High schoolers gain practical experience across key public sectors, including Dubai International Airport, through the three-week Summer Talents program.
DUBAI, UAE:High school students in Dubai are stepping out of the classroom and directly into the inner workings of government operations through “Summer Talents,” a hands-on training initiative launched by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
Organized in collaboration with the Dubai Summer Camp, the three-week program is designed for students aged 15 and above. Over the course of 12 active training days, participants take part in specialized workshops and field exercises designed to expose them to public sector workflows, service delivery systems, discipline, and team dynamics.
The initiative brings together key partners, including the Ferjan Dubai Foundation, Al Ameen Service, and the Community Development Authority (CDA).
As part of the practical track, students visited Dubai International Airport to observe real-time operations managed by the GDRFA’s Airport Affairs Sector. The field tour gave participants direct insight into passenger processing, entry mechanisms, and the specialized customer service protocols that power one of the world’s busiest travel hubs.
“Summer Talents is a practical investment in the potential and awareness of our youth,” said Major General Awad Mohammad Al Awaim, Assistant Director-General of Human Resources and Finance at GDRFA Dubai. Direct engagement with government entities offers students realistic insights that go well beyond theoretical classroom learning, he noted.
Leadership across partner organizations highlighted the long-term impact on youth development. Dr. Ahmed Al Hashimi, CEO of the Social Regulation and Services Sector at the CDA, emphasized that practical exposure is essential for building confidence, self-reliance, and a sense of civic responsibility among young citizens.
Alia Al Shamlan, Executive Director of the Ferjan Dubai Foundation, described the project as a strong model of cross-institutional collaboration aimed at aligning young talent with future workplace demands.
To ensure structured learning, student progress, attendance, and operational performance are evaluated daily. GDRFA officials noted that the overarching goal is to enable learning by doing, equipping the next generation with the confidence needed to navigate their future professional careers.
