Conducted in collaboration with R&D Carbon, a leading Swiss consultancy specialising in carbon technology and process improvement for the aluminium industry, the programme provides participants the opportunity to design and implement innovative solutions to advance EGA’s Carbon & Port operations.

Applying their technical knowledge to tackle real-world industrial challenges, each participant was also asked to develop an individual thesis and present their findings as part of the graduation ceremony.

In attendance was Werner Fischer, Founder of R&D Carbon, who congratulated the graduates on both the quality of their work and the delivery of their projects. Joining the graduates at the ceremony from EGA were Iman Al Qasim, Executive Vice President of Human Capital, and Amer Al Marzooqi, Senior Vice President of Carbon & Port Operations.

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, said: “Developing the next generation of UAE National technical talent is essential to EGA’s future success and the continued growth of our nation’s industrial economy. This programme enables our engineers to deepen their expertise while developing practical solutions to real operational challenges. I congratulate our graduates and look forward to the enhanced impact they will make in operations at EGA.”

Amer Al Marzooqi, Senior Vice President of Carbon & Port Operations at Emirates Global Aluminium, said: “The programme was designed to serve as a bridge for transferring nearly 50 years of technical expertise to a new generation of UAE National engineers. The success of the first class demonstrated the true value of this investment through its tangible impact on strengthening technical knowledge, embedding best practices, and enhancing operational performance. Building on that success, the second cohort reflects EGA’s long-term commitment to developing the technical capabilities of our people and investing in national talent, ensuring our workforce is equipped to drive innovation and operational excellence across our Carbon & Port operations.”

Aspiring to be the industrial employer of choice in the countries it operates in, EGA offers technical development programmes for employees, including in collaboration with leading international partners from academia and industry peers.

In 2025, EGA launched the EGA Academy, a capability building and career development platform that delivers high-impact learning and development opportunities for EGA employees at all levels. EGA Academy offers employees access to programmes designed to develop the technical, professional, and leadership skills required to thrive in today’s fast-evolving industrial environment.

The agreement was signed and witnessed by His Excellency Ibrahim Nasser, Undersecretary of the Department of Government Enablement, and Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of EGA at the launch of EGA Academy. The ceremony was held at the academy’s campus on EGA’s site in Al Taweelah.

Under the agreement, EGA will recruit UAE Nationals who are registered with the Department of Government Enablement, and hold high school certificates, for EGA Academy’s industrial National Training programmes over the next five years.

The EGA Academy is a strategic initiative launched in September 2025 to transform capability building and career development to support the future growth of EGA and the UAE industrial sector.

The EGA Academy builds on EGA’s long-standing commitment in line with Operation 300bn to develop talent within the aluminium sector to increase productivity, boost the sector’s economic contribution, and create further job opportunities.

EGA’s National Training Programmes develop high school graduates for technical roles. More than 5,000 UAE Nationals have graduated from these programmes since they were first established in 1982, with many then having long and successful careers with EGA.

The recruits will participate in theoretical and on-the-job training over periods of 12 months at EGA Academy to work in EGA’s smelter operational areas, and will be employed by EGA upon successful completion of the training programme.

EGA already has one of the highest Emiratisation rates of any major company, when accounting for the high number of blue-collar roles in heavy industry.

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium: “Attracting and developing the talent EGA needs to contribute to the UAE’s industrial growth and economic diversification has been one of our key priorities for decades. We look forward to working closely with the Department of Government Enablement to accelerate our in-focus Emiratisation, which is already amongst the highest of any major company. We look forward to welcoming the new recruits to our team and supporting them in their career development.”

His Excellency Ibrahim Nasser, Undersecretary of the Department of Government Enablement, said: “Through Mawaheb, the Department of Government Enablement is committed to empowering Emirati jobseekers with the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to build meaningful careers. Partnerships with leading employers such as Emirates Global Aluminium are essential to this mission, as they allow us to bridge the gap between talent and industry. Together, we are creating more than jobs; we are cultivating a workforce prepared for the future, equipped to accelerate Abu Dhabi’s economic progress and global influence.

