• Empowering Emirati Talent: Sanad and Abu Dhabi Polytechnic unite to train and employ the UAE’s next generation of Aircraft Engine Technicians.
• Tackling a Global Skills Gap: The program answers the urgent global demand for skilled aircraft engine technicians.
• Advancing Abu Dhabi’s Aerospace Ecosystem: A powerful academia–industry partnership building the specialized talent fueling the UAE’s aerospace growth.
• Investing in National talent: Reinforcing the long-term commitment of Sanad and Abu Dhabi Polytechnic to technical education and workforce localization.
• Powering Abu Dhabi’s Global Aerospace Vision: Driving the Emirate’s rise as a world-class hub for aerospace excellence and innovation.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – 26 January, 2026: Sanad, the global aerospace engineering and leasing solutions leader wholly owned by Abu Dhabi’s sovereign investor Mubadala Investment Company PJSC (Mubadala), has signed an agreement with Institute of Applied Technology (Abu Dhabi Polytechnic), an educational institution under the Institute of Applied Technology and supervised by Abu Dhabi Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ACTVET),, to launch a landmark Emirati Apprenticeship Program that will train and employ the UAE’s next generation of Aircraft Engine Technicians.

The agreement was formalized during the General Civil Aviation Authority’s (GCAA) Promising Future Job Fair, an initiative dedicated to inspiring youth to pursue careers in aviation The signing was led by Mansoor Janahi, Managing Director and Group CEO of Sanad, and Dr. Ali Al Marzouqi, Managing Director of Institute of Applied Technology (IAT).

This collaboration represents a pivotal step in advancing Abu Dhabi’s vision to become a global aerospace hub while reinforcing Sanad’s long-term commitment to developing Emirati talent and building the national capabilities that will shape the future of aviation. The partnership aligns with ACTVET’s strategy to elevate technical and vocational education and upskill national talent, underscoring Abu Dhabi Polytechnic’s role as a leading academic institution in preparing highly specialized Emirati professionals. By uniting an industry leader and a premier academic institution, the partnership creates a dynamic platform to nurture skilled technicians who will power the UAE’s aerospace ambitions.

The launch of the program comes at a pivotal moment for the global aviation industry. The aviation maintenance sector is facing a growing shortage of skilled professionals, with forecasts projecting a global demand for 716,000 maintenance technicians by 2042 and a 20 percent shortfall by 2028.¹ At the same time, demand for engine maintenance continues to rise, with the global aircraft engine MRO market valued at USD 37.56 billion in 2022 and expected to reach USD 59.01 billion by 2030.² In parallel, the Middle East aircraft MRO market is forecast to expand from USD 10.06 billion in 2025 to USD 12.75 billion by 2030, reflecting steady regional growth and underscoring the urgent need to develop a new generation of qualified engine technicians and engineers.

Against this backdrop, the Sanad–Abu Dhabi Polytechnic collaboration represents a timely and strategic investment in human capital who will sustain this growth. Developed jointly by both organizations, the two-year program offers a comprehensive education-to-employment pathway that blends academic excellence with hands-on experience. Emirati trainees will gain the theoretical foundation and technical expertise required to succeed in aircraft engine maintenance and overhaul, one of the most specialized and vital disciplines in the aviation industry.

During the first year, participants will undergo intensive classroom and workshop-based training at Abu Dhabi Polytechnic’s advanced aviation facilities. The second-year transitions learners into the workplace, alternating between one week of coursework at Abu Dhabi Polytechnic and three weeks of on-the-job training at Sanad’s state-of-the-art engine maintenance facility. Under the guidance of Sanad’s experienced engineers, trainees will complete more than 300 hours of practical training, developing skills essential to the engine MRO industry.

Upon successful completion, graduates will receive a nationally recognized Diploma in Aircraft Engine Technology and will be offered employment opportunities at Sanad, enabling them to embark on long-term career at Sanad.

Mansoor Janahi, Managing Director and Group CEO of Sanad said “This program reflects Sanad’s long-standing commitment to empowering Emirati talent and supporting Abu Dhabi’s vision to become a global aerospace hub. Together with Abu Dhabi Polytechnic, we are creating pathways that equip our youth with the skills, experience, and confidence to lead the UAE’s aviation future.”

Dr Ali Almarzooqi, Managing Director of IAT, added: “The Apprenticeship system is a well-established educational model within our institutions under the Abu Dhabi Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training. Over the years, it has demonstrated its effectiveness in preparing national talent with the technical and vocational skills required across various specializations. Through our partnership with Sanad, we continue to strengthen this proven training model, confident that its outcomes will support the aviation sector with highly skilled and well-prepared Emirati technicians.”

The Emirati Apprenticeship Program is a cornerstone of Sanad’s wider commitment to advancing technical education and workforce development across the UAE. As the company continues to expand its MRO capabilities and advance the development of its new GTF Engine MRO Center in Al Ain, set to be operational by the end of 2028, Sanad remains dedicated to developing local expertise, strengthening global competitiveness, and reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a world-class hub for aerospace excellence and innovation.