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country.” Addressing the students, Sheikh Hamdan added: "I encourage you to keep pursuing
knowledge and lifelong learning to build your capacities and achieve accomplishments that will
benefit both our community and the world.”
Sheikh Hamdan also met with parents of the students during the event and praised their efforts in
raising a generation of ambitious young Emiratis capable of competing globally and shaping the
future of the UAE. He emphasised that building and developing the skills of Emirati talents is an
integral part of Dubai’s strategy to enhance the emirate’s human capital, supported by an
outstanding education system that nurtures Emirati talent in line with Dubai’s economic priorities.

Aisha Miran, who chairs the scholarship programme’s steering committee, said: "Guided by the
vision and directives of our leadership, and as part of the Dubai Plan and its economic and social
agendas, the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Scholarship Programme aims to empower exceptional
Emirati talent, build their capabilities, and enhance their leadership skills. We congratulate this
distinguished cohort of high school graduates from both public and private schools who have been
selected for the programme.”

She added: "The diverse academic specialisations the students have chosen, along with their
choice of and admissions into top universities globally, reflect their commitment to excellence and
their drive to shape a brighter and more prosperous future for their nation across all sectors. The
programme’s steering committee, in collaboration with our partners, will ensure that these scholars
receive continued support and mentorship throughout their academic journey. We are confident
that this cohort will be a valuable addition to Dubai’s Emirati talent pool, strengthening the
emirate’s global leadership position and helping to achieve its ambitious future goals.”

A total of 321 students applied for the scholarship programme in its inaugural year. The first cohort
of scholars was selected by the programme’s steering committee following a rigorous evaluation
process, which took into consideration their academic performance, the global rankings of the
universities they applied to, and how their chosen academic disciplines align with Dubai’s future
goals and economic priorities. The selected students will attend 30 universities in the UAE and
abroad. They will pursue 35 academic disciplines including engineering, information technology,
business administration, health sciences, and the arts. The steering committee oversees the
programme’s vision, objectives, and strategic plan. It also approves a unified scholarship policy for
the entire emirate, sets the programme’s budget and financial plan, and establishes
subcommittees with clear mandates and operational processes. Abdullah Ali Bin Zayed Al Falasi,
the Vice Chairman of the steering committee, said: "The launch of this programme marks a
significant step in shaping the future of Emirati youth and strengthening the capabilities that will
drive Dubai’s growth and development. We are committed to supporting the students, developing
their leadership skills, and ensuring Emirati graduates are equipped to excel across all sectors.”
During the orientation event, students were introduced to various services offered under the
scholarship programme, in addition to being provided guidance on upcoming phases of their
academic journey. Two partnerships were also announced during the event. The first is between the
Hamdan Bin Mohammed Scholarship Programme and the Ministry of Education to provide financial
and academic services to students studying abroad. The second tie-up, with IDP, will provide
university admission services for students wishing to study abroad. Launched as part of the Dubai
Social Agenda 33, with an endowment of Dhs1.1 billion, the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Scholarship

https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2024/08/29/dubai-crown-prince-commends-students-selected-
for-hamdan-bin-mohammed-scholarship-programme