As the global community intensifies efforts to combat climate change, the green economy is emerging as a driving force across various industries. This shift addresses environmental challenges and presents significant economic opportunities, particularly for students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) who are actively involved in sustainable initiatives today.
The UAE is leading sustainability efforts with ambitious targets that are reshaping its job market. The country aims to create 50,000 new green jobs by 2030, triple renewable energy capacity to 14 gigawatts, and ensure that clean energy makes up 30% of its total energy mix by 2031. These efforts align with the UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategy, which focuses on reducing emissions while supporting economic growth.
The broader Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is also shifting towards sustainable industrial growth. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Islamic Development Bank, the region could see up to 10 million new jobs by 2050 as industries embrace sustainability and expand decarbonization efforts. With its focus on clean energy and technology-driven solutions, the UAE is set to play a leading role in this transformation.
For students, this means that careers in sustainability are no longer confined to traditional environmental science roles. Opportunities are expanding across industries, from renewable energy and sustainable finance to eco-friendly product design and urban planning.
To prepare students for careers in sustainability, UAE schools and universities are incorporating environmental education into their programmes. One of the most effective ways to bridge the gap between education and employment is through partnerships between schools, universities, and businesses. Companies in the UAE are increasingly working with educational institutions to provide mentorships, internships, and competitions that offer hands-on experience in sustainability.
For example, the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy has introduced youth education initiatives focused on energy and water conservation. These programmes align with the UAE’s long-term environmental goals and help young people build the skills necessary for careers in sustainability-focused industries.
Another initiative already equipping students with industry-relevant skills is the Green Genius Challenge, launched by the University of Europe for Applied Sciences Dubai (UE Dubai) in partnership with BSH Home Appliances Middle East. The participation of His Excellency Sheikh Abdul Aziz Bin Ali Al Nuaimi, also known as the Green Sheikh and the Environmental Advisor to the Ajman Government, added significant value to the challenge, with his role as a jury member and his expertise in environmental sustainability enriching the experience and providing invaluable insights to the students, further elevating the initiative's impact.
The Green Genius Challenge stands out by inspiring innovative thinking among young talent. What makes this initiative truly unique is its focus on practical, hands-on solutions rather than just theoretical concepts. This approach provides students with real-world experience in sustainable innovation, effectively connecting academic knowledge with practical applications. Beyond the competition itself, the Green Genius Challenge introduces participants to industry experts, providing mentorship and real-world insights into sustainable product development.
Collaboration between industry and academia is essential for initiatives like this to ensure experiential learning. This is what makes the partnership between UE Dubai and BSH Middle East remarkable: both the university and the company are focused on identifying solutions that can make a meaningful difference for a greener future.
For students, this is a valuable chance to explore sustainability as more than just a concept. It allows them to see the direct impact of their ideas while building portfolios that strengthen university applications or future job prospects.
At the same time, the Emirates Coalition for Green Schools is working to ensure that every pupil in the UAE learns in an environmentally conscious school. The goal is to create learning spaces that promote sustainability and provide students with the knowledge and skills required for careers in green industries.
Similarly, corporations in sectors like construction, transportation, and retail are seeking young talent with expertise in sustainability. Whether it's designing eco-friendly packaging, optimizing supply chains to reduce emissions, or developing smart city infrastructure, students with experience in sustainability are becoming highly sought after in the job market.
For many students, sustainability is a career path that aligns with their values. As environmental awareness grows among younger generations, students are actively seeking ways to turn their passion for sustainability into long-term professions.
A recent survey revealed that 65% of young adults would work even harder for a socially and environmentally responsible company. The UAE’s expanding green economy is creating exactly that opportunity. As companies across industries integrate sustainability into their operations, demand for young professionals with expertise in this field will continue to rise.
The shift towards a green economy is not just an environmental necessity, it is an economic reality. Industries across the UAE are prioritizing sustainability, and students who engage in green initiatives today are preparing for some of the most in-demand jobs of tomorrow.
By participating in competitions like the Green Genius Challenge and taking advantage of industry partnerships, students are gaining hands-on experience in sustainable innovation. These opportunities not only support the country’s environmental goals but also place young talent at the forefront of a rapidly growing job market.
Sustainability is no longer just a subject in the classroom, it is a career path with real opportunities in the UAE’s evolving economy. The green future belongs to those who are prepared. By cultivating sustainability skills for students today, we are investing in a healthier planet and in a generation poised to excel in tomorrow's workforce.
Professor Maurits van Rooijen is the Chief Academic Officer of Global University Systems, a globally recognised university system encompassing 25 esteemed higher education institutions across a diverse range of geographic areas. He serves as the President of the University of Europe for Applied Sciences in Germany. He is also the founding President of the University of Europe for Applied Sciences in Dubai which opened in April 2024. He serves also as the Board Chair for IBAT College in Dublin, Ireland and GISMA in Germany.
