The UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) has partnered with Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) to enhance the scholarship program for Emirati students, aligning it with national priorities. This collaboration aims to equip students with cutting-edge knowledge and skills, ensuring they meet labour market requirements and excel in their careers after graduation.
Key areas of collaboration
Key areas of collaboration under the agreement include: delivering high-quality education to Emirati students in vital sectors; ensuring a seamless transition from education to employment; aligning workforce needs with the scholarship program; and strengthening partnerships between the government, employers, and higher education institutions to enhance students’ job prospects.
According to a statement, the agreement was signed by His Excellency Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, UAE minister of Human Resources and Emiratization and acting minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), at DEWA’s headquarters in Dubai, in the presence of senior officials from both organizations.
Preparing Emirati youth for global markets
His Excellency Dr. Abdulrahman Abdulmannan Al Awar said: “This agreement marks a significant step in preparing Emirati youth for global labour market shifts by enabling advanced education at top international universities, aligned with national business needs. Our partnership with DEWA will strengthen our national talent pool, enhance the UAE’s global competitiveness, and support sustainable development. At the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, we are committed to improving the scholarship program’s efficiency, focusing on strategic sectors and fostering public-private partnerships to ensure students receive quality education and are well-prepared to meet current and future workforce demands.”
Strategic development of national cadres
His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer said: “In line with the vision and directives of the wise leadership, DEWA adopts a clear strategy for the development and training of national cadres. At DEWA, we are proud to cooperate with MoHESR in this ambitious initiative, which aims to build a generation of national competencies specialised in vital fields. Under this strategic cooperation, we will provide the necessary support and guidance to our Emirati students to enable them to realise their academic and professional aspirations. We will constantly look for Emirati nationals with professional competencies in our fields of work and also work to provide the necessary practical training in line with the needs of the job market, as well as ensure the employment of scholarship students after graduation, thus consolidating the UAE’s position as a destination for excellence and innovation.”
His Excellency Al Tayer further added: “We are committed to fostering a positive learning environment, where we believe that investing in education and training is an investment in our country’s future. Through these partnerships, we will be able to equip young people with the skills and knowledge needed to meet the challenges to promote a bright future for us and the generations to come.”
Focus on national priorities
Additionally, the Cooperation Agreement aims to establish mutual collaboration to support the scholarship program. It will provide outstanding educational opportunities for Emirati students in strategic areas. These areas align with the priorities and needs of the UAE in the job market. The goal is to develop national competencies and increase competitiveness in critical sectors.
Furthermore, this agreement focuses on providing Emirati students with high-quality educational experiences in relevant areas. It aims to facilitate a smooth transition from education to employment with employers that match students’ qualifications. The agreement also addresses workforce needs through the scholarship program. Also, it seeks to strengthen cooperation between the Government, employers, and higher education institutions to enhance students’ employment opportunities.
Moreover, under the agreement, the MoHESR will allocate scholarships for Emirati students abroad, focusing on fields aligned with national priorities. DEWA will offer professional guidance, training opportunities, and ensure employment for scholarship students within the Authority or its affiliated entities, either fully or partially, upon graduation.