Abu dhabi: Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), the largest industrial company in the United Arab Emirates outside the oil and gas sector, has initiated the establishment of STEM labs in schools and universities throughout the UAE. This initiative is aimed at fostering the development of future industrial talent within the country.
According to Emirates News Agency, EGA is a major employer of professionals in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, with a workforce of over 1,500 individuals in these sectors, including more than 500 UAE nationals. The newly established STEM labs are designed to provide students with practical experience, utilizing methods and equipment commonly used in engineering, fabrication, and product development. This hands-on approach is intended to develop essential technical skills and stimulate interest in future STEM careers.
In addition to the development and equipping of these facilities, EGA is also responsible for training teachers and trainers in the effective use of the new equipment. The company has collaborated with educational institutions such as Al Samha School, Al Rahba School, Al Falahiya School, Dubai National School, Zayed University, and the Higher College of Technology to construct these STEM labs. The initiative is expected to benefit over 2,600 students annually.
Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, CEO of Emirates Global Aluminium, emphasized the importance of STEM skills, stating: "EGA is a company built on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. These skills are essential for the future of our company and our nation. By empowering the next generation with the experience and technical capabilities needed for the industries of the future, we are helping bridge the gap between education and industry, while enabling students to develop practical technical skills and inspiring greater interest in STEM careers across the UAE."
EGA is exploring further opportunities to expand this programme by introducing additional STEM labs in more schools and universities across the UAE. This new initiative complements EGA's existing student outreach programmes, including "Engineer the Future," which offers STEM students hands-on workshops on topics such as Industry 4.0, sustainability, material science, and the circular economy.
Furthermore, EGA organizes the annual Aluminium Design and Innovation Challenge, engaging students from grades nine to 12 in creatively applying their STEM skills to address real-world challenges using aluminium. In partnership with the UAE Ministry of Education, over 300 teams from schools across the UAE participated in the challenge in 2025. Since its launch in 2017, "Engineer the Future" has reached over 36,000 students from more than 128 schools in the UAE.