The EGA Aluminium Design and Innovation Challenge forms part of EGA’s long-running Engineer the Future programme, which aims to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators in the UAE. Since the beginning of the current academic year, more than 7,000 students from schools across the UAE have participated in Engineer the Future activities.

The challenge invites students in grades nine to 12 to apply their STEM knowledge to develop innovative aluminium-based solutions for real-world applications. Throughout the four month programme, participating teams received mentorship from EGA engineers and access to specialised resources and technical guidance to support the development of their projects.

This year, some 1,200 students in 352 teams from 105 schools across the UAE took part in the EGA Aluminium Design and Innovation Challenge. Following the evaluation stage, 32 shortlisted teams were selected to present innovative aluminium-focused concepts across four categories: architecture, product design, sustainable mobility, and space solutions.

This year’s first-place winning teams in each category are: Al Shwamekh School in the category of architecture, Fatima Al Zahraa Secondary School for Girls in the category of product design, Al Rushed American Private School in the category of space solutions, and Zayed Educational Complex- Al Saf in the category of future mobility.

Her Excellency Amna Al Saleh, Assistant Undersecretary of Curriculum and Assessment at the Ministry of Education, affirmed that the Aluminium Design Challenge represents a successful model of collaboration between the education sector and the national industrial sector, providing students with valuable opportunities to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges and develop innovative solutions that address future needs.

She added that the Ministry places great importance on initiatives that promote applied learning and equip students with essential future-ready skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and innovation, which are essential foundations for preparing a generation capable of keeping pace with the rapidly evolving job market.

Her Excellency noted that the strong participation in this year’s challenge reflects the creative potential and capabilities of the UAE’s youth. She emphasised that collaboration with leading national institutions such as Emirates Global Aluminium helps strengthen the connection between education and industry, while enabling students to explore future academic and career pathways in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer at Emirates Global Aluminium, said: “STEM fields are essential to shaping the future of industry and innovation in the UAE. Through initiatives such as Engineer the Future, we aim to inspire young people to explore STEM fields and develop the skills needed to contribute to the nation’s industrial growth and future competitiveness. We were impressed by the creativity, technical thinking, and ambition demonstrated by the participating students, whose ideas reflected the potential of the next generation of innovators and engineers in the UAE.”

Since the Engineer the Future programme was launched in 2022, more than 29,046 students have benefited from its activities, with over 952 teams participating in the challenge from schools across the UAE.

EGA is a major employer of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics professionals, with more than 1,500 employees working in these fields across the company, including over 500 UAE Nationals.

EGA is a major employer of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics professionals, with over 1,500 people working in these fields at the company, including more than 500 UAE nationals.

The new STEM labs offer students with hands-on experience using methods and equipment commonly applied across engineering, fabrication, and product development, supporting the development of essential technical skills and encouraging interest in future STEM careers.

In addition to developing and equipping the new facilities, EGA is overseeing the instruction of teachers and trainers in the effective use of the new equipment.

EGA has partnered with Al Samha School, Al Rahba School, Al Falahiya School, Dubai National School (DNS), Zayed University (ZU), and the Higher College of Technology (HCT) to build the STEM labs.

Over 2,600 students per year are expected to directly benefit from the initiative.

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, said: “EGA is a company built on science, technology, engineering and mathematics. These skills are essential for the future of our company and our nation. By empowering the next generation with the experience and technical capabilities needed for the industries of the future, we are helping bridge the gap between education and industry, while enabling students to develop practical technical skills and inspiring greater interest in STEM careers across the UAE.”

EGA is currently evaluating further opportunities to expand the programme through the introduction of additional STEM labs at schools and universities across the UAE.

The new initiative complements EGA’s existing student outreach programmes, including Engineer the Future, which STEM students with hands-on workshops exploring topics, such as Industry 4.0, sustainability, material science, and the circular economy.

