Abu Dhabi sets aside Dh200m for scholarships

There could be no better proof of Abu Dhabi's commitment to creating careers for young Emiratis than its approval of a Dh197 million budget for scholarships this year.

The Executive Council announced its four-year plan to boost scholarships in June, and Adec was tasked with assessing applications, awarding scholarships, regulating study leave, compensation and identifying countries and universities to work with.

At the same time, Abu Dhabi Government signed off on plans to build five technical schools in the capital, Al Ain, Al Mafraa and Ajman. Five new secondary technical schools will join the four existing facilities, allowing for the enrolment of thousands of Emirati high-school pupils.

The schools, managed by Abu Dhabi Vocational Education and Training Institute, will help to prepare the national workforce to meet the demands of the labour market and boost enrolment in mechanical and electronic engineering, aircraft overhaul, supply chain management and logistics courses.

Graduates will receive a school certificate and an internationally recognised vocational qualification.

* The National staff