Abu Dhabi Aviation Group Forges Landmark Partnership with Higher Colleges of Technology and CERT
The partnership is designed to create a sustainable Emirati aviation talent pipeline
During the Dubai Airshow, Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA) Group, announced a strategic partnership with Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) and Centre of Excellence for Applied Research and Training (CERT). The collaboration will create a robust, sustainable pipeline of highly qualified UAE national talent for critical technical roles across the country’s growing aviation sector.
The partnership leverages the unique strengths of each entity to combine academic excellence with industry expertise, directly supporting the UAE’s national vision for talent development and Emiratisation. The ultimate goal is to train, develop, and employ UAE nationals across key aviation technical fields within ADA Group including, Abu Dhabi Aviation, AMMROC, GAL and Etihad Engineering.
The collaboration is built on a shared commitment to developing talent that meets the highest international standards. It allows HCT and CERT to enhance their academic programs by aligning curriculums directly with aviation industry needs. ADA Group experts contribute to curriculum design and act as guest lecturers.
The partnership will be anchored by Al Jeer, ADA Group’s flagship initiative for developing the next generation of Emirati aircraft maintenance engineers (AMEs).”
Each year, Al Jeer recruits and sponsors more than 35 graduates from CERT and HCT, providing them with academic sponsorship, mentoring, and structured career development. Students receive a full employment contract, a monthly stipend, and incentives for completing GCAA modules, alongside summer internships within ADA Group entities.
Upon graduation, participants join Abu Dhabi Aviation, AMMROC, GAL or Etihad Engineering as trainee AMEs, completing a two-year practical maintenance program under expert supervision to obtain their GCAA B1, B1.3, or B2 licenses and chart a path toward senior technical and leadership roles. Over the next decade, Al Jeer will make an investment of AED 200 million in national aviation maintenance capabilities.
Mahmood Alhay Alhameli, Group CEO of Abu Dhabi Aviation Group , said, “Through flagship initiatives like the Al Jeer program, we are investing into the next generation of highly-skilled Emirati engineers. By combining the academic rigor of HCT and CERT with our real-world industry expertise, we are ensuring ADA Group continues to contribute to the national vision of technical excellence and increased Emirati representation.”
Mohammed Gheyath, Chief Executive Officer of CERT, , emphasized: “This partnership with Abu Dhabi Aviation Group elevates our shared mission to develop world-class aviation talent. By combining CERT’s workforce development strength with ADA Group’s industry expertise, we are creating real opportunities that empower Emirati youth and drive the UAE’s future in aviation.”
Dr. Ahmad Alawar, Executive Director of the Higher Colleges of Technology – Abu Dhabi Campuses , stated: “We are proud to sign this collaboration agreement with Abu Dhabi Aviation Group, as it clearly reflects the strength of HCT’s technical and academic programs and their alignment with evolving industrial needs, especially in a vital sector such as aviation. This collaboration underscores our commitment to equipping students with advanced knowledge, practical skills, and hands-on experience that keep pace with industry demands and its rapid transformation.
He added: Through this agreement, we provide our students in the Aviation Engineering Technology program with high quality practical training opportunities, field visits, and direct exposure to best practices within an advanced operational environment, in addition to collaborating on joint research projects and creating future employment pathways. We firmly believe that building qualified national talent begins with strong educational programs that are designed in partnership with industry and translated into real-world skills on the ground.”