EGA also organises the annual EGA Aluminium Design and Innovation Challenge, which engages students from grades nine to 12 to creatively use science, technology, engineering, and mathematics skills to address real-life challenges with aluminium. Part of a partnership with the UAE Ministry of Education, over 300 teams from schools across the UAE participated in the challenge in 2025.

Engineer the Future has reached over 36,000 students from over 128 schools in the UAE since the programme was launched in 2017.

The winning teams were recognised by His Excellency Omar Al Dhaheri, Assistant Undersecretary for the School Operations Sector (Abu Dhabi) at the Ministry of Education, and Khalid Essa Buhumaid, Senior Vice President, Government Relations at Emirates Global Aluminium, at a ceremony held at EGA’s site in Al Taweelah in Abu Dhabi.

The EGA Aluminium Design and Innovation Challenge is part of EGA’s Engineer the Future programme, which seeks to encourage school children to study and pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields. So far this academic year, EGA’s Engineer the Future has engaged over 6,950 school students, including more than 4,000 female students.

EGA is a major employer of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics professionals, with over 1,500 people working in these fields at the company, including more than 500 UAE nationals.

The design challenge engages students from grades nine to 12 to creatively use science, technology, engineering, and mathematics skills to address real-life challenges with aluminium. Over the course of four weeks, students were mentored by EGA engineers and provided with the necessary resources and tools to complete their projects.

Over 300 teams from schools across the UAE participated in the EGA Aluminium Design and Innovation Challenge this year, compared to 163 in 2024. The 63 shortlisted teams were invited to creatively design an innovative project using aluminium in one of the challenge categories – architecture, product design, sustainable mobility, and space solutions.

This year’s first-place winning teams in each category are Fatima Al Zahraa School in the category of architecture, Nahel School in the category of product design, Dubai National School – Barsha in the category of space solutions, and Jameela Buheired School in the category of sustainable mobility.

His Excellency Omar Al Dhaheri,Assistant Undersecretary for School Operations Sector (Abu Dhabi) at the Ministry of Education, extended his congratulations to the competition winners. He praised the leading-edge partnership with EGA and its vital role in developing students’ practical skills to achieve the UAE’s aspirations across vital sectors that require building national cadres with a high level of capability, excellence, and innovation.

His Excellency added: “Through its various programmes and collaborations with organisations in the public and private sectors, the Ministry of Education proactively works to create opportunities for students to showcase their innovation capabilities and put their acquired knowledge and skills into practice through tangible, real-world projects that offer significant value to society.”

Khalid Essa Buhumaid, Senior Vice President of Government Relations at Emirates Global Aluminium, said: “Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are all essential for the UAE’s achievement of Operation 300bn, the national industrial growth strategy. EGA aims to grow the future national industrial workforce of the UAE through many student outreach programmes, including Engineer the Future. I was pleased to see top-quality aluminium applications by bright young minds that will one day lead the future of UAE industry.”

Earlier this year, EGA launched a new student engagement and mentorship programme for female UAE students. Ershaad aims to encourage and prepare young women to pursue careers in industry with a focus on enhancing critical skills for professional development through dedicated mentoring by EGA experts.

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.

The winning teams were recognised by Her Excellency Hessa Rasheed, Executive Director of School Development Sector of Emirates Schools Establishment, and Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of EGA, at a ceremony held at EGA’s site in Al Taweelah in Abu Dhabi.

The EGA Aluminium Design and Innovation Design Challenge is part of EGA’s Engineer the Future programme, which introduces school students in the UAE to the real-life application in industry of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The programme aims to encourage school children to study and pursue careers in these fields. Science, technology, engineering and mathematics are all essential for the UAE’s achievement of the national Operation 300bn industrial growth strategy.

The design challenge engages students from grades nine to 12 to creatively use science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills to address real-life challenges in sustainable mobility, architecture, product design and green solutions with aluminium.

