In a new national initiative aimed at preparing recent high school graduates for the next stage of their lives, the UAE has launched the “National Readiness Programme – Ghatareef”, a comprehensive programme designed to equip young men and women with the knowledge, skills and values needed for success in family, academic and professional life.
Launched under the directives of the Council for Education, Human Development and Community, the programme is being delivered by the Federal Youth Authority in partnership with government and academic entities, as well as the private sector. It is intended to support the country’s sustainable development by preparing a generation capable of contributing to national priorities and serving society.
A programme to prepare a new generation
The initiative targets newly graduated secondary school students and offers a structured pathway that combines theory, specialisation and hands-on training over 11 months. It is intended to serve as a key transition point between general education and higher education, the labour market and family life.
Its broader aim is to strengthen national identity, reinforce social responsibility and help prepare participants for family, academic and professional life in a way that supports the UAE’s long-term development journey.
On this occasion, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Chairman of the Council for Education, Human Development and Community, said: “The UAE’s journey was built on the firm belief that people are the foundation of its progress, and that every generation carries the responsibility of continuing that journey.. The young men and women of the UAE are the nation’s true wealth. Through them, we preserve what has been achieved and move towards greater horizons of global leadership.. The National Readiness Programme – Ghatareef continues this approach by preparing and empowering a generation that believes in its values, is confident in its abilities, and is ready to serve its country, shape its future, build stable families, and ensure the sustainability of its society.”
Sheikha Maryam bint Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice Chairwoman of the Council for Education, Human Development and Community, said: “Our youth’s confidence in their abilities begins in the family.. When the family’s confidence meets the opportunities and meaningful experiences provided by the nation, generations are formed that are capable, responsible, and more convinced of their true role in supporting the UAE’s future.. The National Readiness Programme – Ghatareef extends this role, complementing the values instilled by the family and translating them into a practical experience that opens new horizons for learning and for contributing to the prosperity of their families, society and nation.”
Three tracks, three stages
The programme includes three main tracks: defence, protection and artificial intelligence; health and care; and sustainability and vital services.
Each track is delivered through three key stages: a foundational stage focused on skills development and strengthening national identity and Emirati values; a specialisation and applied stage that builds knowledge and experience linked to the targeted sectors; and practical training that allows participants to apply their skills in real professional environments with partner entities.
The tracks also cover a range of core knowledge areas connected to national development needs, including health sciences, food security, artificial intelligence, cyber security, logistics, supply chain management, and basic languages and mathematics.
Over the course of 11 months, the programme combines classroom learning, specialised training and field application. It is designed to help participants move confidently from school into higher education, work and family life.
Practical experience and national priorities
Dr Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, said: “With the launch of the first phase in September 2026, the National Readiness Programme – Ghatareef, which is directed at newly graduated secondary school students, will represent a unique opportunity that moves young people from learning to application.. Through practical experiences, participants will be able to gain real-world expertise, understand the needs of vital sectors, and build the skills that help them choose their future paths with confidence and contribute effectively to their families, society and nation.”
Hejaer Ahmed Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of the Council for Education, Human Development and Community, said: “Preparing young people is no longer limited to academic education, but has become an integrated system that connects knowledge with skill, values with experience, and learning with the demands of the future.. The National Readiness Programme – Ghatareef embodies this approach by uniting the efforts of educational institutions and their partners to prepare a generation capable of keeping pace with change, serving their country and contributing to national priority sectors with confidence and competence.”
The launch of the National Readiness Programme – Ghatareef reflects the UAE’s continued commitment to investing in its youth and enabling them to contribute effectively to the country’s development path, while strengthening their readiness for a more prosperous and sustainable future.
The first phase of the programme begins in September 2026 in cooperation with a number of partners from government and semi-government entities, higher education institutions and the private sector, providing participants with educational and applied experiences linked to national needs and priorities.
Incentives and registration
The programme also offers a package of incentives and benefits, including a monthly stipend, practical training opportunities, certified professional certificates, academic credits in line with approved regulations, as well as opportunities to support projects and future pathways for outstanding participants.
The Federal Youth Authority has invited newly graduated secondary school students to review the programme’s details, tracks and admission requirements, and to register through the official platform NRP.FYA.GOV.AE. Registration for the pilot phase begins on Thursday, 23 July 2026, and continues until Thursday, 30 July 2026.