Abu Dhabi launches program to prepare 300 scholars for overseas studies

The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has launched the “Scholarship Students Preparation Program” as part of its efforts to prepare 300 students enrolled in its scholarship programs for their upcoming academic journeys abroad.

The program, launched in collaboration with 25 national and international strategic partners, is designed to equip students with the essential skills, knowledge, and perspectives they need to proudly represent the UAE and enhance their readiness for academic success and global citizenship.

Running for one week, the comprehensive program covers academic readiness, cultural adaptation, emotional resilience, and essential life skills. Its sessions explore a wide range of topics, including leadership development, financial literacy, personal safety in host countries, and mental health strategies—empowering students to navigate their new environments with confidence and independence.

A distinguished lineup of local and global partners is contributing to the program’s delivery. These include the Ministry of Defense, Government Empowerment Department, Abu Dhabi Police, Sandooq Al Watan, the National Library and Archives, the National Rehabilitation Center, the Family Care Authority, the Abu Dhabi Public Health Center, Ma’an (Authority of Social Contribution), the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, 42 Abu Dhabi, the International Centre for Culinary Arts, Eticett Training, and the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, alongside nine foreign embassies sharing their expertise and specialized programs.

The program is built around 11 core pillars, developed based on feedback from students, parents, and partners from various sectors. These pillars aim to provide holistic support that goes beyond traditional academic preparation. They include strengthening national identity, preserving Emirati heritage and culture, educating students on how to represent the UAE with integrity and responsibility, and familiarizing them with international mobility and immigration laws to ensure they understand their rights and responsibilities while living and studying abroad.

The program also addresses health and safety protocols, including disease prevention and personal wellness, while introducing students to professional etiquette and diplomatic protocols to help them adapt to diverse social and professional environments.

Together, these pillars aim to ensure that students are fully prepared to integrate into host communities confidently, and excel both academically and personally. In addition to theoretical learning, the program includes practical workshops such as interactive simulations, and concludes with a global culinary course at the International Centre for Culinary Arts in Abu Dhabi. This equips students with essential cooking and nutrition knowledge to support independent and confident living abroad.

To date, ADEK has awarded 2,190 scholarships, enabling students to pursue higher education in over 20 countries worldwide. These figures reflect the UAE’s deep commitment to nurturing future generations of global citizens by empowering them to achieve academic excellence and represent the nation’s core values abroad with pride.

The Abu Dhabi Scholarships Program by ADEK continues to reinforce the emirate’s position as a hub of knowledge, innovation, and economic growth by equipping students with the skills needed to meet labor market demands.

Since its launch in 2015, the program has played a vital role in preparing Emirati students with the experience and skills required to succeed in leading industries. It has supported more than 2,000 Emirati students, over 95% of whom have taken on key roles across Abu Dhabi’s innovation-driven sectors, further strengthening the emirate’s status as a global center for sustainable development.

The program offers students a tailored academic journey under the guidance of specialized advisors, along with career counseling and post-graduation employment support. Its holistic approach ensures students are well-prepared to contribute to the success of Abu Dhabi’s priority sectors.

Offering over 100 academic specializations

ADEK remains committed to evolving the program to meet the dynamic needs of the job market. The program currently offers more than 100 academic specializations, including elite and creative fields such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, renewable energy and clean technology, healthcare and biotechnology, financial technology and digital banking, sustainable agriculture and food technology, and creative innovation in arts and sports—including animation, culinary arts, and sports training.

The program has also expanded to include global institutions and disciplines from countries such as China, Italy, Russia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam.

In addition, the Abu Dhabi Scholarships Program now offers a new master’s track in social disciplines through leading universities such as Columbia University (USA), the University of Toronto (Canada), and the University of Melbourne (Australia). Specializations include clinical psychology, counseling psychology, family therapy, psychotherapy, and social work—designed to prepare qualified professionals to address the growing social needs of students and families.

Through this initiative, ADEK has successfully built a robust network of over 200 industry partners, reinforcing its commitment to developing students’ competencies to align with the needs of leading institutions and companies across various sectors.