Dubai: Schneider Electric has announced the launch of a significant AED100 million initiative focused on enhancing the education sector in the United Arab Emirates. The initiative was unveiled by H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Olympic Committee, during the official inauguration of Schneider Electric's new Dubai office, The NEST, located in Dubai Silicon Oasis.
According to Emirates News Agency, Sheikh Mansoor emphasized Dubai's strategic efforts to position itself as a global hub for innovation, sustainability, and digital economy. The launch of this initiative aligns with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to elevate Dubai as one of the world's top three urban economies over the next decade. He highlighted the importance of fostering an ecosystem that supports leading companies' growth and actively contributes to national development through education and talent empowerment.
Sheikh Mansoor was joined by prominent figures including His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ); Olivier Blum, CEO of Schneider Electric; Walid Sheta, MEA Zone President, Schneider Electric; and Amel Chadli, President of Gulf Cluster, Schneider Electric, at the launch event. The NEST headquarters, which spans 10,000 sqm, is a strategic investment in the UAE's sustainable economy, serving as a hub for innovation and collaboration.
Schneider Electric's initiative aims to equip UAE's next generation with necessary skills and experiences to lead in an era focused on sustainability and digital transformation. The company plans to enhance sustainability education, modernize engineering laboratories, and provide hands-on learning through mentorship and research, in collaboration with universities and industry partners.
Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni remarked on the significance of Schneider Electric's new regional headquarters, reflecting the strength of Dubai's innovation ecosystem and a shared commitment to sustainability and smart urban development. DIEZ is committed to working with Schneider Electric to develop an integrated upskilling and training ecosystem, fostering innovation and strengthening public-private partnerships.
Amel Chadli, Schneider Electric's Gulf Cluster President, highlighted the company's commitment to upskilling UAE youth, in alignment with the nation's vision for a competitive, knowledge-based economy. The initiative supports education, workforce readiness, and aligns innovation with ambition to create lasting impact.
The five-year initiative will be implemented in phases to adapt to the evolving needs of students, educators, and the industrial ecosystem, ensuring the UAE remains at the forefront of global trends with a future-ready workforce. Schneider Electric's initiatives such as Tamayuz and FEM in STEM, along with the UAE NextGen Go Green competition, are designed to empower youth and support the country's sustainability agenda.
