ADGM Academy and Mawaheb expand partnership for 620 job placements in 2026
ABU DHABI, UAE – February 4, 2026 — ADGM Academy and Mawaheb Talent Hub announced an expanded partnership to advance national workforce skills in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. The collaboration targets 620 job placements in 2026 through specialized training programs. The initiative builds on efforts since 2022 that upskilled over 4,500 UAE nationals, with 61% of placements concentrated in Abu Dhabi.
Partnership specifics
The expanded partnership introduces three new training tracks: Software Development Accelerator Programme, Technology Infrastructure Programme, and Strategic Business Intelligence Programme. The programs focus on high-demand sectors to enhance employability in government and semi-government roles. Geographic expansion to Al Ain addresses regional skills gaps and promotes workforce distribution beyond the capital.
“Our expanded collaboration with Mawaheb Talent Hub, enabled by the Department of Government Enablement, is anchored in measurable outcomes. As the UAE develops its knowledge-based economy, our joint efforts continue to set a benchmark for strategic partnerships by supporting sustainable human capital development.”
— Ali Al Mehairi, Senior Executive Director at ADGM Academy
Why it matters: The statement signals a results-driven approach as the UAE accelerates its transition to a knowledge-based economy.
“Our collaboration with ADGM Academy bridges the gap between training and labour market requirements. By expanding programmes to Al Ain and introducing specialised technical tracks, we are addressing specific skills gaps and providing a clear pathway to sustainable employment in high-priority sectors.”
— Dr Abdulla Al Shimmari, Executive Director of National Workforce Enablement at DGE and Mawaheb Talent Hub
Why it matters: The expansion directly aligns with national Emiratisation policies targeting employment localization in strategic sectors.
Industry context
The partnership strengthens the UAE’s fintech and technology talent pipeline as ADGM consolidates its position as a leading financial center in MENA. Since 2022, the collaboration has created over 1,000 roles across banking, digital services, auditing, insurance, consultancy, and taxation—sectors critical to the nation’s economic diversification strategy. The Al Ain expansion promotes inclusive growth by connecting inland talent pools to urban employment opportunities in Abu Dhabi’s financial and technology ecosystem.
The initiative addresses persistent skills gaps in software development, infrastructure management, and business intelligence—competencies essential for the UAE’s digital transformation roadmap and Vision 2031 objectives.
Looking ahead
The 2026 target of 620 placements represents the partnership’s most ambitious job-creation goal to date. Expect enhanced employment outcomes in high-priority government sectors and broader regional economic impact as Al Ain talent enters the national workforce pipeline.
Sources: Fintech News Middle East, ADGM, WAM
