Dubai: The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) has announced a cooperation agreement with the Emirates Group to support the scholarship programme, enhance the qualifications of UAE nationals, and ensure their readiness to meet national priorities.
According to Emirates News Agency, the partnership aims to strengthen the integration between the programme outcomes and the job market’s needs while advancing the country’s strategic goals by developing skilled Emirati talent in future sectors. The agreement seeks to support scholarship programmes by offering educational opportunities for Emirati students at leading international universities in fields aligned with national priorities. It also facilitates their transition from higher education to the job market by providing practical training, career guidance, and guaranteed employment after graduation.
The agreement was signed by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, and Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research. The signing ceremony took place in the presence of senior officials from both entities.
H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum stated that the Emirates Group is committed to empowering Emiratis by providing a wide range of career pathways and development programmes designed for long-term success. He emphasized the importance of collaborations with industry partners and government entities in expanding educational and career opportunities for the next generation of Emirati travel and aviation professionals.
Dr. Al Awar highlighted that the agreement represents a strategic step toward boosting the quality of higher education outcomes and aligning them with the national economy’s needs. He noted that the partnership with the Emirates Group provides students with integrated educational opportunities that combine academic achievement with practical experience, strengthening their readiness for the job market after graduation.
As part of this partnership, Emirati students will be employed by the Emirates Group from the start of their scholarship until the end of their educational journey. Upon graduation, they will assume advanced specialised roles within the company that align with their academic qualifications and practical experience.
This initiative aims to enable national talent to focus on both academic achievement and professional excellence, ensuring job stability and sustainable career development. The collaboration will help meet the needs of key economic sectors by building a qualified workforce in future-oriented fields, serving as a model of cooperation between MoHESR and national companies.
MoHESR will allocate a number of scholarships annually for new and continuing Emirati students, coordinating with the Emirates Group to identify study destinations, select universities and academic majors, and set student admission criteria. The Ministry will manage the application process and oversee students’ transition to employment within the Group’s business units.
The Emirates Group will offer support and career guidance to students, providing systematic professional and practical training throughout their studies. The company will offer full-time or part-time employment to graduates, based on operational needs, and monitor students’ progress to ensure their educational journey aligns with job market demands.
This agreement underscores the importance of investing in national talent and establishing sustainable academic and career pathways that respond to global changes, reinforcing the UAE’s position in developing human capital and building a knowledge-based economy.