Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) has entered into an agreement with the Government Empowerment Department to create job opportunities for over 200 Emirati nationals through industrial training programs at the EGA Academy.
The agreement was signed by Ibrahim Nasser, Undersecretary of the Government Empowerment Department, and Abd al-Nasser bin Kalban, CEO of Emirates Global Aluminium, during the launch event of the EGA Academy held at EGA’s facility in Al Taweelah.
Under the terms of the agreement, EGA will enroll Emirati citizens registered with the Government Empowerment Department who hold a high school diploma in national industrial training programs offered by the EGA Academy over the next five years.
Strategic Initiative
The EGA Academy represents a strategic initiative launched in September 2025 aimed at enhancing skills and professional development in the industrial sector to support the future growth of EGA and the broader industrial sector in the country.
The establishment of the EGA Academy aligns with the national strategy, “Project 300 Billion,” reflecting the company’s strong commitment to nurturing talent in the aluminum sector, boosting productivity, generating job opportunities, and enhancing the sector’s contribution to the national economy.
EGA’s national training programs focus on developing the skills of high school graduates and enabling them to fill technical and operational roles within the company. Since their inception in 1982, more than 5,000 Emiratis have graduated from these programs, many of whom have advanced in their careers to hold leadership positions within the company.
Training Programs
The new participants will undergo a comprehensive 12-month training program covering both theoretical and practical aspects at the academy, in addition to on-site training at operational facilities, with the aim of employing them within the company upon successful completion of the program.
EGA exhibits one of the highest Emiratization rates among major industrial companies, owing to the numerous operational jobs it offers.
Talent Acquisition
Abd al-Nasser bin Kalban stated, “Emirates Global Aluminium has prioritized attracting and developing national talent for decades, reinforcing our vital role in supporting sustainable growth in the industrial sector and enhancing economic diversification in the UAE. Our partnership with the Government Empowerment Department underscores this commitment and contributes to improving Emiratization rates, which are already among the highest in major industrial firms. We look forward to welcoming new national talents into our ranks and equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career aligned with their aspirations and the country’s future objectives.”
Career Pathways
Ibrahim Nasser, Undersecretary of the Government Empowerment Department, commented, “The Government Empowerment Department is dedicated to empowering job seekers among our citizens through the Talent Center, which develops their skills, bolsters their confidence, and supports them with the tools and knowledge required to establish fruitful career paths. Partnerships with leading organizations like Emirates Global Aluminium are a critical part of this mission, enabling us to build effective bridges between national talents and job market requirements, ensuring we continue to cultivate a workforce prepared for the future, capable of accelerating the economic growth of Abu Dhabi and enhancing its global competitiveness.”
Increasing Emiratization
By the end of 2024, the Emiratization rate at Emirates Global Aluminium reached 44.5%. The company aims to increase this rate to 50% by the end of 2027 and hire up to 600 Emirati nationals during this period, in line with the company’s growth requirements and workforce turnover rates.
Currently, approximately 1,300 Emiratis are employed at Emirates Global Aluminium, with over 700 being under the age of 35. Last year, the company hired around 220 Emiratis, including 113 women.