Adnoc and the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (ETCC), which is responsible for the Nafis leadership programme, have signed a strategic collaboration agreement to create 13,500 new private sector jobs for UAE Nationals in Adnoc’s supply chain by 2028.

The agreement supports the UAE’s goal to create 100,000 private sector jobs for Emiratis over the next three years and will unlock high-skilled jobs in advanced sectors including artificial intelligence (AI), engineering and manufacturing.

As part of the agreement, job and training opportunities will be offered to UAE Nationals in the Al Dhafra region during the current year. Additionally,1,000 vocational training opportunities will be provided by Adnoc for UAE university graduates in private companies operating in Adnoc’s supply chain through Nafis’s Apprentice Programme.

Dr Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Managing Director and Adnoc Managing Director and Group CEO, said, “Nurturing and empowering local talent is a top priority for Adnoc, and we are extremely proud of the impact of our ICV programme in upskilling our people. Through this new agreement with Nafis, we will provide more private-sector job opportunities for local talent that enable them to contribute to the UAE’s industrial and economic growth, as we grow our diversified portfolio to ensure a secure, reliable, and responsible supply of energy to the world.”

The collaboration builds on the achievements of Adnoc’s In-Country Value (ICV) programme which has created 11,500 jobs for UAE Nationals in the private sector since it was launched in 2018. This new agreement will take the total private sector jobs created by Adnoc to 25,000 across its supply chain by 2028 as it accelerates UAE talent development and expands the scope of its ICV programme.

Ghannam Butti Al Mazrouei, Secretary-General of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council, said, “This agreement with Adnoc reaffirms our commitment to empowering Emirati youth and enhancing their integration into the workforce. Through strategic partnerships with the government and private sectors, we aim to create more opportunities for UAE Nationals and ensure their meaningful participation in the country’s economic growth and development. This commitment aligns with our wise leadership’s vision of empowering local talent and enhancing their contribution to the sustainable development process. By urging private sector companies to prioritize employing Nationals, we are not only investing in the future of our youth but also enhancing economic sustainability through a diverse workforce.”

As part of the next phase of Adnoc’s ICV programme, the company is expanding the scope to partner with more local and international companies and empower the next generation of Emirati entrepreneurs, micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (mSMEs), and talented UAE Nationals to improve the country’s self-sufficiency. Target sectors include advanced technology including artificial intelligence (AI), manufacturing, transportation, and lower-carbon solutions.

In recent years, Nafis and Adnoc have signed several agreements focused on creating highly skilled jobs for UAE talent in Adnoc’s supply chain.

Adnoc is a leading diversified energy and petrochemicals group wholly owned by the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Adnoc’s objective is to maximise the value of the Emirate’s vast hydrocarbon reserves through responsible and sustainable exploration and production to support the United Arab Emirates’ economic growth and diversification.

Separately, Adnoc Gas on Monday announced the award of engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contracts for the next phase of the UAE sales gas pipeline network enhancement ‘ESTIDAMA Project’.

Separately, ownership of ESTIDAMA is being transferred from Adnoc Gas to Adnoc, thereby significantly optimising Adnoc Gas’ capital efficiency.

The EPC contracts are worth a combined $550 million (Dhs2 billion) and were awarded to NMDC Energy P.J.S.C and Galfar Engineering & Contracting W.L.L Emirates.

Approximately 70% of the contracts’ value is expected to flow back into the UAE economy through Adnoc’s In-Country Value (ICV) programme, supporting local economic growth and diversification.

ESTIDAMA will extend the UAE’s natural gas pipeline network operated by Adnoc Gas from approximately 3,200 kilometres to over 3,500 kilometres, enabling the transportation of higher volumes of natural gas to customers in the Northern Emirates of the UAE.

Following the ownership transfer, Adnoc Gas will continue to manage ESTIDAMA, leveraging its expertise in construction and pipeline operations, with Adnoc covering the capital expenditures for this critical infrastructure project.

Dr Ahmed Alebri, Chief Executive Officer of Adnoc Gas, said, “This award supports the ongoing expansion of the UAE’s gas pipeline network, which will bring lower-cost and sustainable natural gas to more locations across the country. We are proud to play a leading role in meeting the growing demand for gas across the country and enabling the UAE’s goal of gas self-sufficiency.

“With the transfer of ownership of the ESTIDAMA Project to Adnoc, Adnoc Gas will continue to benefit from the expansion of the pipeline networks, while improving our capital efficiency to ensure that we maximise value for our shareholders.”