Shenzhen:The Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (ETCC), in partnership with Huawei, celebrated the graduation of 37 UAE nationals from the second cohort of the Nafis International Programme during a ceremony.
According to Emirates News Agency, the graduates, including recent university graduates and final-year students specializing in technology-related fields, completed a two-month training program. This included practical training in the People's Republic of China aimed at developing their technical, professional, and leadership skills.
The programme is one of ETCC's flagship initiatives and focuses on emerging technology fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, big data, and 5G networks. It aims to prepare Emirati talent for future job opportunities.
Participants underwent four weeks of specialized training in the UAE, followed by practical training at Huawei's facilities in Shenzhen, China, and visits to technology and innovation centers. They also developed leadership skills, built professional networks, and gained international experience, earning the Huawei Certified ICT Associate (HCIA) certification to enhance their job market competitiveness.
Ghannam Al Mazrouei, Secretary General of the ETCC, highlighted the significance of this graduation as a milestone in preparing Emirati talent for the future economy. He emphasized the program's blend of technical knowledge, practical experience, and exposure to international best practices as essential for competing in emerging sectors. Al Mazrouei expressed confidence in the graduates' ability to contribute to the UAE's technological advancement and innovation.
David Li, CEO of Huawei UAE, underscored the importance of investing in young Emirati talent and equipping them with necessary technical and professional skills. He reaffirmed Huawei's commitment to supporting initiatives that foster national capabilities in technology and innovation.
The programme aligns with the UAE's goals to build a knowledge- and innovation-driven digital economy and supports the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031. Through its collaboration with Huawei, ETCC aims to connect Emirati talent with international expertise, boosting their readiness for rapidly growing sectors and enhancing the UAE's competitiveness as a global technology and innovation hub.