15 Emiratis poised to play key roles in future-growth sectors

The National Experts Programme (NEP) has introduced its cohort of 15 Emirati specialists and mentors, including top ministers and industry leaders, taking part in the third edition.

Developed under the direction of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the programme is a launch pad for Emirati specialists who strive to play a transformative role in key future-growth sectors aligned with the strategic vision of the UAE.

The rigorous eight months programme combines academics, immersive work experience, and one-on-one mentoring by sector leaders to foster knowledge exchange and innovative thinking. It focuses on three strategic clusters: economic growth, social development, and sustainability and infrastructure.

“The National Experts Programme, created to contribute to the UAE’s long-term strategic economic development, will be an essential platform to recognise promising young leaders and nurture the next generation of Emirati talent,” Ahmed Talib Al Shamsi, director of the programme, said.

“The third edition’s participants were selected from nearly 900 applicants through a competitive selection process,” Al Shami added.

With the UAE hosting the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) this year, this edition places added emphasis on sustainability. The learning and development programme supports the UAE’s strategic vision and fosters the development of sector leaders by cultivating specialised expertise and leadership skills in outstanding UAE-based professionals and equipping them to make a transformative impact on key social and economic sectors.

The third edition of the programme started in November and will conclude in June. The cohort and mentors, introduced publicly, for the first time includes:

1. Economic growth

Economic development: Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy (mentor); Mohamed Tarmoom, Senior Associate, UAE Investments at Mubadala Investment Company (participant).

Media and creative economy: Mona Al Marri, Director General of the Government of Dubai Media Office (mentor); Waheeda Alhadhrami, Director of National Cultural and Creative Industries Promotion Department at the Ministry of Culture and Youth (participant).

Space: Salem Humaid Al Marri, Director General at Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (mentor); Abdulla Alshehhi, Head of Strategic Research at the UAE Space Agency (participant).

Technology and Innovation: Peng Xiao, Group CEO, G42 (mentor); Dr Abdulla Al Shimmari, CEO, HCMS.ai (participant).

Advanced sciences and research: Professor Eric Xing, President at Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (mentor); Dr Ameena Al-Sumaiti, Associate Professor at Khalifa University (participant).

Tourism and hospitality: Haitham Mattar, Managing Director of India, Middle East and Africa at IHG Hotels and Resorts (mentor); Aisha Al Matrooshi, Tourism Sector Industry Development Section Head, Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (participant).

2. Social development

Education: Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Education (mentor); Hareth Alhashmi, Director of Strategy Success at the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (participant)

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