Ras
Al-Khaimah / May 2026; Education
For Employment-UAE (EFE-UAE), in collaboration with the American University of
Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) and supported by Citi, has launched the 2026 edition of
the AJYAL Program, a regional initiative designed to equip university students
with the skills required to succeed in a rapidly evolving job market.
The program was introduced at
AURAK through a series of sessions focused on artificial intelligence,
sustainability, and employability preparation, helping students develop the
competencies needed to transition from university to the workforce.
The name “AJYAL,” derived from the
Arabic word for “generations,” reflects the program’s focus on empowering the
next generation of talent to participate in the future economy. “This program
goes beyond simply preparing young people for employment; it equips them for
the future,” said Dina Dandachli, EFE-Europe CEO. “Through AJYAL’s customized
training, mentorship, and AI-enabled job matching, we are removing barriers and
connecting young people to opportunities that can transform their lives and
communities.”
The program designed as a
structured employability preparation program delivered before students begin
internships, combining digital learning platforms with in person training to
help young people build both technical capabilities and workplace readiness.
The initiative reflects the UAE’s
growing focus on future skills, digital transformation and sustainability, as
industries increasingly demand talent with expertise in emerging technologies
and green economy sectors.
In this sense Shamsa
Al-Falasi, CEO of Citibank N.A., UAE and Citi Country Officer & Banking
Head, highlighted: "We’re pleased to partner with EFE on this initiative,
which deeply resonates with the UAE's strategic vision, prioritizing future skills,
digital transformation, and sustainability. This focus is crucial as industries
rapidly evolve, demanding expertise in emerging technologies and green economy
sectors. Through this collaboration, we are committed to actively contributing
to the country’s efforts to nurture a skilled workforce for tomorrow's dynamic
job market."
As part of the program, students
are introduced to AI and digital skills training through a digital platform, where participants complete courses
covering generative AI fundamentals, responsible AI use and real world
applications of artificial intelligence across industries.
The program also includes green
skills training and awareness of sustainability focused career pathways.
Through a dedicated session delivered with LinkedIn, students explored the rise
of green jobs and the growing demand for sustainability expertise across the
UAE’s evolving economy. Participants received LinkedIn Learning Premium access
to continue developing skills related to sustainable development, climate
action and business sustainability strategies.
The final stage of the program
focused on workplace readiness and employability preparation, including job
search strategies, professional communication, CV writing and interview
preparation through EFE’s “Finding a Job is a Job” training workshops.
The program recently
concluded, with the delivery of EFE’s “Finding a Job is a Job” (FIJIJ)
workshops, engaging more than 200 students in practical employability training.
The sessions focused on CV development, interview preparation, communication
and workplace readiness, while also introducing students to EFE’s AI-powered
career coach, designed to support job search and career development through
personalized guidance.
By combining digital, green and
soft skills training with practical employability preparation, the AJYAL
program aims to ensure students graduate with the tools needed to succeed in
today’s competitive job market.
The initiative forms part of the
regional AJYAL: Future Ready Youth Employment & Skills Program, implemented
across Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia
over the course of two years..
The program aims to equip around 700
underserved young people aged 18 to 35 in the region with market relevant
digital, green and employability skills, with at least 275 participants expected to secure formal
employment through AI-enabled job matching platforms.
As economies across the Gulf
accelerate investment in artificial intelligence, digital transformation and
sustainability, demand for future ready talent is growing rapidly. Governments
and employers across the UAE and wider GCC are increasingly prioritising skills
in areas such as AI, data literacy and green technologies as part of broader
efforts to build knowledge-based economies. Initiatives like AJYAL play an
important role in preparing the next generation of professionals with the
capabilities needed to participate in these emerging sectors and support the
region’s long-term economic growth.
This new
grant builds on more than a decade of collaboration between the Citi Foundation
and EFE, which has already helped thousands of young people access dignified
and fulfilling work. By investing in low-income youth, both organisations are
strongly supporting innovation, economic growth and long-term opportunity in
the region.
– END –
About
Education For Employment-UAE
Education For Employment UAE (EFE-UAE)
is part of the global Education For Employment Network, a nonprofit
organization dedicated to creating economic opportunities for youth across the
Middle East and North Africa. EFE equips young people with market-driven
skills, professional training, and job placement support to help them
successfully transition from education into the workforce.
Through partnerships with leading
employers, universities, and global institutions, EFE programs focus on digital
transformation, employability preparation, and emerging economic sectors,
enabling young people to build sustainable careers while supporting regional
economic growth.
To learn more, visit: www.efe.org
About Citi
Citi is a preeminent banking partner for
institutions with cross-border needs, a global leader in wealth management and
a valued personal bank in its home market of the United States. Citi does
business in more than 180 countries and jurisdictions, providing corporations,
governments, investors, institutions and individuals with a broad range of
financial products and services.
Additional information may be found at www.citigroup.com |
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