In a historic move on the designated Youth Day at COP28, the UAE’s largest automotive group, Al-Futtaim Automotive, and the nation’s leading public research university, UAE University, have joined forces to solidify their commitment towards Emirati talent development in the fields of Automotive and E-Mobility.
The partnership represents a groundbreaking initiative in steering the future of e-mobility within the UAE and another milestone in Al-Futtaim Group’s commitment to developing a comprehensive electric mobility ecosystem. The partnership was formalised with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed at COP28, where the Al-Futtaim Group plays a pivotal role as the event’s Strategic E-Mobility Partner.
The MoU was signed between Ibrahim Al Sayegh, Head of Emiratisation Strategy & Planning at Al-Futtaim Group, and Professor Ahmed Ali Murad, Associate Provost for Research at UAE University, and lays the groundwork for creating a new centre of automotive expertise, jointly spearheaded by Al-Futtaim Automotive’s Electric Mobility Training Centre and the UAE University’s prestigious Emirates Center for Mobility Research.
Through the MoU, the two organisations will engage in joint scientific and academic research activities alongside hosting joint training programmes for young Emirati talent, giving them access to world-class training methodologies placed within the Al-Futtaim Automotive Electric Mobility Training Centre, the region’s first IMI-certified training centre for electric mobility.
The collaboration will also entail organising study groups, seminars, workshops and conferences to empower the next generation with career-defining technical skills and knowledge in electric and hybrid vehicles.
Ibrahim Al Sayegh, Head of Emiratisation Strategy & Planning, Al-Futtaim Group, commented, “Our dedication to electric mobility extends beyond bringing a world-class line-up of electric and hybrid cars to the development of our nation’s human capital. This collaboration reinforces Al-Futtaim Group’s commitment to leadership in sustainability and our proactive role in preparing Emirati nationals for the jobs of the future. This role will be key to delivering our mission of establishing an integrated e-mobility infrastructure in the UAE. We are proud to partner with the UAE University, and together, we can draw on our mutual strengths within the mobility sector to ensure we create a future-ready workforce contributing towards the objectives of the UAE Net Zero 2050 against the historical background of COP28.”
Dr. Hamad Al Jassmi, Director of Emirates Center for Mobility Research, UAE University, emphasised the significance of the partnership, stating, “By merging the expertise of Al-Futtaim Automotive’s globally accredited E-mobility Training Centre with UAE University’s research prowess, we are creating a robust ecosystem for talent development in emerging mobility trends. This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to fostering innovation and preparing our youth for the challenges and opportunities of the future.”
The MoU highlights plans to initiate training for Emirati students with a series of training cohorts starting from January 2024. Additionally, a series of batches are scheduled throughout 2024, ensuring a continuous flow of skilled Emirati professionals in the automotive and e-mobility sectors.
The MOU signing was held with key dignitaries and senior management representatives of Al-Futtaim Group, UAE University, and the Emirates Center for Mobility Research.
