UNICEF, A2RL & DCL Equip UAE Youth with Future-Ready Drone Skills

UNICEF, A2RL, and Drone Champions League (DCL) have successfully completed the A2RL X DCL Drone STEM Program in Abu Dhabi, a pioneering initiative designed to transform STEM education in the UAE. The program provided 100 students with hands-on training in drone technology, data analytics, and real-world innovation, equipping them with critical skills for the future. Running throughout February 2025, the initiative prepared young minds for high-demand careers in drone engineering, artificial intelligence, and robotics.

Students from four ACTVET (Abu Dhabi Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training) schools—ATS Baniyas Abu Dhabi, ATS Dubai, ATS Ajman, and ATS Al Aqabia Al-Ain—participated in a seven-week curriculum blending theory and practice. The 17-module program featured 12 theory-based sessions and five hands-on build-and-fly workshops, allowing students to gain technical expertise and practical experience. Participants also had the option to obtain a TOP Level 1 Certification, offering foundational knowledge in drone operations.

The global drone industry is projected to reach $208.38 billion by 2032, growing at an annual rate of 25%. As drones become increasingly vital in logistics, agriculture, and smart mobility, the demand for specialized skills continues to surge. However, the World Economic Forum warns of a global STEM talent shortage, estimating that 85 million jobs could go unfilled by 2030 while 97 million new roles emerge in AI, machine learning, and data analysis. By providing students with cutting-edge STEM skills, the A2RL X DCL Drone STEM Program directly addresses these workforce gaps, ensuring they are prepared for high-growth technology careers.

This initiative is a collaboration between UNICEF, A2RL, DCL, and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, adapting the African Drone and Data Academy (ADDA) curriculum to meet the needs of UAE students. ADDA, with campuses in Malawi and Ethiopia, has trained over 1,000 young Africans in drone technology, using drones for precision agriculture, disaster response, and medical deliveries. In the UAE, ADDA instructors delivered a specialized STEM program and challenge, inspiring students to engage with emerging technologies. The initiative aligns with ASPIRE’s vision of fostering world-class expertise in AI and robotics, reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to technological advancement.

Further expanding its impact, the program includes plans to establish a DCL Africa Team, allowing Africa’s top talent to compete in the Drone Champions League while inspiring future generations of drone engineers and pilots.

UNICEF Representative Michael Scheibenreif highlighted the significance of the initiative, stating, “This program is a crucial step in equipping youth with 21st-century skills essential for success in the digital economy. Through our collaboration with A2RL and DCL, we are delivering world-class drone training while fostering global partnerships that will benefit communities far beyond the UAE.”

Amal Al Marri, STEM Program Manager at ASPIRE, emphasized the role of the program in building local expertise: “At A2RL, we are committed to nurturing homegrown talent and strengthening the UAE’s position in technological innovation. By combining global expertise with local ambition, we are empowering students with hands-on experience in STEM, preparing them for future-ready careers.”

Markus Stampfer, Executive Chairman of DCL, underscored the program’s transformative impact, stating, “Our deep expertise in drone technology enables us to drive this initiative forward. This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to merging technical excellence with social impact, shaping the next generation of innovators.”

The A2RL X DCL Drone STEM Program represents a bold step toward advancing STEM education in the UAE, fostering technological leadership and preparing the next wave of innovators to shape the future of AI, robotics, and drone technology.