UAE Scholars Abroad: Inspiring Future Students
<p><strong>UAE Ministry Hosts 2025 Scholarship Students Forum at MBRL, Dubai</strong></p><p>The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research held the <strong>New Scholarship Students Forum 2025</strong> on Thursday at the <strong>Mohammed Bin Rashid Library (MBRL), Dubai</strong>, welcoming students and their families for an engaging orientation. The forum highlighted <strong>academic planning, national values, and comprehensive support services</strong> available to Emirati scholars studying abroad.</p><p>Workshops covered key topics such as <strong>activating scholarships, maintaining communication with the Ministry and cultural attachés, student rights and responsibilities, cultural adaptation, safety, and academic/career planning</strong>. Dedicated sessions for parents reinforced their role as crucial supporters of students’ academic and emotional well-being. Former scholars also shared success stories, while students and families exchanged contact details to form a supportive network.</p><h3>Only 10% of Applicants Selected</h3><p>Dr. <strong>Mohammed Al Mualla</strong>, Undersecretary of the Ministry, revealed that nearly <strong>3,000 scholarship applications</strong> are received annually, but only <strong>10%</strong> are approved — those with <strong>exceptional merit and admission to top-ranked universities</strong>. Currently, <strong>592 Emirati students</strong> are enrolled across <strong>22 countries and 115 leading institutions</strong>. In 2024–2025 alone, <strong>187 students graduated</strong> from the programme.</p><p>Dr. Al Mualla encouraged students to balance <strong>academics, personal growth, and career planning</strong>, stressing that the programme embodies the UAE’s commitment to <strong>empowering youth with world-class education, global exposure, and strong national identity</strong>. He urged: <i>“Take pride in your Emirati identity, uphold national values and religious ethics, and represent your country with honor wherever you go.”</i></p><h3>Voices of the Scholars</h3><p>The forum featured personal stories from current and future scholars. <strong>Khadijah Ali</strong>, 20, in her third year of psychology at <strong>McMaster University, Canada</strong>, recalled her initial fears but credited her family’s support. She shared how living independently and even launching a <strong>Mukhawar dress business</strong> abroad enriched her journey. Her advice: <i>“Explore beyond academics — those experiences will enrich your student life.”</i></p><p><strong>Abdullah Nabil Alnaqbi</strong>, 18, preparing to study <strong>actuarial science at the University of Melbourne</strong>, said his cousin’s success inspired him to pursue studies in Australia. <i>“This is a chance to grow, rely on myself, and gain life experience,”</i> he noted. His mother, a UAE University alumna, added: <i>“The Ministry’s preparation sessions gave me peace of mind.”</i></p><p>Ahead of the event, cultural attachés across host countries held <strong>virtual sessions</strong> to guide students and families on digital tools and support systems, ensuring a smooth transition. The day concluded with heartfelt moments as students captured memories with their families and wrote postcards with personal messages to carry into their new chapter abroad.</p>