The UAE’s Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) has entered into a partnership with Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, to support the National Scholarship Programme.
The partnership highlights MoHESR’s commitment to enhancing scholarship strategies by teaming up with leading public and private sector entities. The collaboration aims to offer scholarships in priority fields, providing students with a fast track to careers at one of the nation’s leading aviation companies.
Under this move, Emirati students will get the opportunity to pursue degrees in selected fields at top international universities. Both parties will identify target universities, countries, and specializations, along with the selection criteria.
Additionally, students will be provided with vocational training and career guidance to prepare them for future roles in strategic fields at Etihad Airways, such as aviation, engineering, and logistics.
H.E Ahmad Ibrahim Alsaadi Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Higher Education Operations Sector, Director of the International Education Support and Scholarships Department – MoHESR
“At MoHESR, we continuously enhance our programs to build skilled national talent capable of driving the UAE’s progress. Joining forces with Etihad Airways reflects our commitment to aligning our scholarships with national economic needs. This collaboration highlights the significant role of public-private partnerships in developing an educational system that empowers students to succeed in the future labor market and become active contributors to key economic sectors.”
Dr. Nadia Bastaki, Chief People, Government, and Corporate Affairs Officer at Etihad Airways, added that, “At Etihad Airways, one of the region’s fastest-growing airlines, we are proud to empower Emirati talent. Our partnership with MoHESR reflects our shared commitment to nurturing ambition and aligning education with real-world industry needs. By bridging academic learning with practical experience, we are preparing students to shape the future of aviation and strengthen the UAE’s global competitiveness.”
MoHESR will oversee students’ academic progress and manage exceptional cases. Meanwhile, Etihad Airways will equip the scholarship recipients with hands-on training, career guidance, and continuous support throughout their studies and participate in their performance evaluation.
In addition, the airline will design structured career paths that include training programs before and after graduation. Furthermore, the partnership includes post-graduation follow-up with data sharing and feedback aimed at assessing the program’s impact and enhancing future student cohorts.
