ADGM, the international financial centre of Abu Dhabi, together with its knowledge arm ADGM Academy (ADGMA), has successfully concluded the fifth edition of its Summer Internship Programme, reaffirming its commitment to developing future-ready talent and supporting the UAE and Abu Dhabi’s long-term vision for a knowledge-based economy.
Building on the programme's growing legacy, this year's programme brought together 110 young participants from all backgrounds, aged between 12 and 19, for an immersive learning journey focused on emerging technologies, innovation and leadership. It reinforced ADGM Academy's commitment to developing young talent with practical, hands-on and age-appropriate exposure to Abu Dhabi’s emerging technology ecosystem through in-person intensive training, field immersion opportunities, applied learning, expert-led workshops, collaborative projects, mentorship and real-world industry experience.
Held over eight working days (2 weeks), the programme centred around five future-focused technology pillars including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, Cybersecurity, InvestmentTech, and EnergyTech, giving participants the opportunity to explore how these technologies are transforming industries and shaping the future economy. These topics were covered by relevant local, regional and global entities such as ADI Foundation, Cyber Arena, Freedom Management, TDE and PGIM, who serves and forms ADGM Academy Tech Centre faculty to deliver an impactful consortium-led, future-ready capability model through the internship programme. Students also participated in industry visits, engaged with leading professionals through guest lectures from several entities, including the National History Museum, which delivered an interactive session introducing the Museum, its mission, and scientific programmes. They worked collaboratively on innovation projects that integrated learning across all five disciplines.
Commenting on the successful completion of the programme, Ali Al Mehari, Senior Executive Director, Business Enablement, ADGM Academy, said, “Investing in young talent is an investment in the future prosperity of Abu Dhabi and the UAE, and this is an ideology that we strongly believe at ADGMA. Through our Summer Internship Programme, we are providing young people with early exposure to the technologies, skills and ways of thinking that will define the human capital of tomorrow's economy. As we celebrate the successful completion of our fifth edition, we are proud to see participants graduate with greater confidence, stronger technical capabilities and a deeper understanding of the opportunities that lie ahead.”
With partners such as ADNOC Global Trading as Platinum Sponsor, alongside Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) and State Street as Silver Sponsors, the summer internship programme enriched the participants' learning experience and strengthened collaboration between industry and education.
Ahmad Bin Thalith, CEO of ADNOC Global Trading, said: " Artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies are transforming the energy sector at a remarkable pace, and our approach to developing future talent must evolve in step with them. We are pleased to partner with ADGM Academy to help equip the next generation with meaningful exposure to emerging technologies, practical learning experiences and real-world industry insights that will help prepare them for future opportunities.”
Throughout the programme, participants benefited from experiential learning designed to bridge academic knowledge with practical application. Alongside interactive classroom sessions, students took part in technology demonstrations, collaborative challenges and capstone presentations, applying their knowledge to develop innovative solutions addressing real-world opportunities across finance, sustainability and digital transformation.
Since its launch in 2022, the Summer Internship Programme has continued to evolve, expanding both its reach and curriculum to meet the changing needs of tomorrow's workforce. Now in its fifth edition, the programme remains a flagship initiative that connects education with industry while empowering young people with the confidence, knowledge, as well as skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving and learning capabilities that will be needed to contribute to Abu Dhabi's innovation-led future and thriving ecosystem.
