ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)

Abu Dhabi Aviation Group has marked the first anniversary of its Al Jeer programme, one of the group’s strategic initiatives aimed at developing a new generation of skilled Emirati aircraft maintenance engineers in strategic partnership with Mawaheb Talent Hub, part of the Department of Government Enablement – Abu Dhabi, and with the support of the programme’s partners.

The programme currently includes more than 65 UAE Nationals, with the group planning to welcome 35 new students each year as part of its efforts to expand the national technical talent pool and build a sustainable pipeline of Emirati talent in aviation.

Mawaheb Talent Hub, part of the Department of Government Enablement – Abu Dhabi, is a strategic partner of the Aljeer programme, supporting the development and enablement of national talent and connecting UAE Nationals with specialised career opportunities in priority sectors. Through strategic partnerships with employers, Mawaheb supports career pathways that combine specialised training, practical experience, employment opportunities and long-term professional development.

The programme’s first anniversary event was held at Erth Abu Dhabi on 7 October 2026, bringing together students, Abu Dhabi Aviation Group leadership, line managers, technical teams and programme partners. The event provided a platform for direct engagement between students, decision-makers and industry experts, allowing participants to discuss their ambitions and development needs, reflect on the progress achieved during the programme’s first year, and explore the career opportunities available to them.

The event was attended by Mahmood Alhay Al Hamli, Group CEO of Abu Dhabi Aviation Group, Ghannam Butti Al Mazrouei, Secretary-General of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council, and Dr Abdulla Al Shimmari, Executive Director of the National Workforce Enablement Sector at the Department of Government Enablement – Abu Dhabi, as well as representatives from the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).

Al Jeer represents an integrated model for national talent development. UAE Nationals join Abu Dhabi Aviation Group as employees from the beginning of their academic journey in aircraft maintenance engineering, allowing them to combine academic study with real professional experience from an early stage and linking their education to a clear and sustainable career pathway.

The programme is delivered across several Abu Dhabi Aviation Group companies, including Etihad Engineering, Global Aerospace Logistics (GAL), Advanced Military Maintenance Repair and Overhaul Centrew (AMMROC), and Abu Dhabi Aerospace Services, giving students broad practical experience across a range of operational and technical environments in commercial and defence aviation.

This model enables participants to work alongside experienced engineers and technical specialists, gain hands-on operational experience and become familiar with the latest practices and technologies in aircraft maintenance. It also gives them direct access to leaders, managers and industry experts, helping them build professional networks as they progress through the programme.

Admission to Al Jeer follows a highly selective and competitive selection process, with candidates progressing through several stages of assessment and interviews. Around one-third of candidates who reach the final interview stage are accepted into the programme, reflecting the high standards applied in identifying promising Emirati talent.

Al Jeer provides a structured, multi-year pathway for university and college students to become licensed aircraft maintenance engineers. Participants complete their academic studies while meeting the technical and regulatory requirements approved by the General Civil Aviation Authority and gaining the practical experience required for professional licensing.

The pathway includes two years of supervised practical training, during which students work towards meeting the requirements for GCAA B1, B1.3 or B2 licences. This is followed by opportunities to obtain further specialist certifications and participate in technical projects and development assignments across the Group.

Mahmood Alhay Alhameli, Group CEO of Abu Dhabi Aviation Group, said: “Al Jeer represents a long-term investment in Emirati talent and in the future of the UAE aviation sector. Through the programme, we are giving young Emiratis the opportunity to begin their professional journey while still studying, enabling them to combine academic knowledge with practical experience from day one.

“Our objective goes beyond creating employment opportunities. We are building sustainable career avenues that enable national talent to progress from training to professional licensing, then into advanced technical specialisations and, over time, leadership roles.

“What gives Al Jeer additional value is the breadth of experience available across the group in commercial and defence aviation. This allows our students to learn directly from experienced professionals, work in real operational environments and build a strong professional foundation that will enable them to contribute to the future of aviation in the UAE.”

Participants also benefit from Abu Dhabi Aviation Group’s nearly five decades of experience in the sector, as well as its integrated capabilities, which include advanced operational and engineering facilities and specialised technical expertise. This enables them to translate their academic knowledge into practical skills and experience that can be applied directly in practical working environments.

Dr Abdulla Al Shimmari, Executive Director of the National Workforce Enablement Sector at the Department of Government Enablement – Abu Dhabi, said: “Our partnership in Al Jeer exemplifies the approach we are adopting at Mawaheb Talent Hub; building effective partnerships with employers that enable national talent and connect Emiratis with specialised, sustainable career pathways in priority sectors.

“Aviation is a high-potential sector that requires advanced technical and specialised capabilities. Through this partnership, we are enabling young Emiratis to gain the knowledge, practical experience and skills required by the labour market, strengthening their readiness and competitiveness while opening new opportunities for long-term professional growth.

“Investing in national talent goes beyond creating opportunities. It is about building integrated pathways that enable Emiratis to turn those opportunities into expertise, specialisation and sustainable careers that contribute to the future of Abu Dhabi’s strategic sectors.”

The GCAA also plays a key role in supporting the programme’s technical and professional development. In November 2025, the GCAA approved the Al Jeer Programme Manual in accordance with the practical experience requirements set out under CAR 66.30 of the Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Licensing Regulations, helping to establish the regulatory framework for the programme’s technical training and professional licensing pathway.

This collaboration was further strengthened in February 2026 through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the GCAA and Abu Dhabi Aviation Group to support the delivery of practical experience programmes in aircraft maintenance under Al Jeer, establish appropriate supervision mechanisms and ensure alignment with the authority’s approved regulations.

Aqeel Ahmed Al Zarooni, Assistant Director General for Aviation Safety Affairs at GCAA, said: “The Al Jeer Programme provides a valuable pathway for developing Emirati technical talent in aviation. Our collaboration with Abu Dhabi Aviation Group supports the programme’s alignment with regulatory and professional requirements, while contributing to the development of skilled national capabilities that will support the future needs of the aviation sector.”

As Al Jeer enters its second year, Abu Dhabi Aviation Group plans to expand the programme and attract more Emirati talent, helping to build a sustainable national pipeline of aircraft maintenance engineers, support the growing needs of the UAE aviation sector, and advance the group’s Emiratisation and national talent development strategy.