• Collaboration focuses on youth empowerment, providing clear pathways through internships, apprenticeships, and mentorship opportunities.
• Partnership aligns with the UAE’s national talent agenda, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s leadership as a global aviation hub.

Dubai, 26 January 2026 – Sanad, the global aerospace engineering and asset management solutions leader wholly owned by Abu Dhabi’s sovereign investor Mubadala Investment Company PJSC, and the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the UAE’s federal aviation regulator, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the GCAA Career Fair. The MoU aims to strengthen collaboration in advancing Emirati talent development, youth engagement, and national workforce empowerment within the UAE’s growing aviation sector.

The MoU was signed by Mansoor Janahi, Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer of Sanad, and Mr. Omar Bin Ghaleb, Deputy Director General of the General Civil Aviation Authority. Under the agreement, Sanad and the GCAA will jointly promote the UAE’s next-generation aviation programs, including Sanad’s new GTF Engine MRO Center in Al Ain, while supporting national initiatives that encourage Emirati youth to pursue careers in aviation. The collaboration will focus on recruitment drives, awareness campaigns, and mentorship programs connecting students and graduates with industry experts, helping them build skills, gain real-world experience, and play an active role in shaping the UAE’s aviation future.

This focus on youth development comes at a critical time for the sector, as the UAE’s aviation industry continues to expand and drive national economic growth. Today, aviation and aviation-related sectors support approximately 992,000 jobs across the country, while the industry directly employs more than 206,800 people and contributes around AED 95.7 billion in economic output. In Dubai alone, aviation-led activity accounted for 631,000 jobs in 2023, with a further 185,000 positions expected by 2030, highlighting the growing demand for a skilled Emirati workforce to sustain the industry’s future momentum.

As the demand for skilled talent rises, Sanad and the GCAA are partnering to inspire and equip young Emiratis to pursue meaningful careers in aviation, providing clear pathways through internships, apprenticeships, and mentorship opportunities. These initiatives will ensure that youth gain the practical experience, technical expertise, and professional confidence needed to succeed in the aviation workforce. The collaboration will also extend to community engagement through the “Love Your Sky” campaign, which leverages youth-focused programs, job fairs, and school activations to spark passion for aviation. These efforts will be reinforced by youth ambassadors who will champion aviation careers and serve as role models for their peers across the UAE.

By combining the regulatory leadership of the GCAA with Sanad’s industrial and technical expertise, the partnership will establish a unified platform for knowledge exchange, industry visibility, and Emirati talent development, further reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s and the UAE’s position as a global aviation hub.

Speaking on the significance of the partnership, Mansoor Janahi, Managing Director and Group CEO of Sanad, said: “Our collaboration with the GCAA reflects a shared commitment to investing in the UAE’s most valuable asset, its people. Together, we are building pathways that enable young Emiratis to develop the skills, confidence, and global exposure needed to thrive in aviation. This partnership not only supports Sanad’s talent strategy but also aligns with the UAE’s vision to position our nation as a global hub for aviation excellence.”

Mr. Omar Bin Ghaleb, Director General of the General Civil Aviation Authority, added: “Empowering Emirati youth is essential to sustaining the future of our aviation industry. Through this partnership with Sanad, we aim to create opportunities that connect education, industry, and national ambition. By inspiring the next generation and equipping them with world-class skills, we are ensuring that the UAE continues to lead with innovation, safety, and excellence in global aviation”

As part of the agreement, both parties will launch joint programs and initiatives to promote youth engagement, professional development, and career readiness in aviation, reinforcing their shared commitment to nurturing the UAE’s next generation of aviation leaders.