Abu Dhabi: The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) has entered a partnership agreement with Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC). The collaboration aims to support the National Scholarship Programme, provide high-quality educational and training opportunities for Emirati students pursuing engineering degrees in line with national priorities, and facilitate students' transition to the workforce after graduation.
According to Emirates News Agency, the agreement was signed by Ahmad Ibrahim Alsaadi, Acting Assistant Under-Secretary for the Higher Education Operations Sector and Director of the International Education Support and Scholarships Department at MoHESR, and Ahmed Jassim Al Shamsi, Executive Director of Human Capital at ENEC. Senior officials from both entities attended the signing ceremony.
This collaboration seeks to develop national talent in critical fields, including mechanical, electrical, nuclear, and chemical engineering, in line with the UAE's strategy to build human capital as per the requirements of the future labour market. Under the agreement, the Ministry will allocate a number of scholarships annually for Emirati students in coordination with ENEC. Both entities will work together to identify study destinations, align the selection criteria with the admission requirements, and manage the application process.
Ahmad Ibrahim Alsaadi expressed commitment to strengthening cooperation with national companies and key employers to align scholarships with labour market needs, aiming to enhance the sustainability of strategic national sectors. He emphasized MoHESR's dedication to expanding opportunities for students to pursue degrees at leading international universities and equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed for national development.
ENEC will provide career support and guidance to scholarship students through structured training and development programmes, ensuring they gain the skills and experience needed to integrate into the workforce. The company will also commit to employing the students after graduation in line with its recruitment procedures.
Ahmed Jassim Al Shamsi highlighted ENEC's focus on nurturing Emirati talent to drive the future of the UAE's nuclear energy sector. He stated that the partnership supports the company's efforts to attract and prepare the next generation of specialists, reflecting ENEC's pivotal role in the clean energy sector and its contribution to advancing the UAE's knowledge-based economy.
This partnership exemplifies constructive cooperation between national institutions to develop human competencies and boost the UAE's competitiveness in specialised sectors. It also reflects the importance of integrating efforts between MoHESR and labour and scholarship authorities to ensure the sustainability and efficiency of the National Scholarship Programme and maximise its contribution to achieving national priorities.