UAE: Up to Dh40,000 funding for student-led research projects in new initiative
UAE announced a new joint research programme that will provide funding of up to Dh40,000 for ten student-led research teams, consisting of three to five students each.
The initiative will span 7 to 8 months, and aims to encourage innovation and scientific inquiry among the youth. The announcement was made during the World Government Summit, which kicked off on February 10.
The annual programme, announced in collaboration with UAE University and the Arab Youth Centre, will enable students to prepare scientific publications and develop practical solutions to real-world challenges.
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Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to showcase their findings at international conferences, thus enhancing their global engagement and professional networks.
"The future of our nation relies on the creativity and intellect of our youth," said Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, the Cultural Advisor to the President of the UAE and Chancellor of UAE University. "By investing in their projects, we are not just funding research; we are nurturing the leaders of tomorrow."
Nusseibeh added: "This initiative is designed to create a scientific environment that inspires young people to become change-makers. We eagerly anticipate the contributions that our Arab youth will make towards building more resilient and developed societies."
The programme is conducted under the guidance of Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes' Affairs and President of the Arab Youth Centre.
The summit also featured insights from Dr Sultan Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, who highlighted the significance of community values in unlocking youth potential.
"Our society is built on compassion and love, and it is imperative that we harness the strength of our Arab youth," he stated. "While some may argue that technology threatens traditional jobs, I believe it actually opens new doors for employment and innovation."
Dr Al Neyadi stressed the need for Arab youth to engage in meaningful discussions about their identity and aspirations. "Today, we reaffirm our belief that our youth possess the intrinsic values and skills necessary to compete on a global scale," he asserted.
"Our primary goal is to cultivate a national product that can compete internationally," Salama Al Awadhi, Assistant Under-Secretary for Industrial Development at the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, said. "In 2021, we discovered that while there were approximately half a million workers in the industrial sector, the number of Emiratis was alarmingly low."
Al Awadhi shared insights on the "Manufacturers Initiative," launched in 2022, aimed at empowering Emirati youth to thrive in the industrial sector amid technological advancements. "We believe technology should complement human effort, not replace it," she noted. "Our initiative has already created over 500 job opportunities for Emirati youth in this sector."
With ambitious goals set for 2025, Al Awadhi said the industrial sector's contribution to the UAE's GDP exceeded Dh210 billion in 2024, a significant increase from Dh133 billion in 2020. "None of this progress would be possible without strong leadership and a clear vision," she concluded, encouraging parents to support their children in pursuing careers in manufacturing.
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