EGA’s in-focus Emiratisation rate was 44.5 per cent at the end of 2024. EGA aims to accelerate in-focus Emiratisation, targeting that the number of UAE Nationals rises as a proportion of the in-focus workforce to reach 50 per cent by the end 2027. To achieve this goal, EGA expects to hire up to 600 UAE Nationals, including replacements for staff turnover and company growth.

Some 1,300 UAE Nationals currently work at EGA. Over 700 of EGA’s UAE National employees are under 35 years old. Last year, EGA recruited around 220 Emiratis, including 113 women.

The EGA Academy builds on EGA’s long-standing commitment in line with Operation 300bn to develop talent within the aluminium sector to increase productivity, boost the sector’s economic contribution, and create further job opportunities.

The EGA Academy delivers high-impact learning and development opportunities for EGA employees at all levels through structured development pathways, expert-led learning and real-world experiences.

Programmes are designed to build the technical, professional, and leadership skills needed to succeed in today’s fast-evolving industrial environment and prepare for future growth. Employees can access to tailored opportunities that support their professional ambitions, from early-career trainees to experienced specialists and leaders.

A new custom-built digital platform, the EGA Academy App, enables employees to explore development options, track progress toward career goals, and receive continuous feedback to accelerate personal growth.

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, said: “For decades, we have invested in talent development for the competitiveness of our business, to achieve our aspiration of becoming a talent-driven organisation, and to drive our contribution to the UAE’s industrial growth. Establishing the EGA Academy is a big step forward, and provides unparalleled opportunities for our employees to grow, lead, and contribute to the long-term success of EGA.”

The EGA Academy operates at both EGA’s Al Taweelah site and EGA’s site in Jebel Ali. All EGA’s training and development programmes have now become part of the EGA Academy, including EGA’s flagship National and Graduate Training programmes.

First established in 1982, EGA’s National Training programmes prepare high school graduates for technical roles in the company’s industrial operations and administration.

EGA’s Graduate Training programme is for university graduates. Graduate trainees complete 18 or 24 months of training for supervisory positions in corporate functions or in industrial operations in front-line roles, such as tending reduction cells.

In 2024, EGA hired more than 220 UAE Nationals, including in the longstanding National and Graduate Training programmes.

Her Excellency Dr. Hissa Abdulla Ahmed Alotaiba, UAE Ambassador to the Swiss Confederation, Christophe Darbellay, State Councillor and Head of the Department of Economy and Education in the Government of the Canton of Valais, Switzerland and Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of EGA, attended the graduation ceremony in Sierre, Switzerland. The ceremony saw the launch of a comprehensive book documenting EGA’s pioneering journey in the carbon electrode industry.

Programme participants worked on the design and implementation of innovative solutions to advance EGA’s Carbon & Port operations, applying their technical knowledge to real-world industrial challenges. Each EGA technical leader developed an individual thesis and presented their findings during the graduation ceremony as part of their assessment.

Her Excellency Dr. Hissa Abdulla Ahmed Alotaiba, UAE Ambassador to the Swiss Confederation, said: “ The graduation of these talented Emirati engineers reflects the UAE and EGA’s commitment to developing world-class technical capabilities in UAE National talent to support the growth of our national industrial sector. Their achievements in this highly specialised programme show the strength of the collaboration between the UAE and Switzerland in advancing industrial excellence.”

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, said: “Highly-skilled leaders and strong technical expertise are central to our global competitiveness and sustainable growth. This Technical Leadership programme enables UAE National talent at EGA to acquire necessary technical skills to fuel our growth. I was impressed by the innovative thesis presentations from our graduates and look forward to seeing their ideas put into practice.”

