ABU DHABI: National Experts today announced that it has begun receiving applications for the fourth edition of the National Experts Programme (NEP). The application window will remain open until 30th April 2024.
Established in 2019, NEP serves as a launchpad for Emirati technical experts who are poised to play a transformative role in future growth sectors aligned with the UAE’s national priorities.
The fourth edition will focus on enhancing the skills and knowledge of 20 technical experts across three key clusters: Economic Growth, Social Development, and Sustainability and Infrastructure, with one applicant chosen to represent each of the sectors that are central to achieving the UAE’s strategic objectives.
Applicants to the fourth cohort must have at least 10 years of experience, including 5 years in their sector, and have contributed to strategic projects addressing national priorities. To enhance the current method of gathering and managing information, this year’s edition will incorporate artificial
intelligence (AI) into the application process to provide a more engaging and effective selection process. This will include a skills and personality analysis, an AI interview, and an overall AI-driven reporting system to streamline and enrich the participant selection process.
Set to introduce five new sectors in its fourth edition, participants in the upcoming programme will represent the fields of economic development; advanced sciences and research; technology and innovation; AI; space; media; tourism and hospitality; banking and finance; and defence as part of the Economic Growth cluster, while Social Development will include those working in culture and identity; education; health and well-being; community development and social services; government services; philanthropy; and foreign affairs. Nationals who hold roles within the sectors of environment and climate change; mobility and logistics; food and water security; and energy and renewables will join the Sustainability and Infrastructure cluster.
Ahmed Talib Al Shamsi, Director of the National Experts Programme, commented, ‘The fourth edition underscores our steadfast dedication to nurturing talent and cultivating technical expertise in sectors vital to the future growth of the UAE, aligning closely with our national priorities. Building on the success of the first three cohorts, the upcoming edition has been meticulously developed to meet the evolving needs of the UAE within a complex global context and rapidly changing technological landscape.’
‘As the UAE strengthens its position as a leading global hub for trade, tourism, and commerce, the National Experts Programme presents an unparalleled opportunity for aspiring Emiratis to not only influence our nation’s growth trajectory but also emerge as leaders in their respective domains. We are confident that this edition will empower participants with specialised expertise, enabling them to play a pivotal role in advancing the UAE’s development and shaping a brighter future for citizens and residents,”
he added.
NEP’s tailor-made programme combines mentorship by influential government and private sector leaders with the expertise of academic partners from around the world to instill five key mindsets for lifelong learning: Reflective, Analytical, Worldly, Collaborative, and Action.
Developed in partnership with local and international academic and sector leaders, the programme will enable participants to further specialise in their chosen sectors, leverage their skills and knowledge to act decisively, and help drive the UAE’s future growth.
Now a 12-month programme, comprising a nine-month academic programme and a three-month rotation module, the fourth edition will include greater options for personalising coursework, allowing participants to work alongside both their advisors and mentors to chart a unique course that aligns with their individual professional, personal, and sector-specific development needs.
The programme will also include collaborative activities and immersive experiences, offering a
combination of in-field work and classroom learning. Combining their existing sector experience with learnings from the programme curriculum, NEP is designed to hone participants’ leadership skills and expertise while contributing to sector-specific transformative projects of national impact.
To date, 61 Emiratis from a wide range of backgrounds have graduated from the three first editions of the National Experts Programme, putting the skills they acquired into practice and helping drive positive and sustainable results that serve the nation.
The programme is designed for Emirati professionals who aim to level up their ability to foster change, deepen their understanding of sector trends and practices, and contribute to the UAE’s centennial vision for economic growth.
Source: Emirates News Agency
