UAE backs next-gen leaders with major scholarship programme

The UAE is expanding its efforts to nurture the next generation of leaders through a major initiative targeting young Emiratis and Arab residents.

The Zayed Education Foundation has launched the Ruwwad Zayed programme, designed to empower high-potential students and prepare them to tackle complex global and community challenges.

In its first year, the programme will provide 50 fully funded graduate scholarships, paired with a structured leadership development track.

Scholars will study at leading UAE universities and benefit from mentorship, research placements and a tailored leadership curriculum as part of a newly formed leadership network.

The programme is being delivered in partnership with 10 major institutions, including Abu Dhabi University, American University of Sharjah, Khalifa University, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, NYU Abu Dhabi, Sorbonne Abu Dhabi, UAE University, University of Sharjah, Zayed University, and IIT Delhi – Abu Dhabi.

Applications are open until May 29, 2026, although some programmes may close earlier depending on university deadlines.

In its inaugural phase, the programme will support students pursuing a master’s degree in a subject aligned with national priorities. There are plans to expand to additional academic levels in future rounds.

Her Highness Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairperson of the Zayed Education Foundation, said the initiative aims to equip young people with the grounding and resilience to lead with confidence while staying connected to their identity.

Inspired by the values of the late Sheikh Zayed, the programme supports the Foundation’s mission to empower 100,000 young leaders by 2035 and reflects the UAE’s long‑standing commitment to investing in human potential.

The Zayed Education Foundation has launched the Ruwwad Zayed programme, a structured leadership development experience for exceptional young Emiratis and Arab residents of the UAE to study at 10 leading universities across the country, with applications open until 29 May 2026. pic.twitter.com/LOk4DQEoUi

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) February 23, 2026