The United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) in collaboration with New York University Abu Dhabi organized an orientation session on Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Scholars Program. The session, held at the Auditorium, Crescent Building, UAEU, was attended by H.E Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, UAEU Chancellor, Ms. Diane C. Yu, Executive Director of the Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Community Programs at NYUAD, and a number of government universities’ students.

The program targets high-achieving third and fourth year university students (national and international) and special needs students from all academic fields from UAEU, Higher Colleges of Technology, and Zayed University. It aims to develop students’ skills in critical thinking, writing, dialogue management and English rhetoric, as well as leadership skills.

During the session, a video about the Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Scholars Program for outstanding students was presented, and a number of previous participants of the program shared their experiences. The session also included a Q&A where students’ queries regarding program application were answered.

“This program comes in the context of implementing HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s vision to create distinctive internship opportunities for future leaders,”Ms. Diane C. Yu explained. “It contributes to enhancing students’ personal skills and creating scientific and cognitive challenges, aimed at developing and improving the experiences of students in the region in a safe environment. Furthermore, the program is an opportunity to discover young leaders from different UAE universities and educational institutions.”  

UAEU students, Abdulla Al-Hamudi and Fatima Al-Hammadi, shared their experience about participating in the program, which allowed them to explore various cultures, horn different skills and look at future from a wider perspective, making it a rich journey filled with challenges in the global knowledge-based economy.

The program offers 20 (male and female) students the chance to participate in the program for 10 days. In its 10th year, the program offers a unique interactive learning experience, including courses related to leadership development, enhancement of social skills and cultural exchange. The program duration has been extended to 8 months, to give students the opportunity to take courses at New York University, USA, visit the United Nations headquarters in New York City, as well as other cultural, tourism and scientific centers in the city. Participating students will receive a certificate of completion in addition to scholarship to study a master’s degree at New York University.