training in decarbonization, energy management, and AI fundamentals.
This program positioned young Emiratis to take on future roles in technology, energy, and sustainability – sectors at the heart of the UAE’s innovation-driven economy.
Talent Exchange Program: Bridging Industries for Deeper Impact
Six high-performing Emirati employees from Schneider Electric and DP World completed the Talent Exchange Program, a two-week immersive journey into each other’s organizations. Key highlights included:
Cross-company mentorship from senior leaders.
Field visits and hands-on projects.
Exposure to sustainability-driven decision-making and innovative business models.
By promoting collaboration between two industry leaders, the program broadened participants’ perspectives and prepared them to contribute to greener supply chains and sustainable business ecosystems.
Leaders Speak: Investing in National Talent
Amel Chadli, President of Gulf Cluster, Schneider Electric, emphasized that the graduates symbolize the success of collaborative efforts in advancing sustainability and technology:
“These young leaders will assume their rightful places in steering the country’s innovation economy and elevating the UAE’s reputation as a key sustainability and technology leader.”
Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director of DP World GCC, highlighted the UAE’s demographic advantage:
“With over half the population under 30, the UAE has one of the world’s youngest talent pools ready to lead the transition to greener trade and supply chains.”
Part of a Bigger Emiratisation Vision
The partnership builds on Schneider Electric and DP World’s broader Emiratisation initiatives, such as Tamayuz, FEM in STEM, Next Gen Go Green, Ruwad, Tumoohi, and Bedaya. These programs provide structured mentorship and training pathways for Emirati youth to grow into leadership roles.
In 2025, Schneider Electric launched a five-year AED 100 million program to accelerate UAE talent development, while DP World committed to a $35 million education investment plan through 2030.
These sustained investments highlight both companies’ dedication to the UAE’s long-term human capital development.
Shaping the UAE’s Sustainable Future
As the UAE prepares for its next phase of economic transformation, the integration of sustainability, AI, and innovation skills into national talent programs is not just timely – it is critical.
The graduates of these initiatives represent a new wave of leaders who will drive green trade, digital energy, and sustainable growth, reinforcing the UAE’s global reputation as a hub for innovation and sustainability.