Amer Almarzooqi, Vice President of Carbon and Ports at Emirates Global Aluminium, added: “EGA developed the bespoke, 35-week training programme in collaboration with R&D Carbon, a leading Swiss consultancy specialising in carbon technology and process improvement for the aluminium industry. Our goal is to build specialised technical leadership skills among our UAE National talent.  The programme combines theoretical foundation building and practical applications to improve performance and excellence.”

EGA conducts technical development programmes for employees at all levels of the company, including with leading international partners from academia and beyond. In addition, around 2,500 EGA staff attend management training courses each year, from graduates to executive leaders.

This year, EGA welcomes nine MIT PhD and Master’s student engineers, alongside a professor, who will collaborate with EGA’s teams on tackling technical challenges impacting the global aluminium industry. 

EGA has hosted more than 60 student engineers from MIT’s David H. Koch School of Chemical Engineering Practice since 2015. EGA’s partnership with MIT has generated some USD 1.6 million in annual cost savings through implementation of performance and efficiency enhancements.

The David H. Koch School of Chemical Engineering Practice at MIT sends students to industrial companies worldwide, enabling them to apply their academic knowledge to develop innovative solutions to industrial challenges. EGA was the first company in the Middle East to participate in the programme.

This year’s seven-week programme with MIT focuses on reducing emissions and energy efficiency.

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, said: "EGA works with universities in the UAE and around the world to combine the latest academic thinking with our industrial expertise. Our long-standing partnership with MIT enables us to engage some of the brightest young engineering minds in tackling complex industrial challenges with sustainable solutions.”

In 2023, the MIT student engineer’s projects included investigating the feasibility of using hydroturbines to generate electricity from seawater outflows from EGA’s plants.

EGA’s summer training programme has been running for more than two decades. It gives students first-hand experience of working in industry, and is particularly focused on students of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

More than 500 young UAE Nationals have participated in EGA’s summer training programme since 2001, with many going on to pursue careers in EGA or other UAE industrial companies.   

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, said: “EGA’s summer training programme is a great opportunity for young UAE Nationals to acquire first-hand experience of working in industry, and we know it inspires youth to pursue careers vital to the nation’s Operation 300bn industrial growth strategy. I welcome this year’s summer trainees to EGA and encourage each of them to make the most of this experience. I hope many will become the UAE industrial talent of the future.”

EGA is a significant employer for science, technology, engineering and mathematics professionals, employing around 1,500 people in these fields including over 500 UAE Nationals.

Some 1,200 UAE Nationals currently work at EGA. Over 700 of EGA’s UAE National employees are under 35 years old. Last year, EGA recruited around 120 Emiratis, including 37 women.

EGA is accelerating in-focus Emiratisation, targeting that the number of UAE Nationals rises as a proportion of the in-focus workforce by two per cent every year to reach 48 per cent by 2026. This means EGA expects to hire up to 500 UAE Nationals by the end of 2026, including replacements for staff turnover and company growth.

EGA’s outreach programmes, which include ‘Engineer the Future’, EGA’s Ambassador Programme, and an Al Robot competition for university engineering students, aim to grow the future national industrial workforce of the UAE

Last month, EGA revealed that its Engineer the Future programme reached more than 7,300 students from 29 schools in the 2023-2024 academic year, and over 30,000 since the initiative was launched in 2017.

LEAP is a comprehensive 12-month programme that offers a bespoke learning journey to enhance management and leadership skills through mentorship from senior leadership at EGA. It includes a combination of interactive workshops,  simulations, individual coaching and networking opportunities. LEAP is designed exclusively for EGA Graduate Trainees.

EGA currently has 75 graduate trainees, 49 of them women, and all UAE Nationals. EGA Graduate Training Programme was launched in 1982. Graduate trainees complete 18 or 24 months of training for supervisory positions in corporate functions or in industrial operations. For graduate trainees in operations, this includes periods of working shifts in front-line operational roles they will supervise, such as tending reduction cells.

