In the next three years, a cohort of 12 Emirati engineering students will undergo their internships at the Airbus headquarters in Toulouse.
In a collaborative effort to foster educational and professional growth, Airbus and Mubadala Investment Company have inked an agreement to provide internship opportunities for Emirati senior university students in engineering. The signing ceremony, attended by Fatima Al Marzooqi, Director of Portfolio Emiratisation from Mubadala, and Mikail Houari, President of Airbus, Africa, and the Middle East, took place at Dubai Airshow 2023.
Over the next three years, a total of 12 Emirati engineering students will embark on internships hosted at the Airbus headquarters in Toulouse, France. During their internships, these students will have the invaluable opportunity to work closely with Airbus experts and specialists, gaining hands-on experience and industry insights.
Speaking about the collaboration, Fatima Al Marzooqi, Director of Portfolio Emiratisation at Mubadala said: Mubadala is delighted to support this important initiative which will not only bolster our future-focused knowledge-based economy in the UAE but provide an exceptional opportunity for Emirati students.
We know that our most valuable asset is people and through this innovative partnership with Airbus, we can help grow world-class talent. This leading internship is a significant milestone in our Emiratisation programme as we continue to support the UAEs continued acceleration and transformation by fostering talent that can thrive in sectors vital for Abu Dhabis future growth and success.
Mikail Houari, President of Airbus Africa and Middle East, commented: “For many decades, Airbus has worked closely with local and regional organisations to nurture, develop and inspire young talent. Ensuring youth have the right skills and knowledge supports the future growth and progress of the aviation and aerospace sectors. The industry is vital for long-term economic diversification and sustainable development of the region. We are proud to have signed this new partnership with Mubadala and we look forward to many years of collaboration to drive localisation of our global expertise and support Emiratisation efforts.
As a stalwart presence in the Middle East for over fifty years, Airbus has consistently collaborated with educational institutions and universities in the region. This commitment extends to various programmes aimed at enhancing aerospace and aviation-related education, including skills enrichment, innovation-led research projects, and scholarships for students.
Airbus reaffirms its dedication to promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education in the Middle East and Africa. Since 2015, more than 5,000 students and entrepreneurs of all levels have participated in Airbus programmes in the region, gaining industry awareness, practical experience, and support in developing their capabilities.