Zayed University Honours Partners Empowering Emirati Talent

Zayed University celebrated its community partners on during the 22nd Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development Conference & Exhibition (DIHAD 2026) at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The university hosted an event titled “Investing in Minds, Shaping the Future” to recognise organisations that have strengthened its educational mission through scholarships, financial aid and programmes that improve student life.

Eight organisations received formal honours for their contributions. Together they have supported 333 students, enabling them to complete their studies, gain practical skills and prepare for professional careers. The recognition underscored the growing role of private and institutional philanthropy in expanding access to higher education in the United Arab Emirates.

Professor Kevin Hall, President and Chief Executive Officer of Zayed University, addressed the gathering. “At Zayed University, we believe that investing in people is one of the most valuable investments we can make,” he said. “Access to quality education is fundamental to developing national talent with the knowledge, skills and confidence to contribute to the future of the UAE. Our partners play an important role in advancing this mission, enabling students to continue their education and realise their potential. We value the trust and long-standing commitment reflected in these partnerships, and look forward to working together to create greater opportunities for our students and prepare graduates who can contribute to the UAE’s development priorities and knowledge economy.”

The event formed part of DIHAD 2026, a major regional platform that brings together government entities, non-profit organisations, private companies and academic institutions focused on humanitarian and development work. By choosing this setting, Zayed University highlighted the link between education and broader national and regional development goals. Officials emphasised that scholarships and financial assistance do more than cover tuition; they remove barriers that might otherwise prevent capable students from completing degrees and entering the workforce.

University representatives explained that the recognised partners have funded a range of initiatives. These include full and partial scholarships, emergency financial assistance, skills-development workshops and programmes designed to enhance campus life and student wellbeing. The cumulative impact 333 students supported illustrates how coordinated external support can scale educational opportunity beyond what a single institution can achieve alone.

The ceremony also served as a platform for Zayed University to reaffirm its strategy of building long-term, strategic partnerships. University leaders stressed that sustainable collaboration with organisations sharing its educational mission is essential for maintaining academic programmes, extending their reach and producing graduates ready to contribute to the UAE’s knowledge economy and national development priorities.

Education has long been positioned as a cornerstone of the UAE’s social and economic vision. Events such as this one reinforce the message that investment in human capital yields returns across sectors. By publicly acknowledging partners, the university aims to encourage further engagement from the private sector, foundations and community organisations.

Attendees included representatives from the honoured organisations, university faculty, students who have benefited from the programmes, and other stakeholders attending DIHAD 2026. The atmosphere reflected both celebration of past achievements and a forward-looking commitment to expand opportunities.

Zayed University has consistently framed its work around the idea that quality higher education is a public good that benefits society as a whole. The partnerships celebrated at DIHAD demonstrate how that principle translates into practical support for individual students. Many of the 333 recipients are now progressing through their studies or have already entered professional roles, carrying forward the skills and confidence the programmes helped develop.

Looking ahead, the university signalled its intention to deepen existing relationships and identify new partners. Officials noted that demand for financial support and enrichment programmes continues to grow as more Emirati students seek higher education and specialised skills aligned with the country’s economic diversification agenda.

The 'Investing in Minds, Shaping the Future' event therefore served dual purposes: it expressed gratitude to current partners and issued an open invitation for continued collaboration. In a region where rapid development depends on a highly skilled national workforce, such partnerships are increasingly viewed as strategic rather than purely philanthropic.

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By hosting the recognition ceremony at DIHAD 2026, Zayed University also connected its work to wider conversations about humanitarian aid, sustainable development and social investment. Education was presented not as a standalone sector but as a foundational element that enables progress in other areas.

As the conference continues at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the university’s message remains clear: supporting students today is an investment in the UAE’s future. The eight organisations honoured have already demonstrated the tangible results of that investment through the 333 students whose educational journeys they have advanced. Further partnerships of this kind, university leaders indicated, will be essential to sustaining and expanding that impact in the years ahead.

The event concluded with a reaffirmation of shared purpose between the university and its partners to open doors for talented young Emiratis, equip them with the tools they need, and prepare a generation ready to contribute to national progress.