UAE Scholars Abroad: Inspiring Future Students
UAE Ministry Hosts 2025 Scholarship Students Forum at MBRL, Dubai
The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research held the New Scholarship Students Forum 2025 on Thursday at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library (MBRL), Dubai, welcoming students and their families for an engaging orientation. The forum highlighted academic planning, national values, and comprehensive support services available to Emirati scholars studying abroad.
Workshops covered key topics such as activating scholarships, maintaining communication with the Ministry and cultural attachĂ©s, student rights and responsibilities, cultural adaptation, safety, and academic/career planning. Dedicated sessions for parents reinforced their role as crucial supporters of studentsâ academic and emotional well-being. Former scholars also shared success stories, while students and families exchanged contact details to form a supportive network.
Only 10% of Applicants Selected
Dr. Mohammed Al Mualla, Undersecretary of the Ministry, revealed that nearly 3,000 scholarship applications are received annually, but only 10% are approved â those with exceptional merit and admission to top-ranked universities. Currently, 592 Emirati students are enrolled across 22 countries and 115 leading institutions. In 2024â2025 alone, 187 students graduated from the programme.
Dr. Al Mualla encouraged students to balance academics, personal growth, and career planning, stressing that the programme embodies the UAEâs commitment to empowering youth with world-class education, global exposure, and strong national identity. He urged: âTake pride in your Emirati identity, uphold national values and religious ethics, and represent your country with honor wherever you go.â
Voices of the Scholars
The forum featured personal stories from current and future scholars. Khadijah Ali, 20, in her third year of psychology at McMaster University, Canada, recalled her initial fears but credited her familyâs support. She shared how living independently and even launching a Mukhawar dress business abroad enriched her journey. Her advice: âExplore beyond academics â those experiences will enrich your student life.â
Abdullah Nabil Alnaqbi, 18, preparing to study actuarial science at the University of Melbourne, said his cousinâs success inspired him to pursue studies in Australia. âThis is a chance to grow, rely on myself, and gain life experience,â he noted. His mother, a UAE University alumna, added: âThe Ministryâs preparation sessions gave me peace of mind.â
Ahead of the event, cultural attachés across host countries held virtual sessions to guide students and families on digital tools and support systems, ensuring a smooth transition. The day concluded with heartfelt moments as students captured memories with their families and wrote postcards with personal messages to carry into their new chapter abroad.
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