Zayed Education Foundation unveils inaugural Ruwwad scholars cohort
Fifty exceptional young leaders from across the Arab world have been selected for the flagship merit-based scholarship programme, chosen from a competitive field of over 950 applicants.
The Zayed Education Foundation has announced the selection of fifty outstanding scholars for Ruwwad Zayed, its pioneering merit-based scholarship and leadership development initiative designed to nurture high-potential Emirati and Arab youth residing in the United Arab Emirates.
The inaugural cohort, carefully selected from more than 950 applicants, will commence fully funded master’s programmes across eight distinguished universities throughout the Emirates during the 2026–27 academic year. This diverse group encompasses twelve Arab nationalities and represents the foundation of an enduring community of purpose-driven leaders committed to leveraging their expertise and values for societal advancement.
Rooted in the visionary principles of Sheikh Zayed, the Foundation recognises that sustainable progress emerges when societies prioritise investment in human capital, champion innovative thinking, and foster meaningful collaboration between communities and institutions. Ruwwad Zayed embodies this philosophy by cultivating leaders equipped to address pressing national and regional challenges whilst strengthening the resilience of their communities.
The programme offers comprehensive support extending beyond financial assistance. Scholars receive full tuition funding complemented by a monthly living stipend calibrated to individual financial circumstances. Additionally, participants benefit from a bespoke leadership development curriculum, personalised academic and wellbeing support, dedicated mentoring and career guidance, plus access to internship and professional development opportunities.
The first cohort comprises eighteen Emirati scholars alongside representatives from Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia and Yemen. Women constitute thirty-seven of the fifty selected scholars, reflecting the Foundation’s commitment to gender-balanced leadership development.
Across eight leading institutions—Abu Dhabi University, American University of Sharjah, Khalifa University, New York University Abu Dhabi, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates University, University of Sharjah and Zayed University—scholars will pursue eighteen distinct master’s programmes. Their fields of specialisation directly address contemporary priorities, encompassing artificial intelligence, data science, machine learning, digital transformation, public health, governance and public policy, law, urban planning, psychology, engineering, sociological research and the arts.
The Foundation’s comprehensive selection methodology rigorously evaluated academic achievement, scholarly motivation, personal character, leadership capacity and demonstrated commitment to applying education for community benefit. Beyond their studies, scholars will remain connected to a lifelong network comprising peers, academic institutions, mentors and strategic partners, creating sustained opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and meaningful contribution to societal development.
The initiative advances the Foundation’s ambitious objective to create opportunities for one hundred thousand emerging leaders by 2035. Applications for subsequent Ruwwad Zayed scholarship rounds will open later this year, with comprehensive details forthcoming.
Source: WAM