In an increasingly competitive global economy, countries around the world are rethinking how they prepare their young people for future careers. In the UAE, this vision is already taking shape through a strong focus on education, hands-on learning, and civic engagement. Two organisations at the heart of this effort are the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) and the Emirates Foundat
While ADEK is responsible for ensuring high-quality education across Abu Dhabi, the Emirates Foundation complements this mission by offering real-world opportunities for young Emiratis to develop the skills, mindset, and values needed for success beyond the classroom. Together, these two institutions are playing a vital role in shaping a confident, capable, and career-ready generation.
Education as a Foundation
The journey begins with a strong educational framework. ADEK is tasked with overseeing Abu Dhabi’s education system — from early childhood centres to private schools and higher education institutions. Its role includes improving school standards, regulating curriculum delivery, and encouraging innovation in teaching.
One of ADEK’s key goals is to ensure that students are not only academically successful but also equipped with 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, digital literacy, and problem-solving. Programmes like coding bootcamps, STEAM competitions, and entrepreneurship challenges are increasingly being integrated into school life — helping students make meaningful connections between their studies and the world of work.
But education, as ADEK recognises, doesn’t stop at textbooks. The broader aim is to produce well-rounded individuals who are both academically prepared and socially responsible. That’s where the Emirates Foundation comes in.
Beyond the Classroom: Real-World Experiences for Youth
The Emirates Foundation, a national organisation focused on youth empowerment, plays a complementary role by offering practical experiences and skill-building opportunities through its flagship programmes.
Through initiatives such as Takatof and Kafa’at, the Foundation encourages young Emiratis to engage with their communities, explore potential career paths, and develop the soft skills needed for long-term success.
Takatof: Cultivating a Culture of Volunteerism
Takatof is a nationwide volunteering programme designed to instil a sense of social responsibility among youth. Volunteers participate in various community service activities — from environmental clean-ups and public health campaigns to event support and mentoring programmes.
By participating in Takatof, students and young adults gain exposure to real-world situations that build their confidence, communication skills, and empathy. These qualities are essential in the workplace, especially in customer-facing roles, leadership positions, or team-based environments.
Volunteerism also teaches time management, professionalism, and accountability — all of which complement the technical and academic competencies developed under ADEK’s educational system.
Kafa’at: Empowering Youth with Employability Skills
While Takatof promotes civic engagement, the Kafa’at programme focuses specifically on career readiness. Kafa’at provides training workshops, internships, and mentorship opportunities that prepare young Emiratis for today’s job market.
Participants are introduced to fields such as technology, finance, hospitality, and the creative industries, allowing them to explore interests and gain valuable insights into different professions. Whether it’s learning how to write a compelling CV, speaking confidently in interviews, or understanding workplace etiquette, Kafa’at fills a crucial gap in the education-to-employment transition.
This initiative directly supports the UAE’s national goals of developing a skilled and adaptable workforce — particularly as the country diversifies its economy and invests in knowledge-driven sectors.
Working Together: A Shared Vision for Youth Empowerment
While ADEK and the Emirates Foundation operate independently, their work is highly complementary. ADEK ensures that education providers are nurturing capable, curious learners, while the Emirates Foundation gives these learners the tools to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts.
Both institutions are aligned with the UAE’s long-term vision — including UAE Centennial 2071 and the National Strategy for Higher Education 2030 — which prioritise personal development, innovation, and employability.
This shared vision recognises that success in the modern world requires more than academic qualifications. Emotional intelligence, leadership, adaptability, and teamwork are just as important. By bridging the gap between classroom learning and practical experience, ADEK and the Emirates Foundation are making sure that young people don’t just graduate — they thrive.
Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders
At the heart of these efforts is the belief that Emirati youth are not just learners — they are future leaders. Whether they pursue careers in government, technology, healthcare, or creative industries, the goal is to prepare them to take ownership of their futures and contribute meaningfully to the country’s growth.
Parents, educators, and community organisations all have a role to play, but it’s the structured support from institutions like ADEK and the Emirates Foundation that creates real, measurable impact. By offering a balance of academic strength and experiential learning, these organisations are setting the stage for long-term, sustainable development — not only for individuals, but for the nation as a whole.
Final Thoughts
The UAE’s investment in youth is one of its greatest strengths — and Abu Dhabi’s approach to education and empowerment is a shining example of what’s possible when different sectors work together.
Through the leadership of ADEK and the practical programmes delivered by the Emirates Foundation, young people in the UAE are gaining the skills, confidence, and experience they need to succeed in a fast-changing world.
Career readiness isn’t something that begins after graduation — it’s something that’s built step by step, inside and outside the classroom. Thanks to this dual approach, the future of the UAE’s workforce is in strong, capable hands.
