In an innovative stride towards bridging the gap between education and employment, Dubai‘s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs is launching the “Summer Talents” programme. This initiative, executed in collaboration with Dubai Summer Camp, represented by the Dubai Community Foundation and the Community Development Authority, offers secondary school students a unique opportunity to transition from academic life to a professional governmental environment.
A Pathway to Real-World Experience
The “Summer Talents” programme is designed to provide high school students, aged 15 and above, with a structured three-week experience comprising 12 training days. This immersive initiative includes specialised workshops and hands-on training across several key sectors within the department, equipping participants with a clearer vision of their future careers.
Fostering Early Career Development
This initiative underscores the importance of preparing the next generation for the workforce even before they enter the job market. By engaging students at an early stage in their academic journey, their interests can be cultivated, ambitions can grow, and their personalities can be shaped.
Immersive Learning Experience
Participants will dive into a genuine governmental work environment, enabling them to move from theoretical knowledge to practical application. By engaging directly with various administrative roles and understanding service delivery mechanisms, students will discover their capabilities in a real-world context.
Enhancing Understanding of Institutional Work
The programme’s rotating training among different sectors allows participants to gain deeper insights into the nature of institutional work in Dubai. They will learn the value of discipline, teamwork, and initiative in serving customers and the community effectively.
Field Trip to Dubai Airport
As part of the programme, students will embark on a field trip to Dubai Airport, where they will explore the role of the Air Ports Affairs Sector in managing passenger traffic and providing services that reflect Dubai’s image, as well as the efficiency of its facilities.
Investing in Youth Potential
Lieutenant General Awad Muhammad Al-Owais, Assistant Director-General for Human Resources and Financial Affairs at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, emphasised that the “Summer Talents” programme represents a practical investment in students’ awareness and capabilities, providing them with early insights into governmental work environments.
Empowering Young People
Dr Ahmad Al-Hashimi, Executive Director of the Organisational and Community Services Sector at the Community Development Authority in Dubai, stated that empowering youth and developing their attributes are fundamental to the Authority’s efforts towards enhancing social development and building a cohesive, sustainable society. He noted that providing practical experiences to younger individuals significantly contributes to skill development.
A Successful Partnership
Aliyah Al-Shamlan, Director of the Dubai Community Foundation, remarked that the partnership with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs serves as a successful model for collaboration between governmental bodies and community institutions to prepare a generation capable of meeting future demands. She expressed the institution’s commitment to early investment in student abilities, enabling them to discover their potential and gain practical experience that prepares them for the job market with confidence and competence.
Alignment with Institutional Vision
She added, “The Summer Talents programme aligns with the vision of the Dubai Community Foundation in empowering youth and developing their skills through quality practical experiences, which enrich their personalities and foster a culture of responsibility, commitment, and teamwork.”