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, said: “Developing and upskilling our local talent is our priority to secure the talent EGA needs to contribute to the UAE’s industrial growth, and to achieve our bold aspiration of becoming a talent driven organisation. I look forward to seeing these young, talented colleagues build successful and fulfilling careers at EGA.”

LEAP stands for Learn, Engage, Adapt and Perform. The second cohort of Graduate Trainees joined the programme in May 2024.

EGA also runs an integrated suite of leadership development programmes for leaders at different stages of their careers. This includes Ascend programmes which are customised for high potential leaders from non-supervisory to Directors, and the Leadership Excellence programme designed to support leaders at all levels in embedding EGA's culture and values in their work.

At the end of 2023, EGA’s in-focus Emiratisation rate was 42.6 per cent. On a like-for-like basis, EGA has one of the highest Emiratisation rates of any major company considering the high number of industrial positions.

EGA now aims to accelerate in-focus Emiratisation, targeting that the number of UAE Nationals rises as a proportion of the in-focus workforce by two per cent every year to reach 48 per cent by 2026.

Engineer the Future programme introduces school students in the UAE to real-life applications of science, technology, engineering and mathematics in industry. The programme is delivered in partnership with Emirates Schools Establishment.

Engineer the Future programme aims to encourage school students from grades nine to 12 to study and pursue careers in STEM fields through a combination of interactive learning opportunities and workshops.

The programme also includes a practical competition, ‘The EGA Aluminium Design and Innovation Challenge’. Over 160 student teams participated in the challenge this year to creatively use science, technology, engineering and mathematics applications to address challenges in sustainable mobility, architecture, product design and green solutions with aluminium.

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, said: "Science, technology, engineering and mathematics are all essential for the UAE’s achievement of the national Operation 300bn industrial growth strategy. At EGA, we are committed to driving innovation and inspiring youth to play an active role in the development of the UAE’s industries and the growth of our knowledge-based economy. I am pleased to see more young people engage in EGA’s Engineer the Future STEM programme, and I encourage more schools to take part in this initiative.”

His Excellency Eng. Mohammed Al Qassim, Director General of the Emirates Schools Establishment, said: “The establishment is committed to building strategic partnerships with leading national organisations for the development of students. EGA plays a significant role in upskilling students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields through a wide range of programmes and initiatives.”

Hi Excellency added that EGA’s Engineer the Future is one of the leading programmes for driving innovation and inspiring youth through practical training in order to ready them for future job opportunities.

contribution achieves this partnership and supports our efforts in the education sector, benefiting the continuity of the academic year in cooperation with everyone.

The UAE is one of few countries in the world where more women than men graduate from university in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. More than 55 per cent of the students who participated in the last academic year were females.

Engineer the Future has reached over 30,000 students since the programme was launched in 2017.

EGA is a significant employer for science, technology, engineering and mathematics professionals, employing around 1,500 people in these fields including over 500 UAE Nationals.

FURSA is a comprehensive platform, developed by EGA Youth Council and the Learning and Development team, that provides access to curated courses and experiences to enhance skills in leadership, Industry 4.0, sustainability, science and technology.

The programme includes 26 academic courses, from prestigious universities such as Harvard, Oxford and London Business School, and wide range of tailored experiences in volunteering, and collaboration. FURSA is exclusively for EGA employees under the age of 35.

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, said: “Upskilling and empowering the next generation of leaders at EGA is key to future-proofing our business and enhancing our competitiveness. At EGA, alongside our Learning and Development team, our Youth Council is heavily engaged in this work. FURSA reflects their commitment to providing excellent capability building and career opportunities as part of fulfilling EGA’s our bold aspiration to become a talent driven organisation.”

