UAE’s Nafis programmes empower Emirati talent through scholarships, upskilling

UAE’s Nafis programmes empower Emirati talent through scholarships, upskilling

Several educational institutions, universities, and organisations are implementing scholarships and upskilling initiatives under the Nafis Programmes to support Emirati students, aiming to foster a well-rounded and sustainable professional growth path for UAE citizens within the private sector. The UAE government earlier introduced numerous initiatives to increase Emirati talent in the job market and their contribution to the wider economy. The government allocated over Dh24 billion to upskill young Emirati talent, incentivise private sector hiring of UAE nationals, with around 79,000 of them working in this sector now. Here are a few education-related programmes that have benefited the students and are ongoing. > Recently, the Gulf Medical University started a new scholarship as part of the Nafis programme that covers up to 100 per cent of college tuition, registration and other fees for all eligible Emirati students, beginning with the admissions in September 2023. These scholarships that are aimed to empower Emirati students and enhance the competitiveness of UAE's human resources in the healthcare field have received an enrolment of 121 students since its launch. As part of the UAE's 'Projects of the 50' initiative, the Nafis programme seeks to create a strong partnership between the public and private sectors, driving