His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Head of the Executive Council of Dubai, has reaffirmed Dubai’s commitment to investing in national talents and competencies. He emphasised the importance of providing Emirati youth with quality educational opportunities that enable them to achieve high-level education in prestigious global universities and academic institutions. This effort is intended to enhance their skills and prepare a new generation of national leaders capable of shaping the future of Dubai and the UAE.
Investing in Human Capital
Sheikh Hamdan articulated that building a qualified national human capital that can drive future transformations is a fundamental pillar of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s vision. This vision focuses on investing in people and offering optimal educational pathways to national talents and top-performing students, treating it as a direct investment in Dubai’s future. Such initiatives also bolster the readiness of its workforce to actively contribute to priority sectors and future fields, aligning with the goals of the Dubai 2033 plan in both its economic and social agendas, as well as the Dubai Education Strategy 2033. This approach reinforces Dubai’s position as a global model for human development and leadership cultivation.
A National Aspirational Project
Sheikh Hamdan noted that Emirati students sent abroad under scholarships represent a national project that embodies Dubai and the UAE’s aspirations towards new heights. He believes that every educational journey begins with a dream, which finds its true value when transformed into knowledge, experience, and achievements that serve their homeland.
Guiding Sessions for Scholars
The Crown Prince recently attended the guidance day for the third cohort of the Hamdan bin Mohammed Academic Scholarship Programme for 2026, held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Dubai. The event was graced by the presence of various dignitaries, including Abdullah Mohammed Al Basti, Secretary General of the Executive Council of Dubai, Aisha Abdullah Miran, Director General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai, and Issa Al Matrooshi, Deputy Director General of the Office of His Highness the Ruler of Dubai.
The guidance day also celebrated the achievements of the first cohort graduates, with six outstanding individuals recognised for their studies in fields such as architecture, economics and finance, sustainable energy engineering, Asian and Middle Eastern studies, and data systems and analysis.
Long-term Investment in Future Leaders
During her remarks, Aisha Abdullah Miran stated, “The programme embodies the wise leadership’s vision of investing in human capital. It aligns with the goals of the Dubai Education Strategy 2033 by building qualified Emirati competencies to lead future sectors and enhance the global competitiveness of Emirati graduates.” She added that they are committed to providing a nurturing environment for distinguished students, offering a comprehensive support system throughout their academic journey, ensuring their academic and personal success. The scholarship, she noted, represents a long-term investment in preparing national leaders capable of turning knowledge and experience into developmental impacts that serve Dubai and the UAE.
A Diverse Range of Educational Opportunities
During the guidance day, both students and their families were briefed on the diverse services provided by the scholarship programme, including future academic pathways and essential resources to assist them during their studies abroad. With a mission centred on building human capital, the Hamdan bin Mohammed Academic Scholarship Programme has already supported 152 students across two previous cohorts, enabling them to attend approximately 44 universities and higher education institutions both locally and internationally, including several that rank among the world’s top ten universities.
The third cohort for the 2026 programme consists of around 100 students and encompasses seven major academic disciplines, including artificial intelligence and digital technologies, engineering, medicine and life sciences, business, finance and economics, as well as policies, law, and social sciences, alongside creative, media, and design fields. Selection criteria for applicants are based on academic excellence in secondary education, international university rankings, and the alignment of academic fields with Dubai’s future economic sector needs.
Equitable Opportunities for Talent Development
The Hamdan bin Mohammed Academic Scholarship Programme forms part of the Dubai Social Agenda 33 initiatives, which aims to select 100 high-achieving Emirati students annually from both public and private schools for study at top-ranking universities globally. This initiative targets academic specialisations that match job market needs and future development priorities across various sectors, thereby enhancing the economic participation of Emiratis and advancing the country’s human development system, with total allocations projected at 1.1 billion dirhams in coming years.
Eligible applicants must be Emirati passport holders with residency in Dubai and have secured conditional or unconditional acceptance in specific academic disciplines from accredited institutions. They should not have received another full scholarship from any granting authority either within or outside the UAE.
Encouragement to Achieve Academic Excellence
Sheikh Hamdan has previously sent motivational messages to outstanding students, encouraging them to continue excelling and contributing to Dubai’s future with their knowledge and aspirations. He also recognised the vital role parents play in their children’s success, acknowledging that such achievements are only possible with their support and dedication.
This guidance day also honoured exceptional students from the “Firsts of Dubai” initiative for the 2025-2026 academic year, alongside the scholarship recipients and their families who expressed gratitude for the unwavering support from wise leadership, reflecting Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s commitment to nurturing talents across various sectors.
Furthermore, Emirati students on scholarships from the Office of the Ruler of Dubai were also present at the guidance day, aiming to provide distinguished Emirati secondary school graduates with university study opportunities at leading higher education institutions, covering a wide array of accredited academic specialisations.
For further information about the programme and to access the student guide, please visit: KHDA – Hamdan bin Mohammed Academic Scholarship Programme.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed:
- Building qualified national human capital that can lead future transformations is a fundamental pillar of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid’s vision.
- It is our responsibility to provide our youth with the best learning opportunities in the world; it is their responsibility to turn these opportunities into knowledge, achievements, and impacts that serve their nation and community.
Aisha Miran:
- The programme embodies the leadership’s vision of investing in human capital and complements the goals of the Dubai Education Strategy 2033 by cultivating qualified Emirati competencies.