Today's Edition
ASILA AL BADI (ABU DHABI)
Rabdan Academy has inaugurated the first-ever “Future Leaders Fair”, a three-day initiative designed to introduce Grade 11 and 12 students from Abu Dhabi’s Charter Schools to career pathways in defence, security, and emergency management.
The fair introduces students to disciplines such as Business Continuity Management, Integrated Emergency Management, Policing and Security, Homeland Security, and broader defence-related fields. These areas, often absent from traditional high school education, are presented through workshops, exhibitions, and discussions with sector experts.
Salem Saeed Al Saeedi, Vice President of Rabdan Academy, said the initiative reflects the academy’s focus on building a talent pipeline for specialised national roles. He described the fair as a forward-looking step that presents students with clear career options, helping them make informed decisions through an integrated model that connects education with national workforce needs.
Dr. Naji Mohammed Al Seiari, Dean of Faculty & Research and Innovation Division Director at Rabdan Academy, emphasised that the concept of the fair aligns closely with the academy’s broader mission of encouraging ambition and awareness in youth.
“Future leadership begins at an early stage,” he told Aletihad.
“Our goal is not only to educate but to build thinkers, professionals, and protectors - the pillars of a secure and resilient UAE.”
Dr. Al Seiar said the fair targets Grade 11 and 12 students who have the ambition to serve in fields related to safety, security, defence, and crisis management, sectors that are essential not just for national stability but for economic growth.
“A secure nation attracts investment and builds a sustainable future,” he explained, adding that the fair helps bridge the gap between education and employability by connecting students with sectors that require such expertise.
Dr. Al Seiari further noted that many students at the event showed genuine curiosity and motivation.
“It’s encouraging to see young Emiratis envisioning careers that contribute directly to the UAE’s security and resilience,” he said.
“They were engaged, asking thoughtful questions, and showing interest in these unique academic paths.”
Hamad Ahmad Alsuwaidi, President of the Student Council and a final-year student in Integrated Emergency Management, believes the Future Leaders Fair gives high school students valuable exposure to fields they might not have otherwise considered.
“Most students don’t know much about these disciplines - just like we didn’t before joining Rabdan. This fair helps them see a new kind of future and understand that there are rewarding careers in protecting the nation and managing crises,” he told Aletihad.
He also highlighted the academy’s strong mentorship and internship programmes that guide students toward their ideal career paths.
“Rabdan supports us through mentorship and assigns internships that match our interests. We also have departments that connect us with professional opportunities - something not all universities offer,” Alsuwaidi added.
He said that the Rabdan Academy programme moves beyond theory, integrating both research and real-life, practical learning into its curriculum.
“My advice would be to explore what Rabdan offers and understand how unique it is. We have a Career Opportunities Department and an Alumni Department that actually take care of connecting us to the professional world. I think that’s what makes Rabdan different, it really prepares you for the future.”
Third-year student Fatema Al Qemzi, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Continuity Management, said the academy’s environment helped her gain both academic and practical skills.
“The academy provides a professional and supportive learning environment that combines theory with practical application,” she told Aletihad.
“It’s helped me develop leadership and teamwork skills while understanding how to enhance national resilience.”
Fatema added that contributing to the UAE’s stability is a source of pride and motivation.
“It’s an honour to know that what we study contributes to the UAE’s safety and preparedness. Every lesson reminds us that our work today supports the country’s security tomorrow.”
