Abu Dhabi Aviation Group Marks First Anniversary of Al Jeer Programme for Emirati Aircraft Maintenance Engineers
Why It MattersEmployer-run training pathways tied to regulator-approved licensing give Gulf operators a domestic route to licensed maintenance engineers, a segment of aviation labour that is often scarce.
Abu Dhabi Aviation Group has marked the first anniversary of its Al Jeer programme, a strategic initiative to develop a new generation of skilled Emirati aircraft maintenance engineers. The programme is run in partnership with Mawaheb Talent Hub, part of the Department of Government Enablement – Abu Dhabi, and with the support of other partners. It currently includes more than 65 UAE Nationals, and the group plans to admit 35 new students each year. The anniversary event was held at Erth Abu Dhabi on 7 October 2026 and brought together students, group leadership, line managers, technical teams and programme partners, with representatives from the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), participating universities and colleges, senior government officials and aviation leaders also attending.
Under the programme, UAE Nationals join Abu Dhabi Aviation Group as employees from the start of their academic studies in aircraft maintenance engineering, combining study with practical work experience alongside experienced engineers and technical specialists. Admission is competitive and involves several stages of assessment and interviews; around one-third of candidates who reach the final interview stage are accepted. Al Jeer offers a structured, multi-year pathway to becoming a licensed aircraft maintenance engineer, including two years of supervised practical training toward GCAA B1, B1.3 or B2 licences, followed by opportunities for further specialist certifications and technical projects across the group.
The GCAA approved the Al Jeer Programme Manual in November 2025 in line with the practical experience requirements under CAR 66.30 of the Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Licensing Regulations. In February 2026, the GCAA and Abu Dhabi Aviation Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding to support the delivery of practical experience programmes under Al Jeer, establish supervision mechanisms and ensure alignment with the authority's approved regulations. As Al Jeer enters its second year, the group plans to expand the programme and attract more Emirati talent to build a sustainable national pipeline of aircraft maintenance engineers, supporting its Emiratisation and national talent development strategy.