Hala Alhashmi, Chair of EGA Youth Council and a product owner in the digital transformation & industry 4.0 department, said: “FURSA is a unique platform, developed by young EGA employees for young EGA employees. It provides us as youth with a variety of learning opportunities to expand our knowledge, develop new skills, and gain valuable experience. Finding effective ways to develop the leaders of tomorrow requires the engagement of everyone, including young people themselves.”

FURSA, builds on EGA’s existing Learning & Development offering of some 2,300 different training courses. In 2023, EGA employees completed over 61,400 days of learning & development, averaging more than 10 days of training per employee.

EGA Youth Council was awarded ‘Organisation of the Year for Youth Empowerment’ at GCC GOV HR Awards 2023 in recognition of its role in the development of future leaders, in line with the National Youth Strategy of the UAE.

Engineer the Future programme is implemented in partnership with Emirates Schools Establishment and BMW Group. The programme is designed to inspire a lasting interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, in line with the UAE Centennial 2071 vision which identifies STEM skills as a key element to the development of a competitive, diversified, knowledge-based economy in the UAE.

EGA’s Engineer the Future programme consists of an interactive learning experience designed to engage students in grades 9 to 12, and an opportunity to take part in an aluminium design challenge.

Some 68 per cent of the students participating in Engineer the Future in the last academic year were female. In surveys taken after the sessions, students reported that their interest in studying and then pursuing careers in STEM fields increased significantly.

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, said: “Encouraging more young people to study and then pursue careers in STEM-related fields is essential for the achievement of the UAE’s Operation 300bn industrial growth strategy. Engineer the Future is one way at EGA that we support our youth in their interest in STEM, to have a lasting impact for nation.”

Her Excellency Hessa Rashid, Acting Executive Director of School Development Sector at Emirates Schools Establishment, said: “The Establishment is keen to strengthen and develop the abilities of the students in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, by launching several programmes that qualify them for academic courses that are compatible with their professional ambitions, and meet the requirements of the future labour market. The high turnout of the Engineer the Future programme is the result of cooperation with EGA, and it reflects the interest of students in studying this vital field”. HE Hessa added, “ESE is implementing this programme and many others in cooperation with its strategic partners to improve the quality of public education and link its learning outputs to the requirements of higher education”.

EGA itself is a major employer of STEM professionals, with some 1,500 people working at EGA in these fields including more than 500 UAE Nationals.

This academic year, the Engineer the Future programme was implemented in partnership with Emirates Schools Establishment and BMW Group.

More than 400 students participated in the Aluminium Design & Innovation Challenge, competing for a AED15,000 prize.

EGA recruited more than 220 UAE Nationals last year, including 100 women. The average age of EGA’s 2022 UAE National recruits was 23 years old.

FURSA, a collaborative effort with EGA's Learning & Development team, provides easy access to curated programmes and experiences, focusing on enhancing skills in leadership, sustainability, science, technology, research and development and more.

Young EGA employees are encouraged to participate in the training, workshops and events offered through the platform. FURSA features exclusive courses offered by prestigious universities including Harvard, Oxford and London Business School. The programme will also offer workshops from established partners including the National Programme for Coders, the Ministry for Climate Change & Environment, the Ministry for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, and Youth 4 Sustainability.

Hala Alhashmi, Chair of EGA Youth Council and a senior engineer in the company’s Lean & Business transformation department, said: “Youth have both an opportunity and the responsibility to lead the future. We must prepare ourselves now to build on the tremendous achievements that we will inherit. We designed FURSA to enable all youth people to reach their full potential, and contribute their all to our company and nation.”

Iman Al Qasim, Executive Vice President of Human Capital at EGA, said, "EGA is dedicated to growing future leaders by offering customised learning and development opportunities, tailored to their work domains, interests and capabilities. FURSA is unique in EGA's Learning & Development portfolio because it was developed by young people themselves. I am sure it will help us in achieving EGA's bold aspiration of becoming the industrial employer of choice in the countries where we operate by 2030, as becoming truly a talent-driven organisation.”

