The Ministry of Finance (MoF), in collaboration with the UAE Embassy in the United States, held a meeting with a group of Emirati students studying at leading American universities as part of efforts to strengthen engagement with young national talent.
Held on the sidelines of the Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund in Washington, the event was attended by H.E. Younis Haji AlKhoori, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance, and H.E. Hamad Sayah Al Mazrouei, Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development and Chairman of ADGM Academy.
Also present were H.E. Ali Abdullah Sharafi, Assistant Undersecretary for International Financial Relations at the Ministry of Finance, H.E. Dr. Abdulla Al Shimmari Executive Director of the National Workforce Enablement Sector at the Department of Government Enablement, and Mohammed Jalal Al Raisi, Advisor at the Presidential Court and Chairman of the Media Committee of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council, in addition to representatives from the World Bank Group.
The meeting was organised as part of the UAE’s efforts to connect with young Emirati talent abroad, offering insights into career and training opportunities within international financial institutions. Such meetings also aim to prepare a new generation of qualified Emiratis capable of contributing to global economic, financial and development policymaking.
Human capital
H.E. Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini said that investing in national human capital is a cornerstone of the UAE’s vision to build a competitive, knowledge-based economy and strengthen the presence of Emirati talent within international institutions shaping global financial and economic policy.
His Excellency noted that the Ministry of Finance is committed to providing high-quality pathways for Emirati professionals, enabling them to access global best practices and gain advanced, hands-on experience within international work environments. Such exposure, he added, enhances their readiness to contribute effectively to international financial organisations while reinforcing the UAE’s position as a key partner in supporting economic stability and sustainable development.
Al Hussaini stated that engaging directly with Emirati students reflects the ministry’s ongoing efforts to prepare young national talent, giving them insight into career and training opportunities within international financial institutions. This, he said, plays a vital role in strengthening their ability to navigate global economic shifts and contribute significantly to the development of financial and economic policies at the international level.
He also emphasised that these initiatives build on the UAE’s strategic partnerships with global financial institutions, opening wider professional horizons for Emirati youth and supporting their growing presence in international economic and financial decision-making circles.
His Excellency Yousef Al Otaiba, UAE Ambassador to the United States, said: “Developing Emirati talent is central to our vision for the future. Through initiatives like the World Bank Explorer Program, we are creating pathways for young professionals to gain international experience, expand their horizons, and play a meaningful role in addressing global economic challenges. The Embassy is proud to help facilitate these opportunities.”
Career and training pathways
The meeting aimed to familiarise students with how international financial institutions operate, while outlining available career and training pathways and the skills required to succeed in global work environments. Discussions covered key fields including economics, development, finance and public policy.
An open dialogue session allowed students to engage directly with officials and specialists, raising questions about entry requirements and career progression and benefiting from their practical insights, an exchange aimed at strengthening the readiness of Emirati talent to join such institutions in the future.
Strengthening partnerships
The event was held as part of the UAE’s continued commitment to investing in national human capital and expanding the presence of Emirati professionals within international organisations.
Such initiatives would significantly support the country’s efforts to build effective partnerships with global financial institutions, in line with its ambition to consolidate its position as a leading financial and economic hub.
The meeting also builds on ongoing initiatives led by the Ministry of Finance to enhance Emirati representation in international financial bodies. In April last year, the ministry held a similar awareness session in Washington under the “UAE Global Cadres” initiative, introducing students to training and career opportunities in international institutions and highlighting the specialisations required to join them.
