Abu dhabi: ADNOC Technical Academy (ATA) today marked the graduation of 403 UAE National technicians equipped with foundational applied skills in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics across the energy value chain. This achievement highlights ATA's role in developing a highly-skilled national workforce poised to enhance ADNOC's position as a reliable energy producer, contributing to national economic development.
According to Emirates News Agency, the graduates completed a rigorous two-year vocational curriculum in one of four specializations: electrical maintenance, instrumentation, mechanical maintenance, and processing operations for the energy industry. These graduates are set to assume high-skilled roles within the ADNOC Group, supporting the company's strategic goals and ambition to become a leading AI-native energy company.
Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and ADNOC Managing Director and Group CEO, stated, "For almost five decades, in line with the UAE Leadership's vision, ADNOC Technical Academy has nurtured UAE Nationals and empowered them with world-class skills and expertise to build successful careers in the energy industry and contribute to the nation's continued prosperity."
He added, "Today, ATA is advancing its programs to integrate the latest, practical applications in AI, robotics, and digital technologies, ensuring trainees are equipped with the skills needed to excel in a rapidly transforming energy landscape. I warmly congratulate our graduates on this proud milestone and wish them every success as they begin their careers across the ADNOC Group."
Since its inception in 1978, ATA has graduated more than 6,000 UAE Nationals, significantly shaping the country's industrial and energy workforce. The academy's curriculum now includes hands-on experience in advanced technologies powered by AI, drones, robotics, and remotely operated vehicles for site monitoring, infrastructure inspection, and gas leak detection.
ATA also incorporates Neuron 5, ADNOC's AI-powered tool that has reduced unplanned shutdowns by 50%, into its curriculum. In addition, an AI teacher assistant will soon provide personalized, adaptive learning to accelerate technical training, promote autonomous learning, and foster confidence among Emirati youth.
Through a collaboration with a Robotics initiative announced in October 2025, ATA will partner with an American robotics company to develop new training programs. This collaboration aims to prepare trainees to work with the latest inspection and automation systems, contributing to the UAE's transition towards an AI-driven, knowledge-based economy.