Emirati students succeeding all around the world

Abu Dhabi - Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed praised the efforts made by the students who may have often faced difficulties studying abroad, in order to be where they are at today.

By Jasmine Al Kuttab

Published: Tue 12 Jan 2016, 2:57 PM

Last updated: Tue 12 Jan 2016, 5:03 PM

Over 100 Emirati students from the Capital were recently honoured for their outstanding efforts and achievements in their international university studies, under His Highness the President Scholarship Programme. The 139 young men and women of the UAE will now be able to join some of the highest institutions and governmental agencies in the nation.
The ceremony, which took place in Emirates Palace, saw UAE leaders and senior officials take part in honouring the excellent achievers. The students were also congratulated by Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Presidential Affairs, Deputy Chairman of Abu Dhabi Education Council.
Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed praised the efforts made by the students who may have often faced difficulties studying abroad, in order to be where they are at today. He also praised their commitment and efforts to join the labour market, in both the public and private sectors, allowing the UAE to further grow and succeed.
He stressed that the leadership of the state encourages students to continue their education and study disciplines that are compatible with their interests, suggesting that they need to develop in various fields. The students graduated from various backgrounds, including engineering, science, business and medicine.
Those who graduated with a master's and doctorate degrees were especially commended. He highlighted that such students add a new academic and scientific expertise to the accumulation of knowledge that the UAE seeks to achieve.
The honorees are now able to join some of UAE's most important institutions, such as the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Crown Prince's Court, the General Secretariat of the Executive Council, Health Authority Abu Dhabi, Mubadala, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and ADNOC.
Faisal Albreiki, one of the Emirati students honoured at the ceremony, told Khaleej Times that having received a scholarship, which falls under the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, certainly feels like a great honour.
The 24 year old, who graduated in Mechanical Engineering from Pennsylvania State University, pointed out that endless doors of opportunities could open to those who work hard and are determined to succeed.
"Having to study abroad has opened many doors for us, as Emiratis, to contribute to our home country, and to help in any way we can," he added.
Albreiki, who is now already working in the oil and gas industry in the UAE, highlighted on the notion that it is not always just about academic education, but it's also about what students learn from outside the class.
"Studying overseas allowed us to meet people from all around the world, with various backgrounds and different walks of life," he said, adding that, "all this, contributes to one's learning ability, because it allowed us to gain a greater source of knowledge from those around us."
His advice for the next generation of scholarship students is to take on different challenges and activities outside his or her chosen field.
"It's all about gaining experience, so whether you enjoy humanitarian work or entrepreneurial activities, take that challenge and try to succeed."
"We can use the knowledge that we gain internationally and help improve the economy and industry here," he added.
jasmine@khaleejtimes.com