UAE backs next-gen leaders with major scholarship programme

The Zayed Education Foundation has launched Ruwwad Zayed, a new scholarship and leadership development programme that will award 50 fully funded graduate scholarships to exceptional young Emiratis and Arab residents in its first year. The programme, announced by Abu Dhabi Media Office and detailed by ARN News, pairs the scholarships with a structured leadership track, mentorship, research placements and a tailored leadership curriculum, and is delivered in partnership with 10 major universities across the UAE and Abu Dhabi’s IIT Delhi campus. Applications are open until May 29, 2026, although some programmes may close earlier depending on university deadlines.

"The initiative aims to equip young people with the grounding and resilience to lead with confidence while staying connected to their identity," said Her Highness Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairperson of the Zayed Education Foundation. The programme is inspired by the values of the late Sheikh Zayed and supports the Foundation’s mission to empower 100,000 young leaders by 2035.

Programme details and partners

In its inaugural phase Ruwwad Zayed will support students pursuing a master’s degree in disciplines aligned with national priorities, with plans to expand to additional academic levels in future rounds. Scholars will study at leading institutions in the UAE and benefit from a leadership network created as part of the scheme. The Foundation has named the partner institutions involved in delivering the programme:

• Abu Dhabi University
• American University of Sharjah
• Khalifa University
• Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence
• NYU Abu Dhabi
• Sorbonne Abu Dhabi
• UAE University
• University of Sharjah
• Zayed University
• IIT Delhi – Abu Dhabi

Beyond tuition, the Ruwwad Zayed experience will include mentorship opportunities, placements in research projects, and a tailored leadership curriculum designed to prepare candidates to tackle complex global and community challenges. The programme also establishes a newly formed leadership network intended to sustain connections among scholars, mentors and academic partners throughout and after their studies.

Outlook and application information

The Zayed Education Foundation framed the initiative as part of a broader commitment to human capital development in the UAE. With a stated target to empower 100,000 young leaders by 2035, the Foundation positions the Ruwwad Zayed programme as a step toward building a pipeline of leaders with technical skills, research experience and leadership training rooted in national identity.

Prospective applicants should note the May 29, 2026 closing date for applications, while specific master's programmes may set earlier deadlines according to university schedules. The Foundation has indicated the scheme will expand in future cycles to include additional academic levels, potentially widening the pool of beneficiaries beyond the initial cohort of 50 fully funded graduate scholars.