The aviation engineering and asset management solutions group 'Sand', fully owned by 'Mubadala' Investment Company, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) during the 'Promising Future' career fair, which concluded yesterday. The agreement aims to strengthen cooperation in developing Emirati talent, encourage young people to explore the aviation sector, and empower the national workforce in this sector in the UAE. Under the MoU, 'Sand' and the GCAA will collaborate to introduce the next generation to the UAE's aviation sector development programs, including 'Sand's' new center for Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) of 'GTF' engines in Al Ain city. They will also support national initiatives that encourage Emirati talent to join the aviation industry. Currently, the aviation sector and its related fields support the job market with 992,000 jobs across the country, directly employing over 206,800 people and contributing approximately $92 billion to the GDP. Forecasts also indicate that the number of jobs related to this sector is expected to grow by about 185,000 more by 2030. Vice Chairman of the GCAA, Omar bin Galib, stated: 'Empowering Emirati youth is crucial for the sustainability of the aviation sector's future. We will cooperate with 'Sand' to provide our national talents with the necessary learning and work opportunities to meet the national aspirations in this field.' In turn, the Managing Director and CEO of 'Sand', Mansur Al Jaheri, said: 'Our cooperation with the GCAA reflects our joint commitment to investing in the development of Emirati youth, who are the real wealth of our country. By signing this MoU, we confirm our mutual interest in attracting national talents to a vital sector where opportunities exist to meet aspirations by creating clear career paths that enable them to develop their skills.'
