Under the patronage of Sheikh Dhiab bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development Affairs and Martyrs' Families, the International Competencies Initiative announced the opening of applications to attract more than 10 distinguished Emirati male and female graduates, effective from yesterday until 15 July 2026. The initiative is supported by the Office of Development Affairs and Martyrs' Families at the Presidential Court, the Emirates Agency for International Cooperation, and Abu Dhabi Global Academy, and is carried out in partnership with a number of stakeholders involved in attracting local talent, including the Mawaهب Centre under the Government Empowerment Department.
Programme
The training programme aims to enable Emirati graduates to work and learn in World Bank Group offices around the world for two years, engage directly in global development experiences, and gain professional expertise in diverse international working environments. Participants will also contribute to the implementation of several projects spanning areas including artificial intelligence, digital development, agriculture, water security, investment, sustainability, economics, and public policy.
Each participant will have the opportunity to work alongside international development experts and specialists, receive support and guidance from a dedicated career mentor, and take part in on-the-ground development projects — giving them a practical understanding of how development programmes are designed and implemented across different parts of the world.
It is worth noting that following the completion of the assessment and interview stages, more than 10 participants will be selected to join the first cohort of the programme. They will take part in a one-week induction programme in September before heading to their work placements in various countries around the world.