A New Chapter of Academic Excellence
NYU Abu Dhabi has once again opened its doors to some of the brightest young minds in the UAE with the announcement of the 2025-26 class of the Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Scholars Program (SMSP). The prestigious initiative, named after His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, continues to represent the nation’s strong commitment to cultivating leadership, academic excellence, and civic engagement among Emirati youth.
This year’s cohort brings together exceptional students from across the country, selected for their intellectual ability, dedication to service, and drive to make a positive impact on the world. The program stands as a bridge between academic achievement and national development, inspiring students to think globally while remaining rooted in UAE’s values and culture.
Cultivating Tomorrow’s Leaders
Since its establishment, the Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Scholars Program has nurtured a generation of thinkers, innovators, and leaders ready to contribute to the UAE’s future. The 2025-26 class will join an elite group of scholars who have benefited from a rich academic experience combining advanced leadership training, critical thinking development, and global exposure.
Under the guidance of NYU Abu Dhabi’s faculty and international experts, the scholars will participate in seminars, leadership workshops, and study trips that broaden their perspectives on governance, global affairs, and cultural diplomacy. The curriculum encourages deep inquiry and independent thought, pushing students to challenge ideas and explore solutions for real-world challenges.
What sets the program apart is its emphasis on values—leadership rooted in empathy, integrity, and service to community. The scholars are not just high achievers academically; they are young Emiratis dedicated to building a better, more inclusive society.
Rigorous Selection Reflecting the Nation’s Vision
The selection process for the Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Scholars Program is known for its rigor and transparency. Students undergo a multi-stage evaluation that includes academic performance, written essays, interviews, and leadership potential assessments. This ensures that each scholar represents the qualities that the program upholds—academic excellence, innovation, and a strong sense of responsibility toward the UAE’s future.
The chosen scholars come from leading UAE institutions such as Zayed University, United Arab Emirates University, and the Higher Colleges of Technology. Each brings a unique background, academic interest, and vision for how they can contribute to their nation’s development. This diversity is one of the program’s greatest strengths, fostering collaboration among students from various disciplines and regions of the country.
Empowering Through Global Exposure and Innovation
One of the hallmarks of the Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Scholars Program is its global perspective. Scholars have opportunities to engage with international experts, participate in cross-cultural exchanges, and visit institutions abroad to observe governance, education, and innovation systems in action.
This global engagement helps students understand complex global dynamics while encouraging them to bring back innovative ideas that can be adapted to the UAE context. NYU Abu Dhabi, with its strong international network, plays a vital role in connecting scholars to leading global thinkers and providing them with an education that transcends borders.
In addition, the program emphasizes creative problem-solving and encourages scholars to undertake independent research or community-based projects. Many past participants have gone on to lead impactful initiatives in sustainability, entrepreneurship, and education—further proving the program’s transformative effect on young Emirati minds.
A Legacy of Visionary Leadership
The Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Scholars Program reflects the UAE’s long-standing commitment to empowering its youth. It is inspired by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s vision of a nation where young people are not only equipped with knowledge but also imbued with a sense of purpose and responsibility.
Over the years, the program has built a reputation for excellence, producing graduates who now serve in government, academia, and the private sector. Many alumni describe their experience as life-changing—a time that helped them discover their strengths, refine their goals, and understand the importance of leading with compassion and clarity.
As the 2025-26 class embarks on their journey, they carry forward a proud legacy of leadership and learning. Their path is guided by the same principles that have defined the program since its inception—intellectual curiosity, ethical leadership, and a drive to serve the community.
Transformative Learning Beyond the Classroom
While the Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Scholars Program is academically rigorous, it also goes far beyond textbooks and lectures. Scholars are encouraged to participate in cultural and social activities that strengthen their understanding of the UAE’s heritage while promoting global awareness.
Workshops on public speaking, diplomacy, ethics, and innovation help build essential soft skills that prepare scholars for leadership roles in a rapidly changing world. In addition, mentorship from NYU Abu Dhabi faculty provides personalized guidance, helping students align their ambitions with the needs of the nation.
The experience often proves to be transformative, fostering not only academic and professional growth but also deep personal development. Many scholars return with a renewed sense of purpose and a stronger belief in their ability to create meaningful change.
Strengthening the UAE’s Knowledge Economy
The Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Scholars Program is aligned with the UAE’s national vision to build a diversified, knowledge-based economy. By investing in education and leadership development, the nation ensures that its brightest minds are prepared to drive innovation, policy, and progress in every sector.
Programs like SMSP help bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application. Through exposure to contemporary challenges—such as sustainability, technological innovation, and social equity—scholars are encouraged to think critically about the UAE’s role in the global landscape.
As these young leaders step into positions of influence, they bring with them the values of collaboration, innovation, and resilience that define the UAE’s identity on the world stage.
Voices of Inspiration: The Scholars’ Perspective
For many of the newly selected scholars, being part of the Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Scholars Program is both an honor and a responsibility. It represents years of hard work and the chance to make a tangible impact. Scholars often speak about the program as a life-defining experience that encourages them to dream big and act boldly.
Their stories reflect the broader vision of the UAE—where education is not just about knowledge, but about empowerment, creativity, and contribution. Each participant’s journey adds to the growing legacy of a program that continues to inspire excellence year after year.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Leadership in the UAE
As NYU Abu Dhabi welcomes the 2025-26 class, the excitement is palpable. The university’s commitment to nurturing global citizens who embody the spirit of leadership and service remains unwavering. With each new class, the Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Scholars Program strengthens the foundation of the UAE’s future—one built on intellect, innovation, and integrity.
In a rapidly evolving world, the program stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity. It prepares young Emiratis to take on challenges with confidence, to lead with compassion, and to think beyond borders. The scholars’ journey, supported by NYU Abu Dhabi and inspired by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s vision, will undoubtedly continue to shape the UAE’s future for generations to come.
Conclusion: A Celebration of Potential and Promise
The 2025-26 class of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Scholars symbolizes more than academic success—it represents the UAE’s belief in the transformative power of education and leadership. These scholars are stepping into a world where their ideas, values, and actions can influence not only their nation but also the global community.
NYU Abu Dhabi’s ongoing partnership with the program showcases the university’s dedication to excellence and its role as a catalyst for positive change. As these young leaders begin their journey, they carry the hopes of a nation and the vision of a future defined by innovation, inclusivity, and purpose.
The Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Scholars Program continues to stand as a proud testament to what the UAE values most—its people, its potential, and its unwavering pursuit of progress.
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