Abu dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE), in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), is continuing the Future Pioneers programme to teach Abu Dhabi students the importance of conserving energy and water in line with the Abu Dhabi Energy and Water Efficiency Strategy 2030 goals. Targeting around 10,000 Grade 11 and 12 students across the emirate of Abu Dhabi, the initiative delivers interactive sessions that build awareness of resource challenges and encourage responsible energy and water use at home and in the community. The initiative also fosters critical thinking and entrepreneurial skills, inspiring students to design innovative solutions for a sustainable future.
According to Emirates News Agency, Ahmed Al Falasi, Executive Director of the Energy Efficiency Sector at the DoE, emphasised the department’s commitment to advancing community awareness for future generations. He stated that the initiative’s aim extends beyond promoting consumption efficiency to cultivating a mindful and enterprising generation equipped with the skills and knowledge to address sustainability challenges. Al Falasi further noted that student participation in such activities ingrains an understanding of energy and water efficiency from an early age, representing a long-term investment in their future behaviors and decisions.
Al Falasi highlighted the alignment of the initiative with the ‘Year of Community’ for 2025, aiming for a concrete impact not only in terms of real savings in consumption but also through the advancement of an awareness and knowledge-based influence that resonates with families and the broader community. Dr. Bashaer Al Matrooshi, Executive Director of the Talent Enablement Sector at ADEK, commented on the program’s role in developing students’ problem-solving and entrepreneurial skills necessary for a sustainable future. By engaging schools, families, and the wider community, the initiative supports ADEK’s vision of empowering youth to become responsible leaders driving positive change beyond the classroom.
Up to the end of September 2025, the initiative reached more than 6,100 students in 76 different schools in Abu Dhabi, marking a notable milestone. This success indicates positive engagement and heightened awareness among students and the education community regarding sustainability and efficient resource use. To translate theoretical ideas into practical measures, the initiative organized a student hackathon called “Future Pioneers,” involving school teams and over 100 students who showcased innovative projects for efficient energy and water use within schools and communities.
This collaborative initiative is designed to roll out a series of educational and awareness programs focused on advancing student skills in energy and water efficiency, sustainability, and community responsibility. Such endeavors support the DoE’s strategic objectives and promote a culture of efficient and responsible natural resource use, positively impacting the national economy and safeguarding the environment for future generations.