The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) has organised its 2026 Orientation Forum for Newly Awarded Scholarship Students, bringing together around 150 newly accepted scholars and their families. Held under the theme 'From the UAE to the World: Determination and Ambition', the event focused on preparing students for the academic, personal, and cultural challenges of studying at leading institutions abroad.
The forum was attended by senior officials, including His Excellency Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Defence Affairs, Interior and Foreign Affairs Committee at the Federal National Council; His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Sultan Nasser Al Shuaibi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research; and His Excellency Ibrahim Fikri, Assistant Undersecretary for the Higher Education and Scientific Research Regulation and Governance Sector. Representatives from local education entities, strategic partners, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the UAE Council for Fatwa, and MoHESR officials also took part.
The primary goal of the gathering was to accelerate the academic and personal readiness of scholarship recipients before they depart for their host countries. By introducing MoHESR’s full range of facilitation services, the Ministry aimed to ensure that students can concentrate on academic excellence while representing the UAE as ambassadors of its national values on the global stage.
His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Sultan Nasser Al Shuaibi underscored the strategic importance of the Scholarship Programme within the UAE’s long-term human capital development agenda. He noted that academic success is no longer measured solely by the degrees earned or the reputation of the host university. Instead, it is judged by the strategic relevance of the chosen major and the tangible value that graduates bring back to the nation.
“You represent more than yourselves; you carry the UAE’s identity, values and vision to the world. The Ministry is your dedicated partner on this journey. Your academic triumph is a direct win for our nation and your return with specialised expertise is our most vital investment in the future”, Dr Al Shuaibi told the students.
The updated Scholarship Programme has been designed to align global academic outcomes with the UAE’s national development priorities. It provides an integrated support ecosystem that helps students remain focused on excellence throughout their studies.
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Recognising that studying abroad extends far beyond the classroom, the forum offered a comprehensive programme covering every stage of the scholarship journey. Orientation sessions outlined administrative procedures and the services available to recipients. Interactive discussions allowed newly admitted students to hear directly from current scholarship holders who shared practical experiences and answered questions.
Awareness sessions were delivered by representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UAE Fatwa Council, while His Excellency Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi presented a keynote awareness lecture.
Through this varied programme, MoHESR sought to equip students with the confidence, knowledge, and practical skills required for a successful academic experience. The initiative also strengthened their personal and national readiness and helped parents better understand the support systems available, reinforcing the family’s role as a key partner throughout the educational journey.
Demand for the National Scholarship Programme continues to grow, reflecting rising confidence in the UAE’s scholarship system. In 2026 the Ministry received 2,767 applications, and 244 students have been awarded scholarships so far this year. This brings the total number of students currently benefiting from the programme to 596, who are studying at leading universities across 22 countries. Since the beginning of 2026, 116 scholarship recipients have graduated, highlighting the programme’s ongoing contribution to developing highly qualified national talent.
In line with the Federal Decree-Law on Higher Education and Scientific Research, MoHESR has expanded its network of employer partners. The Ministry now collaborates with 11 national entities to secure 160 specialised scholarship pathways. These pathways target priority disciplines and provide end-to-end support from enrolment through graduation, ensuring a smooth transition into key sectors of the UAE economy.
The UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research continues to build a future-ready higher education and scientific research ecosystem that supports the country’s transition to a knowledge-driven, innovation-led economy. Through progressive policies, targeted programmes, and strategic partnerships, the Ministry aligns higher education outcomes with national economic needs, strengthens research and innovation, and invests in the skills required for the workforce of tomorrow.
By preparing the next generation of scholars to succeed internationally and return with specialised expertise, the 2026 Orientation Forum reinforces the UAE’s commitment to developing human capital that will drive sustainable progress and enhance the nation’s global competitiveness.
