H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Olympic Committee, highlighted that Dubai is continually enhancing its status as a global hub for the economy of the future. This is achieved through the promotion of an innovation-driven landscape, empowering local talent, attracting substantial investments, and advancing a digital economy rooted in knowledge and sustainability. These initiatives are in alignment with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to position Dubai among the top three urban economies worldwide over the coming decade. H.H. Sheikh Mansoor made these comments during the launch of Schneider Electric’s AED100 million ($27.2 million) initiative aimed at the UAE education sector, coinciding with the formal inauguration of the Schneider Electric Dubai Office – The NEST.
This facility, part of the Global Impact Buildings program, is situated in Dubai Silicon Oasis, a special economic zone dedicated to knowledge and innovation, and is a member of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ).
Commitment to innovation and growth
H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum stated: “Dubai continues to strengthen its position as a global hub for innovation, sustainability, and the digital economy by fostering an ecosystem where the world’s leading companies can flourish and actively contribute to our national growth. This progress is underpinned by a clear strategic vision, close collaboration with the local and international business community, and a strong commitment to specialised education, training, and talent development. By investing in people and partnerships, we are shaping a resilient, future-ready economy that reflects the ambitions of our leadership and the aspirations of our youth.”
During the launch of the initiative and the inauguration of the new headquarters, H.H. Sheikh Mansoor was accompanied by His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, executive chairman of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ); Olivier Blum, chief executive officer of Schneider Electric; Walid Sheta, MEA Zone president of Schneider Electric; and Amel Chadli, president of Gulf Cluster at Schneider Electric.
In addition, the new smart headquarters, ‘The NEST,’ covering 10,000 sqm, signifies a pivotal strategic investment in the future of the UAE’s sustainable economy, serving as a center for innovation, collaboration, and advancement.
Preparing future leaders
Schneider Electric is further dedicated to equipping the next generation of talent in the UAE with the necessary skills, tools, and experiences to lead in this new era. The company will prioritize enhancing sustainability education, modernizing engineering laboratories with state-of-the-art energy and automation technologies, and creating practical learning opportunities through structured mentorship and applied research, facilitated by strategic partnerships with universities and industry players.
Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni remarked: “The inauguration of Schneider Electric’s new regional headquarters at Dubai Silicon Oasis marks a significant milestone in our longstanding partnership since 2008. It reflects the strength of Dubai’s innovation ecosystem. This advanced smart building is a testament to our shared commitment to sustainability and smart urban development. At DIEZ, we take pride in supporting global companies like Schneider Electric on their journey of growth and innovation, in line with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.”
Al Zarooni further added: “We are committed to working with Schneider Electric to develop an integrated upskilling and training ecosystem that fosters innovation, nurtures talent, and strengthens public-private partnerships. This new initiative exemplifies the vital role of the private sector as an active partner in advancing a culture of research and development, which is an approach that aligns with our vision of supporting the knowledge economy and empowering young national talent.”
Commitment to sustainable development
Moreover, Amel Chadli, president of Gulf Cluster at Schneider Electric, stated: “Our commitment towards upskilling UAE youth closely aligns with the nation’s vision to build a competitive, knowledge-based economy. As one of the most local global companies, Schneider Electric’s support extends beyond providing innovative, integrated solutions that empower businesses and communities, and remains committed to education, upskilling, and workforce readiness. Also, as the world moves faster toward decarbonization through the convergence of digitization and electrification, our role remains to work closer with societies by aligning innovation with ambition, and laying the foundation for lasting impact for the people and the planet.”
Chadli continued: “This announcement comes at a time when Schneider Electric reaffirms its commitment towards the nation and this is cemented through the milestone launch of our new Dubai office, which will serve as a catalyst for innovation, upskilling, and sustainable technologies.”
Evolving educational initiatives
Furthermore, the five-year initiative will be executed in phases to ensure it adapts to the evolving needs of students, educators, and the broader industrial ecosystem. It is designed to enable the UAE to stay ahead of global trends and cultivate a future-ready workforce.
Schneider Electric is actively engaging and empowering youth in the UAE by creating opportunities for them to contribute to the country’s sustainability agenda. Additionally, its initiatives include Tamayuz, aimed at empowering Emirati graduates and promoting women’s participation in the industry, and FEM in STEM, which supports women in engineering and technology. The company also launched UAE NextGen Go Green at COP28 – a regional edition of its global Go Green competition – to encourage university students to develop innovative, practical solutions for creating more sustainable and inclusive cities.