FURSA will go beyond traditional training by offering world-class experiences and tailored events that are built on the spirit of volunteering, sustainability, and collaboration. Young EGA employees will have the opportunity to apply their skills in real-world scenarios, engage in meaningful projects, and contribute to EGA’s social impact initiatives both locally and internationally.

The programme builds on EGA’s existing Learning & Development offering of 2,225 different training courses. EGA employees completed 51,800 days of learning & development in 2022, averaging 7.8 days of training per employee.

EGA also runs a number of programmes to inspire youth interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics which reached more than 6,000 students in 2022. These programmes include ‘Engineer the Future’, EGA’s Ambassador Programme, and the Al Robot competition for university engineering students.

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics experts are essential for the achievement of the goals of the UAE’s Operation 300bn industrial growth strategy and UAE Centennial 2071.  EGA itself employs some 1,500 people in these fields, including more than 500 UAE Nationals.

EGA’s ‘Engineer the Future’ programme aims to encourage school students’ continuing studies in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics by explaining their real-life application in industry. The programme reached more than 5,000 students from grades 9 to 12 in 2022, at over 20 schools. ‘Engineer the Future’ is delivered in partnership with Emirates Schools Establishment.

‘Engineer the Future’ also includes a practical competition, ‘The EGA Aluminium Design and Innovation Challenge’. Some 86 student teams have already signed up to participate, and complete a project using aluminium in sustainable mobility, architecture, product design or green solutions. BMW Group is a partner in the sustainability mobility part of the challenge.

EGA’s Ambassador Programme, which supports university students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to consider careers in industry, reached almost 1,000 students in 2022 at educational institutions including The American University of Sharjah, Emirates Aviation University, and Higher Colleges of Technology. EGA’s Ambassador Programme is led by young Emirati EGA engineers and professionals.

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, said: “EGA is built on science, technology, engineering and mathematics and we have both an interest and a responsibility in more young people studying and ultimately pursuing careers in these fields. I am glad that in 2022 we were able to inspire so many youth in their studies and career aspirations through these programmes.”

EGA also runs an annual industrial robotics competition that challenges students from UAE universities and higher education institutions to design and build industrial robots for use at EGA’s aluminium smelters. The 2022 edition was won by a team from the College of Engineering at United Arab Emirates University.

Since its inception in 2017, the Al Robot competition has provided students with the opportunity to develop their Industry 4.0 skills by practicing the application of their academic learning in the real world. The competition encourages the use of innovative and creative engineering skills which are fundamental to the UAE’s industrial future. 

For this year, students are required to design and build a robot that can measure the thickness of materials within EGA’s reduction cells, a task that is currently performed manually.

EGA’s Chief Executive Officer, Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, said: “The EGA Al Robot competition is now in its fifth year, and we are proud to look back at the innovative solutions university students have submitted throughout previous editions which are now in operation in our smelters. Developing the skills of our youth, and encouraging them to apply these skills in industry, is vital to the achievement of the UAE’s Operation 300bn industrial growth strategy. I look forward to seeing this year’s entries from the best students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in our country.”

Each selected team will receive AED 50,000 to design and build a prototype of their robots for testing at EGA. Winners will be announced in 2023, with finalist teams winning cash prizes worth AED 100,000 in total.

Last year’s edition of Al Robot required students to develop a robot capable of cleaning silt and mud from the aeration basin at EGA’s Al Taweelah site. The competition was won by a team from UAE University. Aeration increases the amount of oxygen in the water, safeguarding the marine environment.

EGA’s technology development team works extensively with universities in both the UAE and internationally to combine EGA’s industrial expertise with the latest academic thinking. EGA’s academic partnerships include Khalifa University, UAE University, Abu Dhabi University, Heriot Watt University, the American University of Sharjah, Rochester Institute of Technology and Higher Colleges of Technology in the UAE, the University of Auckland, University of New South Wales, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.