Dubai Crown Prince Praises Students Chosen for Hamdan bin Mohammed Scholarship

Photo : Dubai government media office

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, recently congratulated the inaugural cohort of students selected for the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Scholarship Programme. The Crown Prince emphasized that the programme reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, to invest in human capital as a key driver for sustainable and comprehensive development. This aligns with the broader goals outlined in Dubai’s Social Agenda 33.

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Launched with a substantial endowment of AED 1.1 billion, the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Scholarship Programme will provide 100 annual scholarships to exceptional Emirati students accepted at top global universities. This initiative is part of Dubai’s long-term strategy to develop the next generation of leaders who will contribute to the emirate’s growth across multiple sectors.

During a special orientation session held at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan commended the selected students for the 2024-25 academic year. Addressing them, he remarked, "Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for a group of outstanding scholars who will pursue their education at world-class institutions through the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Scholarship Programme. This initiative, guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, embodies Dubai’s commitment to shaping its future by nurturing and investing in exceptional talent."

Sheikh Hamdan also expressed confidence in the future of Dubai, noting the alignment of the students' ambitions with the emirate's bold vision. "Meeting these scholars and the 2023-24 cohort of Emirati Top Achievers reaffirms my belief that the future of our city is in capable hands. These students' dreams are aligned with Dubai’s ambitions, and I am confident they will contribute significantly to our continued growth and success."

The event was attended by several high-ranking officials, including His Excellency Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani, Director General of the Dubai Ruler’s Court; His Excellency Abdullah Mohammed Al Basti, Secretary General of The Executive Council of Dubai; His Excellency Abdullah Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director General of the Dubai Government Human Resources Department; and Her Excellency Aisha Miran, Director General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).

Honoring Top Achievers

In addition to congratulating the first cohort of scholarship recipients, the event also honored 40 top-performing high school graduates from both public and private schools under the Top Achievers programme. The initiative celebrates students who have excelled in various curricula, and it also recognized the 2024 graduating class of the Ruler’s Court Higher Education Scholarship. This prestigious scholarship supports outstanding Emirati students across a broad spectrum of academic disciplines.

Sheikh Hamdan took a moment to acknowledge the hard work of the high school graduates, stating: "We are incredibly proud of all our top-performing high school students from both public and private institutions, as well as their parents. Their dedication and commitment have laid a strong foundation for future success, and I am confident they will continue to excel and contribute to the progress of Dubai and the UAE."

 A Call to Lifelong Learning

Addressing the students directly, Sheikh Hamdan encouraged them to pursue knowledge with unwavering dedication. "I urge you to remain committed to continuous learning and personal growth. By doing so, you will not only build your own futures but also contribute to the greater good of both our community and the world at large."

The Crown Prince also praised the parents of the selected students, highlighting the crucial role they play in fostering ambition and nurturing a generation capable of competing on the global stage. "Raising young Emiratis who are poised to shape the future of the UAE is no small task. The support and guidance you have given your children will be instrumental as they embark on this exciting journey," he sai

Supporting Dubai’s Vision

Her Excellency Aisha Miran, who chairs the steering committee of the scholarship programme, provided further insights into its objectives. "This programme is rooted in the leadership's vision to empower Emirati talent, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to drive Dubai’s growth. We congratulate these distinguished graduates who have been chosen from both public and private schools, as well as their families."

Miran emphasized the diversity of the academic disciplines chosen by the scholars, reflecting their commitment to excellence across sectors that are critical to Dubai's future. "The students have been accepted into top universities worldwide, pursuing disciplines ranging from engineering and IT to health sciences, business administration, and the arts. This diversity is key to ensuring that Dubai remains at the forefront of global innovation and leadership."

The steering committee, she added, will provide ongoing support and mentorship to the scholars throughout their academic journey. "We will work closely with our partners to ensure that these students receive the guidance and resources they need to excel. We are confident that this cohort will make valuable contributions to Dubai’s talent pool, strengthening the emirate’s global standing."

Unified Scholarship Policy

The steering committee also oversees the broader strategy and implementation of the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Scholarship Programme, which includes approving a unified scholarship policy for the entire emirate. The committee is responsible for setting the budget, financial plans, and operational processes necessary to ensure the programme’s success. His Excellency Abdullah Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, Vice Chairman of the steering committee, highlighted the significance of the initiative. "The launch of this programme is a major step in preparing Emirati youth for leadership roles across all sectors. By investing in their education and development, we are laying the foundation for Dubai’s future growth."

In its inaugural year, the scholarship programme received 321 applications. The selection process was highly competitive, taking into account not only the students' academic performance but also the global rankings of the universities they were accepted to and the relevance of their chosen fields of study to Dubai’s strategic goals.

Strategic Partnerships

The event also marked the announcement of two strategic partnerships. The first partnership is with the Ministry of Education, which will provide financial and academic services to students studying abroad. The second collaboration, with IDP, offers university admission services for students seeking higher education opportunities overseas.

Both partnerships are designed to ensure that scholars receive comprehensive support throughout their academic journey, enhancing their ability to succeed and contribute to Dubai’s vision of growth and innovation.

 A Bright Future

The Hamdan Bin Mohammed Scholarship Programme is open to Emirati students who have graduated from public and private schools in the UAE. It covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs, ensuring that financial constraints do not limit students' ability to pursue higher education at the world’s leading universities. Applicants must hold a family book from Dubai and should not be receiving any other scholarship offers.

The programme is set to play a pivotal role in Dubai’s long-term strategy to nurture Emirati talent and build a workforce that is equipped to meet the challenges of the future. More information about the scholarship is available on the KHDA website and the Emirati section of the Dubai Now app.