The third edition of the Financial Market Pioneers Program was launched yesterday through a collaboration between the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), Sandooq Al Watan, and the Abu Dhabi Global Market Academy (ADGMA), reaffirming their ongoing collective commitment to empowering UAE nationals and preparing them to take on leadership roles in the financial sector. Held under the patronage of H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, the three-week program, running until November 21, 2025, brings together 33 university students and early-career professionals for an intensive learning experience designed to deepen their theoretical and practical understanding of financial markets and enhance their leadership capabilities.
The program covers a comprehensive range of key financial sector topics, including investment and trading, risk management, financial derivatives, Islamic and sustainable finance, and financial regulation. It employs innovative training methodologies that blend theoretical learning with practical application, delivered by a select group of industry experts. Drawing on the extensive expertise of both the SCA and ADGMA, the program provides an engaging and interactive learning approach aligned with international best practices.
Totaling over 84 hours, the intensive training program features a combination of lectures, workshops, and field visits to prominent financial institutions, such as the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and the Authority of Social Contribution (Ma’an). It aims to provide participants with a holistic learning experience that combines theory and practice while enhancing their professional skills.
The first two cohorts saw the graduation of 58 participants, highlighting the program’s success and the participants’ dedication to advancing their knowledge and expertise in financial markets.
Speaking on the occasion, H.E. Yasser Al Gergawi, Director General of Sandooq Al Watan, affirmed that the launch of the third edition of the Financial Market Pioneers Program underscores the success of the strategic partnership established in November 2023 between the SCA, Sandooq Al Watan, and ADGMA, which aims to equip young Emiratis with the knowledge and skills needed to enter the financial services sector. He commended the remarkable efforts of both the SCA and ADGMA in designing and implementing this distinguished program, expressing hope that this collaboration will continue to grow and expand into other initiatives that support and empower young Emiratis.
For his part, H.E. Waleed Al Awadhi, CEO of the SCA, said: “This strategic collaboration between the SCA, ADGMA, and Sandooq Al Watan represents a model of institutional integration at the national level and highlights the shared commitment to preparing UAE nationals to play an active role in the financial sector. The program embodies the wise leadership’s vision that investing in youth is the cornerstone of sustainable development.”
The third edition of the Financial Market Pioneers Program highlights the SCA’s strategy to strengthen national capabilities and promote professional excellence within the financial sector, thereby fostering an innovative and sustainable financial ecosystem. The program also reaffirms the SCA’s commitment to preparing future generations of young Emiratis to navigate emerging market challenges and enhance the UAE’s competitiveness as a leading financial hub.