This year’s winning teams in each category are National Charity school in the category of sustainable mobility, Al Najah school in the category of architecture, Ibn Sina school in the category of product design, and Al Marfa’ school in the category of green solutions.

Over 163 teams from schools across the UAE participated in the EGA Aluminium Design and Innovation Challenge this year.

H.E. Engineer Mohammed Al Qasim, Director General of Emirates Schools Establishment, congratulated the winning teams on the innovation and advanced capabilities they demonstrated during the competition. Emirates Schools Establishment is committed to support and empower the educational journey of students and provide tools necessary for their future development.

His Excellency added that the Aluminium Design and Innovation Challenge reflects the strength of the partnership between Emirates Schools Establishment and EGA. Students were able to advance their practical skills and knowledge of science, technology, engineering, mathematics and sustainability.

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, said: “As a nation with bold industrial growth ambitions, we need more young people to continue their studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics and ultimately pursue careers in these fields. This is why EGA runs our Engineer the Future programme, and why I was so pleased to see so much young talent in this year’s design challenge. I look forward to what these young people will achieve in the future, which I hope will even include careers at EGA.”

So far this academic year, EGA’s Engineer the Future has engaged over 5,000 school students.

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.

The IEC sets international standards for electrical and electronic technologies, ensuring safe and reliable products and infrastructure worldwide. The IEC has established the Young Professionals Programme since 2010 as part of its strategy to engage young professionals in the field of standardisation.

Alsayegh, a data engineer at EGA, specialises in Industry 4.0. She has been selected by the National Committee of the United Arab Emirates as one of two Emirati candidates to represent the UAE during the IEC’s Young Professionals Programme.

As part of the Programme, participants from all around the world are chosen to represent their regions and provide input in standardisation and conformity assessment work globally.

His Excellency Omar Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of MoIAT, said: “In line with our leadership’s vision & directives, we strive to empower our youth and provide them with opportunities to grow and excel. Young people play a critical role in the industrial and advanced technology sectors, which draw local talent given their importance for the UAE’s strategy for economic growth and innovation. We are proud to see Emiratis thrive in this vital sector and will continue to upskill local talent and promote the development of the industrial sector under the objectives of Operation 300bn.”

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, said: "At EGA, we are dedicated to driving innovation and empowering youth, with particular focus on supporting women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. This appointment reflects both EGA’s success in attracting and developing the best talent, and Amal’s own impressive capability. I congratulate her on this honour.”

The appointment is the third time an EGA engineer has been chosen by the National Committee of the United Arab Emirates to participate in the IEC Young Professionals Programme and a third consecutive appointment for a UAE National to represent the Middle East and Asia regions.

The UAE is one of few countries in the world where more women than men graduate from university in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. EGA runs programmes to inspire youth interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics and is a major employer of STEM professionals, with around 1,500 people working at the company in roles in these fields.

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.

EGA’s Summer Training Programme is now in its 21st year. The programme aims to give UAE students, particularly of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, their first experience of working in industry.

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of EGA, said: ”Achievement of the UAE’s industrial growth strategy, Operation 300bn, requires more young people to choose careers in STEM fields. Our Summer Training Programme is a great opportunity for young UAE Nationals to get their first experience in an industrial company. I look forward to welcoming this year’s cohort to EGA, and to seeing many of them later choosing careers in UAE industry.”  

The Summer Training programme is just part of EGA’s drive to develop young talent in the UAE. EGA has sponsored more than 500 students through their university studies since 2001, and currently has 80 graduate trainees working at the company.

EGA also runs National Training Programmes for high school leavers, for development into 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.

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

EGA also runs outreach 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.

The winning team members from American University in Dubai were Mostafa Aboelnaga, Mohammad Rashwan, Mohammad AlHadi, Yassin Abdelmeguid and Bilal Serieh. They were coached by Dr. Salem Haggag.

