Schneider Electric and DP World Empower Emirati Youth in Sustainability

The UAE sustainability sector needs over 50,000 skilled professionals by 2030, opening new opportunities for Emirati youth. A new collaborative effort between global energy management leader Schneider and DP World, one of the world’s largest port operators, addresses this need.

Schneider Electric’s partnership with DP World equips young Emiratis with sustainability skills through practical training, mentorship and hands-on experience. The program prepares the next generation of sustainability leaders and supports the UAE’s vision for a sustainable future while creating valuable career paths for local talent.

Strategic Partnership Impact

Schneider Electric and DP World have signed a detailed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Maha AlQattan and Amel Chadli represented their organizations in this mutually beneficial alliance. Their collaboration launched two programs that will help sustainability expertise grow among Emirati youth.

The life-blood of this partnership lies in the ‘Experience Exchange Program‘ and the ‘Future Sustainability Leaders Program‘. Three employees from each company will take part in cross-company placements through the Experience Exchange Program. This approach promotes deep understanding of sustainability practices in different business operations.

UAE graduates can benefit from a five-month intensive development through the Future Sustainability Leaders Program which offers:

• Specialized training in sustainability and decarbonization
• Advanced knowledge transfer in AI technologies
• One-month internship experience
• Practical exposure to industry operations

Schneider Electric’s presence in the UAE’s sustainability sector grows stronger through this collaboration, which enhances their existing “Tamayuz Program.” On top of that, DP World has pledged AED 128.52 million for education initiatives by 2030. These initiatives focus on green technologies and STEM skills development. This joint effort marks a most important step in the UAE’s journey to become a global leader in sustainable technology and innovation.

Comprehensive Skill Development

The collaborative initiative shapes the next generation workforce through multiple specialized skill development tracks. Students learn detailed skills that prepare them for future roles. The program’s curriculum focuses on key areas:

• Advanced digitalization techniques
• Sustainable electrification practices
• Decarbonization strategies
• Artificial intelligence applications
• Leadership development
• Sustainable technology implementation

The Experience Exchange Program creates immersive learning experiences that help participants learn industry-leading practices hands-on. Students benefit from a unique learning environment where Schneider Electric’s technical expertise meets DP World’s operational excellence. This combination connects theoretical knowledge with practical application effectively.

Fresh UAE graduates can join the Future Sustainability Leaders Program, a five-month curriculum that blends intensive training with real-life projects. Students receive specialized training in sustainability practices, decarbonization technologies, and artificial intelligence applications.

The program works alongside DP World’s 5-year old Tumoohi program. Participants work directly in dynamic sectors like energy management, automation, and digital transformation. Industry veterans mentor participants throughout their journey. Students develop practical skills in energy efficiency and sustainable operations management. This well-laid-out approach helps Emirati youth gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience they need to lead future sustainability initiatives.

Career Advancement Opportunities

The sustainability sector in the UAE has grown remarkably, creating job opportunities in many industries. Recent data shows that 64% of institutions in the Middle East now adopt official ESG strategies, up from 18% in 2022, suggesting a thriving job market for sustainability professionals.

Several innovative positions have emerged in this field:

• Sustainability Managers and Directors
• ESG Consultants
• Sustainable Finance Experts
• Environmental Compliance Officers
• Green Technology Specialists

A sustainability manager’s role has become a promising career choice, and many companies now create dedicated positions for the Middle East and Africa region. This trend stands out in energy management, where Schneider Electric reshapes the scene, and in logistics, where DP World shows its steadfast dedication to eco-friendly operations.

Banks and financial institutions offer great opportunities, as they just need sustainable finance experts who can help clients with green bonds and sukuk issuance. Major players like Standard Chartered Bank and Mashreq Group actively seek professionals who can support their clients’ green initiatives and develop environmental financing frameworks.

A shift toward a greener economy has opened up opportunities in renewable energy, green construction, and sustainable agriculture. Fresh graduates and experienced professionals can find promising careers in these sectors while contributing to UAE’s environmental initiatives. Strategic collaborations, like the one between Schneider Electric and DP World, help young professionals connect with industry leaders and gain ground experience in implementing sustainable solutions.

Schneider Electric and DP World’s groundbreaking partnership proves UAE’s steadfast dedication to sustainable development and youth empowerment. Their programs give Emirati youth unmatched chances to build expertise in significant areas like decarbonization, digital transformation, and sustainable operations management.

Experience Exchange and Future Sustainability Leaders programs create a resilient infrastructure to develop next-generation sustainability experts. These initiatives give participants the practical skills, industry knowledge, and professional networks they need to succeed in the sustainability sector that grows faster each year.

UAE’s sustainability sector will create 50,000 new positions by 2030. The partnership helps Emirati youth lead this transformation and prepares them for leadership roles in energy management, logistics, and environmental compliance. These future leaders will welcome innovation and eco-friendly practices that will propel UAE’s development as a global sustainability hub through structured training programs and hands-on experience.