The UAE’s Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) and Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) have partnered to support the ‘National Scholarship Programme, ’ aimed at offering Emirati engineering students enhanced education and career opportunities.
This collaboration highlights both entities’ mutual commitment to cultivating local talent, aligning higher education outcomes with labor market needs while driving economic growth. It also represents a significant step in public-private sector collaboration to enhance the quality of the National Scholarship Programme.
As part of this move, MoHESR will deliver scholarships to Emirati students studying mechanical and electrical engineering, as well as other specializations to be mutually agreed upon with EGA, at some of the world’s top universities.
Together, the partners will select top universities and programs, assess applications, identify candidates, and align the selection criteria with the admission requirements.
MoHESR will handle tuition fees and associated allowances, monitor students’ academic progress, and coordinate with educational attachés abroad in matters related to overseas training and employment.
On the other hand, EGA will provide practical training, professional support, and post-graduation employment opportunities alongside helping design career pathways.
Ahmad Ibrahim Alsaadi Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Higher Education Operations Sector, Director of the International Education Support and Scholarships Department – MoHESR
“The collaboration with EGA marks a significant step in building integrated academic and career pathways for Emirati students – from the selection of in-demand specializations to employment within key sectors that drive the UAE’s economic progress. Our objective is to equip national talent with high-quality education in priority disciplines and support their transition to the workforce, empowering them to play an active role in achieving the nation’s goals. Our ongoing efforts to enhance the scholarship program focus on aligning the included academic specializations with the needs of national economic sectors. This approach fosters a culture of specialized employment, enabling students to succeed in the future job market and excel in their careers.”
Abdulnasser bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, stated that, “Empowering UAE National talents is fundamental for the future growth of our national economy and industrial sector. Our collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research is a step forward towards driving academic excellence to meet the dynamic workforce. At EGA, our goal is to develop future leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields for their critical role in driving a sustainable knowledge-based economy, in line with the vision of our wise leadership.”
Additionally, the partnership includes a joint follow-up mechanism, ensuring smooth post-graduation transitions with EGA offering periodic feedback on graduates’ readiness and areas to enhance program.
MoHESR, in collaboration with its public and private sector partners, remains committed to enhancing the National Scholarship Programme as part of its broader strategy to cultivate qualified Emirati talent capable of fostering sustainable growth.
