UAE unveils national programme to strengthen strategic, advanced industries

The UAE has announced an integrated national programme to build an education and research system that keeps pace with rapid changes in the scientific and technological sectors, empowers national talent and strengthen competitiveness of Emirati products.

It follows a decision issued by UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The National Programme for Advanced Sciences and Technologies will also focus on investing in national talent in the UAE's strategic and advanced industries, national news agency Wam added.

It will be overseen by a Higher Committee chaired by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister and with Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, as Deputy Chairman.

The Committee will approve the programme's key directions, budgets, and policies, and report the programme's progress to the UAE President and Prime Minister.

The programme will include six key tracks in its first phase: Technical Education and National Talent, National Service, Flagship Initiative, Global Challenge, Global Talent Attraction, and Technical Research and Innovation. Additional tracks may be added as the programme develops and as the UAE President issues further directives.

UAE President Issues Decision to Establish the National Program for Advanced Sciences and Technologies… Higher Committee formed, chaired by H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, with Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan as Deputy Chairman, to oversee the program and its tracks. pic.twitter.com/QAHWyIYJ0C

— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) August 30, 2026

The programme will also see the formation of the Executive Committee that will be chaired by Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affair.

Supervised by the Higher Committee, it will be tasked with reviewing and approving plans, programmes, policies and initiatives before submitting it to the Higher Committee for approvals. It will also review the programme's budget, oversee implementation of approved items and track its progress.

It will also see the establishment of an office for the National Programme for Advanced Sciences and Technologies that will track leaders and manage relevant local and international partnerships.