Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) has built laboratories in schools and universities across the UAE to encourage students to pursue STEM careers.

EGA is a major employer of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics professionals, with over 1,500 people working in these fields at the company, including more than 500 UAE nationals.

The STEM laboratories offer students hands-on experience using methods and equipment commonly applied across engineering, fabrication, and product development.

The aim is to support the development of essential technical skills and encourage interest in future STEM careers.

In addition to building new facilities, EGA is overseeing the instruction of teachers and trainers in the effective use of the new equipment.

Over 2,600 students per year are expected to directly benefit from the initiative.

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, CEO of EGA, said: “EGA is a company built on science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

“These skills are essential for the future of our company and our nation.

“By empowering the next generation with the experience and technical capabilities needed for the industries of the future, we are helping bridge the gap between education and industry, while enabling students to develop practical technical skills and inspiring greater interest in STEM careers across the UAE.”

EGA is currently evaluating further opportunities to expand the programme.

The initiative complements EGA’s existing student outreach programmes, including Engineer the Future, which offers workshops exploring topics such as Industry 4.0, sustainability, material science, and the circular economy.

The programme has reached over 36,000 students from over 128 schools in the UAE since it was launched in 2017.

EGA also organises its annual EGA Aluminium Design and Innovation Challenge, which is part of a partnership with the UAE Ministry of Education.

It encourages students from grades nine to 12 to use science, technology, engineering, and mathematics skills to address real-life challenges with aluminium.

In 2025, over 300 teams from schools across the UAE participated in the challenge.