In this year’s competition, students were challenged 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. Through this challenge, students were able to apply their academic knowledge in the field of robotics and automation to think creatively and develop a practical solution for the aluminium industry.

The American University of Dubai team’s winning entry was called Robot for Anode Cover Thickness (R FACT). It uses artificial intelligence to interpret images.

Five teams were shortlisted and received funding of AED 50,000 each from EGA to design and build their robots, and three teams proceeded to the finals. The other finalist teams were from Heriot-Watt University and Abu Dhabi University.

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of EGA, said: "I congratulate the American University in Dubai team for their win. The skills students practice in EGA’s Al Robot competition are important for the UAE’s industrial future and the achievement of Operation 300bn. I hope these students will now be inspired to pursue careers in UAE industry."

EGA's technology and development team works extensively with universities in both the UAE and internationally, with academic partnerships that include Khalifa University, the American University of Sharjah, Rochester Institute of Technology, and Higher Colleges of Technology in the UAE, as well as the University of Auckland, University of New South Wales, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Through the EGA Ambassador Programme, EGA also collaborates with universities to bridge the gap between academic studies and workplace experience. This initiative is spearheaded by young Emirati engineers and professionals, who demonstrate the practical applications of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in UAE industry.

With the goal of reaching 45 per cent in-focus Emiratisation, EGA plans to create 500 additional opportunities for UAE Nationals by 2026 to secure talent for the future and provide opportunities for young UAE Nationals in the industrial sector. By the end of 2022, EGA had achieved an in-focus Emiratisation rate of 42 per cent, one of the highest of any major company.

The average age of EGA’s new UAE National recruits was 23 years old. While EGA recruits mid-career experts, the company focuses on attracting and developing young people who are starting their careers as talent for the future.

Some 146 of the 2022 recruits joined EGA’s National Training programmes, which prepare high school leavers for technical positions in the company’s industrial facilities and administration. EGA also recruited 43 graduate trainees during the year.

EGA finished 2022 with an in-focus Emiratisation rate of 42 per cent. When considering the high number of blue-collar positions in heavy industry, EGA has one of the highest Emiratisation rates of any major company.

Almost 1,200 UAE Nationals work at EGA and over 700 of EGA’s Emirati employees are under the age of 35 years old.

EGA’s goal is to create 500 additional opportunities for UAE Nationals by 2026, taking the company to 45 per cent in-focus Emiratisation.

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, said: “In line with the economic agenda for the next decade of the UAE’s wise leadership,  we will continue focusing on Emiratisation to secure the strong talent we need for our future and to create opportunity for young UAE Nationals in our country’s industrial sector. We are particularly focused on recruiting and developing women, as diverse organisations perform better. National talent development has been a priority at EGA for more than 40 years, during which we have made a substantial contribution to the UAE’s Emiratisation goals.” 

Iman Al Qasim, Executive Vice President of Human Capital at Emirates Global Aluminium, said: “We have a bold aspiration for EGA to be the industrial employer of choice in the countries where we operate by 2030, and a talent-driven organisation. We look forward to the talented young UAE Nationals in our 2022 intake developing their skills in our sector, and playing key roles in the future development of our company.”

More than 5,000 UAE Nationals have graduated from EGA’s National Training Programmes for high school leavers since they were first established in 1982. The programmes last between six and 36 months depending on specialism, and many participants have gone on pursue long and successful careers at EGA with some reaching senior leadership positions.

In 2022, EGA opened National Training programmes for roles in industrial operations to women for the first time, with 16 young UAE National women joining during the year. Most of the places on EGA’s National Training programme for administration roles are taken by women.

EGA cooperates with Abu Dhabi’s Human Resources Authority in the recruitment of young UAE Nationals for some of the company’s National Training programmes.

EGA aims to increase the proportion of women in the UAE to 25 per cent by 2025 and is targeting 15 per cent of all roles at EGA being held by women by 2026.

Some 31 UAE Nationals joined EGA as experienced hires in 2022.

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.