e&’s Groundbreaking Journey in Empowering Emirati Tech Innovators
Celebrating a Milestone
In a remarkable showcase of talent and ambition, e& recently celebrated a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to developing Emirati tech leadership. The global telecom leader marked the achievements of its AI Graduate Programme with a graduation ceremony that honored 25 promising graduates. This event, held at the luxurious Atlantis in Dubai, brought together 500 attendees, including senior leaders from e& and the proud families of the graduates.
Since its inception in 2021, the AI Graduate Programme has welcomed 284 exceptional Emirati graduates. This initiative plays a pivotal role in nurturing local talent and fostering a digitally empowered workforce ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow’s innovation-driven economy.
A Transformative Experience
Graduates of the programme celebrated their successful journey, having been equipped with the skills necessary to thrive in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence. Ali Al Mansoori, e&’s Group Chief People Officer, emphasized the programme’s significance in shaping the future of technological advancement. "Our AI Graduate Programme stands as a benchmark for excellence in emerging talent development," he stated. "It empowers them with skills essential for an AI-driven world. As industries continue to evolve, this initiative prepares our talent to embrace new opportunities and drive innovation."
The graduates’ readiness to contribute to the labor market coincides with predictions that AI will generate 170 million new jobs globally by 2030, leading to a substantial net increase in roles. Importantly, e&’s commitment to inclusivity is evident in its programme, which boasts a remarkable gender balance—62% of the recent graduates are female, with an overall participation rate of 81% since 2021.
A Tailored Curriculum
The AI Graduate Programme is meticulously designed to provide participants with a hands-on, immersive learning experience. Over the span of 12 months, graduates engage in a curriculum that spans essential domains such as AI, machine learning, big data analytics, and cybersecurity. The dual-phase training structure ensures that each individual not only hones technical expertise but also develops crucial leadership and emotional intelligence skills.
Each graduate benefits from a personalized development plan, which includes mentoring and ongoing feedback. This comprehensive approach is intended to prepare graduates not just for immediate challenges, but as future leaders within the digital economy.
Strategic Partnerships
Developed in collaboration with educational powerhouses like Udacity, MIT, and Harvard Business Review, the programme stands as a cornerstone of e&’s Emiratisation strategy. By working alongside these esteemed institutions, e& not only enhances the learning experience but ensures that its graduates are well-versed in the latest advancements and best practices in the tech industry.
Through real-world projects and practical applications, participants gain firsthand experience in tackling the complexities of today’s technological landscape. As graduates dive into authentic situations involving AI and cybersecurity, their learning transcends traditional classroom boundaries, instilling a sense of readiness for the challenges that lie ahead.
Looking to the Future
As the ceremony concluded and the One& Celebration began, e&’s CEO and senior leadership took the opportunity to recognize not only the AI graduates but also standout employees throughout the organization who manifest the company’s core values of innovation and excellence. This reinforces e&’s culture of recognition and motivation, essential for cultivating a thriving workforce.
In a world where technology evolves at an unprecedented pace, the importance of nurturing local talent cannot be overstated. By empowering Emirati youth through its AI Graduate Programme, e& is paving the way for a new generation of innovators poised to lead the charge in the digital transformation of various sectors.
The journey of these graduates continues, symbolizing not just personal achievement but the collective aspirations of a nation eager to embrace a future defined by technology and innovation. With initiatives like the AI Graduate Programme, e& remains committed to fostering talent and cultivating a workforce equipped to navigate the complexities of tomorrow’s digital age.
