TRENDS Research & Advisory, through its office in Al Ain, took part in the activities of the “Creative Path” program, organized by the Ministry of Culture in cooperation with the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council “Nafis”, the General Women’s Union, and the UAE Media Council at the Al Maqam Majlis, with broad participation from federal and local entities as well as private companies.

The program aims to support Emirati job seekers in the field of cultural and creative industries by providing training and employment opportunities that match their skills and expertise, while also enhancing the contribution of creative industries to the national economy. It further seeks to empower innovators to participate in international projects and exhibitions and to develop their professional capabilities through specialized training and qualification programs that help them adapt to different work environments.

Warda Al-Menhali, researcher and Director of the TRENDS office in Al Ain, expressed her pride in the center’s participation in this pioneering program, affirming that engagement in such distinctive national initiatives reflects TRENDS’ commitment to supporting efforts aimed at empowering young Emirati talents. She stated that TRENDS is proud to be part of an initiative that seeks to build direct bridges between creators and the labor market, enabling them to invest their creative energy in the best possible way and contribute to strengthening the role of cultural and creative industries as a fundamental pillar in achieving the UAE Vision 2030, which is founded on knowledge and innovation.

The program seeks to employ 300 trainees annually through one-year paid practical training opportunities in various fields, including music, fine arts, authorship and publishing, photography, library science, electronic gaming, graphic and architectural design, in addition to technology, media, and the creative economy.