Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, has launched the Mohammed bin Rashid Government Scholarships. This initiative was inaugurated in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence. The scholarships aim to prepare specialized government leaders aligned with national priorities in economic, technological, and policymaking domains.
According to Emirates News Agency, Sheikh Mohammed met with the first cohort of the scholarship program, comprised of a select group of Emirati talents from government entities. He emphasized the importance of governments being flexible, continuously learning, and capable of transforming knowledge into actionable decisions. Sheikh Mohammed stated, "Development breakthroughs are driven by governments that are flexible, continuously learning, and capable of understanding the world and turning knowledge into decisions - and decisions into results." He further noted that continuous learning translates into continuous progress, with the ultimate goal of converting university-acquired knowledge into tangible societal benefits.
The scholarships offer advanced academic programs designed to build specialized capabilities in key areas, including a Master's in International Business and Policy, a Master's in Applied Artificial Intelligence, a Master's in Economics, and the Oxford Executive Diploma in Artificial Intelligence for Business. Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, highlighted that the launch of the first cohort represents a practical shift in government talent development, moving from broad training to specialized programs that align directly with government needs. Al Gergawi added that these programs are crafted to equip participants with skills to analyze change, connect knowledge with application, and translate this into more effective government decisions.
The programs are delivered in collaboration with leading global institutions, such as Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, New York University Abu Dhabi, Georgetown University, and University of Oxford. The academic content focuses on strengthening analytical capabilities, understanding global economic shifts, and applying artificial intelligence in government decision-making. The initiative aims to develop deep expertise in economic policy and AI, enabling participants to contribute to economic growth, digital transformation, and evidence-based policymaking.
This initiative aligns with a broader government strategy to align education with real government needs, invest in national talent, and create a model linking advanced knowledge with practical application. The Mohammed bin Rashid Government Scholarships represent a significant shift in talent development, positioning education as a tool to enhance government performance and strengthen the UAE's long-term competitiveness.