UAE Ministry of Defence launches 'Beladi' programme

The Ministry of Defence in Abu Dhabi has unveiled the Beladi programme, aimed at cultivating and nurturing national talent to bolster the UAE's capabilities and preparedness. This strategic initiative underscores the importance of investing in human capital by honing leadership skills, technical expertise, and practical knowledge among young Emiratis, preparing them for national service.

Beladi commenced with an extensive Leadership Competency Assessment phase, designed to pinpoint and appraise promising Emirati candidates. The selection process entailed psychological, physical, and cognitive evaluations, complemented by face-to-face interviews and field assessments to assess candidates' abilities and direct them towards pathways aligned with their potential and interests.

Spanning 11 months as part of the National Service pathway, the programme provides a diverse array of specialized tracks, with plans to broaden these offerings in upcoming phases, in sync with the UAE's national capability development goals and the programme's trajectory.

During its inaugural pilot year, the Beladi programme delivers a rich curriculum, blending theoretical instruction with practical application, guided by seasoned leaders and instructors hailing from across the UAE Armed Forces. Throughout the training, candidates engage in rigorous coaching, seamlessly integrating academic learning with real-world practice.

The programme not only establishes a lasting pathway but also deepens participants' bond with the military establishment, fostering a corps of qualified operational reserves prepared to bolster national readiness. Furthermore, Beladi upholds the principles of national responsibility, camaraderie, and service to the nation, while promoting the continuous dissemination of knowledge and expertise, and the enhancement of capabilities, thereby ensuring the sustainability of national talent and its capacity to adapt to evolving requirements and challenges.