Abu dhabi: Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes' Affairs, 15 UAE nationals will join the National Talent Development with World Bank Group Explorers Programme to gain hands-on experience in international development. The announcement was made during the Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington, DC, attended by prominent figures including Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, and Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group.
According to Emirates News Agency, this collaboration is a partnership between the UAE's Ministry of Finance and the World Bank Group, supported by the UAE Aid Agency, the Office of Development and Fallen Heroes' Families Affairs, and ADGM Academy. The announcement ceremony witnessed the presence of several dignitaries including Younis Haji AlKhoori, Hamad Sayah Al Mazrouei, and other key figures from both the UAE and World Bank Group.
The UAE is among the first nations to engage in this global initiative aimed at developing national talent and enhancing their role in international financial and development institutions. The programme will allow 15 Emirati youth to engage in hands-on assignments related to real development projects, providing them with practical exposure to the operations of the World Bank Group across various sectors such as economics, finance, infrastructure, and international development.
This initiative is designed to prepare Emirati talent for global environments, building practical experience in development and international economics, and facilitating long-term knowledge exchange between the UAE and the World Bank Group. Minister Al Hussaini emphasized that this programme is a strategic initiative aligned with the UAE's vision of investing in human capital and preparing a new generation of professionals capable of engaging with global economic transformations.
Dr. Tareq Ahmed Al Ameri, Chairman of the UAE Aid Agency, highlighted the programme's role in equipping Emirati youth with financial and economic expertise. He noted the initiative's alignment with the UAE's strategy to cultivate highly skilled national talent that can contribute to sustainable development.
The World Bank Group Vice President of Human Resources echoed these sentiments, stating that the agreement with the UAE reflects a shared commitment to investing in the next generation of development professionals. Al Mazrouei remarked that the programme empowers Emirati talent to participate actively in the global development landscape, equipping them with necessary skills and international perspectives.
Al Mazrouei further stated that the programme aligns with ADDED's goals of future-proofing Abu Dhabi's economy by developing national development finance expertise, which is crucial for accelerating economic growth and diversification efforts in advanced industries, enhancing collaboration between public and private sectors.