Abu Dhabi opens registration for its Scholarships Programme

Photo : Abu Dhabi Media Office

Since 2015, the Abu Dhabi Scholarships (ADS) programme has helped make Abu Dhabi a leader in learning, new ideas, and economic growth. Run by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), the programme builds a skilled workforce for important jobs in the emirate.

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More than 2,000 Emirati students have joined ADS, and over 95% of them now work in key roles in Abu Dhabi’s top industries. This shows that the emirate is a strong center for sustainable growth.

The programme gives each student a personal learning plan. It offers help from dedicated advisors, career guidance, and support after graduation so that students are ready for both studies and work.

Dr. Bashaer Almatrooshi, the Executive Director of the Talent Enablement Sector at ADEK, said, “We match our study fields with what the industry needs. We make sure our graduates are well-prepared, learn the right skills, and do well in their jobs. We support our students from the start of their scholarship to their careers. The programme’s growth and our successful alumni show the value of our education and work readiness plans.”

To keep up with changing work needs, ADEK has updated the ADS programme. It now offers more than 100 subjects in both top and creative areas. Students can study subjects such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Renewable Energy and Clean Technology, Healthcare and Biotechnology, Financial Technology and Digital Banking, and Sustainable Agriculture and Food Technology. They can also choose creative subjects like Art and Sports Innovation, including Animation, Culinary Arts, and Sports Coaching. The programme now works with schools in countries such as China, Italy, Russia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam.

In 2025, a new master’s programme will start. This course will focus on social subjects and will be offered with well-known schools like Columbia University in the USA, the University of Toronto in Canada, and the University of Melbourne in Australia. The subjects include Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology, Family Counseling, Psychotherapy, and Social Work. This new course aims to train experts who can help meet the growing social needs of students and families.

The ADS programme also works with more than 200 industry partners. This helps students meet top organizations and gives companies skilled workers. Aysha Al Dhaheri, an ADS graduate now working at Abu Dhabi Ports, said, “The programme gave me the perfect start for my career. The mix of classroom learning and work experience was very helpful, and I am grateful for the path it set for me.”

ADEK supports its students even after graduation. Every year, the Abu Dhabi Scholarships Alumni Bootcamp is held at Mawaheb Talent Hub. At this event, alumni learn skills like career planning, writing a CV, using LinkedIn, and doing well in interviews. There is also a Networking Day, where alumni meet leaders from top organizations in Abu Dhabi.

Some of the industry partners at Networking Day include Alpha Data, Ali & Sons, Environment Agency Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Investment Council, General Pension & Social Security Authority, Department of Community Development, First Abu Dhabi Bank, Abu Dhabi Municipality, Burjeel Holdings, Ernst & Young, Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Boston Consulting Group, EDGE, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, Abu Dhabi Ports, Emirates NBD, Tawazun, Integrated Transport Centre, and the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority.

Applications for the ADS programme are now open for the 2025 intake until April 30th. UAE Nationals who meet the requirements are invited to visit the official Abu Dhabi Scholarships website to apply.

This complete plan of study, career support, and strong industry links helps Emirati students succeed and keeps Abu Dhabi a leader in learning, new ideas, and sustainable growth.