Ministry of Higher Education Partners with ENOC Group to Transform Scholarship Pathways into Career Opportunities
A landmark agreement between the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and ENOC Group integrates overseas scholarships with structured career development, ensuring Emirati graduates seamlessly transition into meaningful employment within the energy sector.
The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has entered into a strategic partnership with ENOC Group, establishing a comprehensive framework that bridges academic excellence with career fulfilment for Emirati scholars. The cooperation agreement, signed by Dr. Ahmed Sultan Al Shuaibi, Undersecretary of the Ministry, and Hussain Sultan Lootah, Group Chief Executive Officer of ENOC, represents a transformative approach to talent development aligned with national economic priorities.
The initiative connects overseas scholarship opportunities with structured training, professional development and post-graduation employment pathways. During its inaugural year, the partnership will support both new scholarship recipients and students already engaged in studies abroad through the Ministry’s established scholarship programme.
Aligning Education with National Priorities
The Ministry and ENOC will collaboratively identify countries, universities and academic disciplines that correspond with the UAE’s strategic requirements and the Group’s future workforce needs. Together, they will establish rigorous criteria for assessing and selecting participating students, ensuring candidates possess both academic merit and suitability for the energy sector.
The Ministry will oversee the application process, coordinate final scholarship decisions with ENOC, manage tuition fees in accordance with its policies and maintain oversight of academic progress throughout each student’s tenure abroad. This structured administrative framework ensures accountability and quality assurance.
ENOC will contribute by evaluating candidates and designing individualised career development pathways. Through comprehensive career guidance, mentoring, practical training and work-based learning opportunities, scholarship recipients will gain valuable sector-specific experience and deeper insight into potential roles within the Group, whilst remaining engaged with their employer throughout their academic journey.
Building Bridges Between Study and Employment
Dr. Al Shuaibi emphasised that such collaborations cultivate qualified national talent in priority disciplines, achieving essential alignment between higher education outcomes and labour market requirements. This partnership exemplifies the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring graduates possess skills directly responsive to the nation’s evolving economic landscape.
Hussain Sultan Lootah noted that the collaboration enables students to pursue disciplines addressing the UAE’s future challenges whilst gaining practical exposure to the energy sector. This integrated approach equips participants with essential skills, tangible experience and professional confidence to transition effectively from higher education into rewarding careers.
Upon successful graduation and qualification, participating students may receive employment offers from ENOC. The Group will support new team members through comprehensive onboarding, continuous training and professional development programmes, facilitating a smooth transition into their professional roles.
The partnership was unveiled during ENOC’s participation in Ru’ya Careers UAE 2026, where the Group showcased diverse career opportunities spanning its operations in Jebel Ali, Sharjah and Fujairah, as well as its retail network throughout the Emirates. Exhibition visitors discovered roles across technical and professional disciplines, including cybersecurity, refinery engineering, laboratory operations, and chemistry and analytical sciences.
Source: WAM