Brief
Zayed Education Foundation signs 14 university deals to train 100,000 leaders by 2035
Fourteen agreements with local and international universities aim to expand scholarships, leadership training and research for Emirati and Arab students.
By Felo News Desk · Published
The Zayed Education Foundation announced 14 new agreements with universities and organisations at its “Partnerships for the Future” event held at the Zayed National Museum on 8 October 2026.
What happened
The agreements involve the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, 12 UAE universities and the Great Arab Minds initiative. They will broaden access to the foundation’s Ruwwad Zayed scholarship, which fully funds master’s degrees for high‑achieving Emiratis and Arab residents, and adds leadership training and research opportunities.
What the reports add
The participating institutions include Khalifa University, UAE University, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi University, NYU Abu Dhabi, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence and the University of Sharjah, among others. The foundation said the deals will also enable joint research projects and knowledge exchange to address national and regional challenges.
What was said
Dr Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, told Gulf News that closer university‑industry cooperation is needed as artificial intelligence reshapes job markets. “This will support the development of future‑ready skills and provide students with clearer choices and pathways that connect education with professional opportunities,” he said. Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, Cultural Adviser to the UAE President and Chancellor of UAE University, highlighted Sheikh Zayed’s legacy of investing in education.
How it came about
The foundation’s broader goal of developing future leaders through education, research and practical opportunities builds on earlier Felo coverage of UAE education initiatives, including the recent push for universal 12‑year schooling for girls and the Ankabut‑PowerSchool digital partnership.
Key facts
- The Zayed Education Foundation signed 14 agreements with universities and organisations. (gulfnews.com)
- The agreements aim to support 100,000 young leaders by 2035 through scholarships and leadership training. (gulfnews.com)
- Participating universities include Khalifa University, UAE University, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi University, NYU Abu Dhabi, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence and University of Sharjah. (gulfnews.com)
- Dr Abdulrahman Al Awar said the partnerships will help develop future‑ready skills as AI changes the job market. (gulfnews.com)
- Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh referenced Sheikh Zayed’s belief in education during the event. (gulfnews.com)
Sources
- [1] gulfnews.com — originally reported as “UAE's Zayed Education Foundation to Empower 100,000 Young Leaders by 2035”
