emirates7 - Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) has welcomed Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) as the newest participant in the Challenger Programme, an initiative aimed at promoting gender diversity across UAE industries.
Launched in November 2023 under the patronage of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, the Challenger Programme brings together major industrial companies in sectors traditionally dominated by men. Member companies collaborate on initiatives that encourage inclusive recruitment, empower female talent, and foster progressive workplace cultures. Recent efforts include the creation of a gender diversity toolkit designed to establish inclusive policies and behaviours throughout the employee lifecycle in heavy industry.
Women represent 20 percent of ENEC’s workforce—one of the highest proportions in the global nuclear energy sector—and hold key positions in engineering, operations, nuclear safety, and leadership. ENEC launched the Barakah chapter of Women in Nuclear in 2014 and currently leads the Middle East Chapter of this international organisation.
EGA employs 714 women in the UAE, including over 330 in operational roles.
Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of EGA, stated: “Promoting gender diversity in heavy industry is not only the right thing to do but also essential to unlocking the sector’s full potential. Diverse teams are stronger, safer, and more innovative. Through the Challenger Programme, we unite like-minded industrial companies to accelerate progress. We are delighted to welcome ENEC and look forward to learning from their experience while advancing opportunities for women across UAE industries.”
Mohamed Al Hammadi, Managing Director and CEO of ENEC, added: “Women play a central role in our achievements at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, helping to power the UAE sustainably, grow the nuclear sector, and inspire the next generation. By joining the Challenger Programme, we can share our experience, learn from other industrial leaders, and support the brightest women to join the UAE’s advanced industries.”
With ENEC’s inclusion, the Challenger Programme now comprises nine leading UAE industrial companies. The initiative is implemented in collaboration with NAMA Women Advancement, serving as a strategic advisor and knowledge partner.
Launched in November 2023 under the patronage of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, the Challenger Programme brings together major industrial companies in sectors traditionally dominated by men. Member companies collaborate on initiatives that encourage inclusive recruitment, empower female talent, and foster progressive workplace cultures. Recent efforts include the creation of a gender diversity toolkit designed to establish inclusive policies and behaviours throughout the employee lifecycle in heavy industry.
Women represent 20 percent of ENEC’s workforce—one of the highest proportions in the global nuclear energy sector—and hold key positions in engineering, operations, nuclear safety, and leadership. ENEC launched the Barakah chapter of Women in Nuclear in 2014 and currently leads the Middle East Chapter of this international organisation.
EGA employs 714 women in the UAE, including over 330 in operational roles.
Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of EGA, stated: “Promoting gender diversity in heavy industry is not only the right thing to do but also essential to unlocking the sector’s full potential. Diverse teams are stronger, safer, and more innovative. Through the Challenger Programme, we unite like-minded industrial companies to accelerate progress. We are delighted to welcome ENEC and look forward to learning from their experience while advancing opportunities for women across UAE industries.”
Mohamed Al Hammadi, Managing Director and CEO of ENEC, added: “Women play a central role in our achievements at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, helping to power the UAE sustainably, grow the nuclear sector, and inspire the next generation. By joining the Challenger Programme, we can share our experience, learn from other industrial leaders, and support the brightest women to join the UAE’s advanced industries.”
With ENEC’s inclusion, the Challenger Programme now comprises nine leading UAE industrial companies. The initiative is implemented in collaboration with NAMA Women Advancement, serving as a strategic advisor and knowledge partner.