In addition to the curial high level meetings with the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) and Auswärtiges Amt (Federal Foreign Office) Germany, we hosted the latest meeting of the Bilateral Hydrogen Task Force. Our discussions aimed to accelerate the hydrogen value chain between our two nations, which is essential for the energy transition, clean hydrogen, and decarbonization initiatives. Key takeaways from the taskforce included: - The urgent need for infrastructure investments in storage and terminals. - The necessity for flexible regulatory requirements to stimulate demand. - The importance of clarifying regulations regarding hydrogen use in various industries. We also had the opportunity to host startup pitches from innovative German companies that presented cutting-edge solutions for the energy transition and clean hydrogen technologies. We extend our gratitude to all representatives from the UAE and Germany who participated all the discussions, including H.E. Stefan Wenzel - BMWK Parliamentary State Secretary, H.E. Sharif Al Olama- the Undersecretary of the MOEI, H.E. Ahmed Alattar - UAE Ambassador to Germany, H.E. Dr. Nawal Al-Hosany – Permanent representative of UAE at IRENA, and H.E. Dr. Alanoud Alhaj Al Ali – Acting Assistant Undersecretary of the MoCCaE UAE, as well as the UAE and German company representatives, such as ADNOC Group, ADQ, Masdar (Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company), Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD). The Emirati-German Energy and Climate Partnership and the Bilateral Hydrogen Task Force are initiatives supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) and the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MOEI), implemented in collaboration with Guidehouse and the German Emirati Joint Council for Industry & Commerce (AHK).
Twolfe selected trainers from Albatha participated in this intensive program, which encompassed 50 hours of hands-on learning content. The AHK proudly announces that all participants passed the examinations and are now officially certified as trainers according to German standards. This achievement marks a significant milestone in advancing vocational education in the United Arab Emirates. “Mehnaty”: A Pioneering Project for Dual Education Inspired by the German Model In collaboration with the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), Albatha launched an innovative pilot project inspired by the German dual vocational training system. The goal is to adapt this proven model to local needs and test its effectiveness. AHK Dubai provides advisory support for this initiative. As part of the project, 20 Emirati students began their dual education journey at Albatha in August 2024. While Albatha manages the practical training, HCT serves as the vocational school and has developed a tailored curriculum. This close cooperation between businesses, educational institutions, and AHK highlights a shared commitment to shaping a forward-looking vocational education system in the UAE. A Year of Progress in Vocational Education In 2024, AHK achieved significant progress in vocational education. The successful implementation and execution of the first AdA program represent a pivotal milestone. The AdA program equips trainers with essential skills to train apprentices to the highest quality standards. The partnership with Albatha and HCT demonstrates how German-Emirati collaborations can foster the development of modern education systems. The "Mehnaty" project stands as a flagship initiative and serves as a model for similar programs across the region. Looking Ahead With the successful introduction of the AdA program and the promising start of the dual education initiative "Mehnaty," Albatha and AHK Dubai are setting new benchmarks in vocational education. This pilot project exemplifies how strategic investments in education and training can contribute to the sustainable strengthening of the UAE economy.