The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) in the United Arab Emirates has formed a partnership with the Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) to enhance the National Scholarship Programme. This collaboration aims to offer high-quality educational and training opportunities for Emirati students pursuing engineering degrees that align with the nation’s priorities while also facilitating their transition to the workforce upon graduation.

The agreement was officially signed by His Excellency Ahmad Ibrahim Alsaadi, who serves as the Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Higher Education Operations Sector and Director of the International Education Support and Scholarships Department at MoHESR, alongside Ahmed Jassim Al Shamsi, Executive Director of Human Capital at ENEC. The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials from both organizations.

The initiative is designed to cultivate national talent in critical engineering fields, including mechanical, electrical, nuclear, and chemical engineering. This focus directly relates to the UAE’s strategy of building human capital to meet the future labor market’s demands.

Under the terms of the agreement, MoHESR will allocate a specific number of scholarships each year for Emirati students, collaborating closely with ENEC. Both organizations will jointly identify suitable study destinations, ensure the alignment of selection criteria with admission requirements, and manage the application process efficiently.

His Excellency Ahmad Ibrahim Alsaadi emphasized the commitment to enhancing cooperation with national companies and key employers to ensure that scholarships align with labor market needs. He stated that the aim is to bolster the sustainability of strategic national sectors. Alsaadi added that MoHESR will continue partnering with public and private sectors to expand students’ opportunities to pursue degrees at leading international universities, equipping them with necessary knowledge and skills for national development. He remarked, “Our goal is to transform the scholarship journey into a launchpad for future leaders.”

As part of this partnership, ENEC will provide career support and guidance to scholarship recipients through structured training and development programs. This initiative will equip students with the essential skills and experience required for successful integration into the workforce. Furthermore, ENEC has committed to employing these students after they graduate in accordance with its recruitment procedures.

Ahmed Jassim Al Shamsi highlighted ENEC’s dedication to nurturing Emirati talent to advance the UAE’s nuclear energy sector. He noted that this partnership is crucial for attracting and preparing the next generation of specialists, showcasing ENEC’s vital role in the clean energy sector and its contribution to advancing the UAE’s knowledge-based economy.

This partnership illustrates the constructive collaboration between national institutions aimed at developing human competencies and enhancing the UAE’s competitiveness in specialized sectors. It also underscores the importance of coordinated efforts between MoHESR and labor and scholarship authorities to ensure the sustainability and efficiency of the National Scholarship Programme, maximizing its contribution to achieving national priorities.