50 Young Emiratis Awarded Al Nokhba Scholarship For Advanced Technology
Published September 05, 2010
Abu Dhabi, 4 September 2010: Fifty Elite Emirati students were honored on Thursday with the Al Nokhba Scholarship for Advanced Technology for 2010. This year 36 male students and 14 female students met the high standard required for entry into the program that will provide them with world-class learning opportunities in advanced technology.
Meaning ‘the elite’ in Arabic, the Al Nokhba class of 2010 will see 46 students complete undergraduate studies and four complete masters-level qualifications in a range of science and engineering subjects including chemical, mechanical and electrical engineering, electromechanical computer engineering, physics and materials sciences. The Scholars will study at top local and international universities.
At the induction ceremony on Thursday at the Fairmont Hotel, scholars and their families were provided with all the necessary orientation materials and guidance to ensure that they are fully prepared as they begin their studies both locally in the UAE and internationally. Representatives from Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) and Advanced Technology Investment Company (ATIC), both program partners, were on-hand to provide support and answer questions.
In addition to receiving full support for completion of their studies, the Al Nokhba Scholars will also benefit from the opportunity of participating in a hands-on internship at GLOBALFOUNDRIES, the ATIC-owned semiconductor manufacturing giant, ensuring that they graduate with a high-level of understanding about the semiconductor and advanced technologies industry. Successful graduates will also be eligible for guaranteed employment with GLOBALFOUNDRIES, or at other advanced technology companies nominated by ATIC.
Mona Majed Al Mansouri, ADEC’s Division Manager of Guidance and Scholarships, praised the first group of scholars for the honor of being accepted to the inaugural class of the Al Nokhba Scholarship Program. “The students selected have all demonstrated strong academic performance, leadership skills, and a passion for driving forward innovation in the fields of science and technology in the Emirate,” she said.
“This program is an important initiative that supports ADEC’s higher education agenda by providing our students with access to world-class educational institutions and by developing the human capital expertise required to make Abu Dhabi a global technology leader.”
Khaled Al Shamlan, Project Manager in the Abu Dhabi Ecosystem Development Team at ATIC, said: “I would like to congratulate the Al Nokhba scholars for 2010. They are truly pioneers in the development of an advanced technology cluster in Abu Dhabi, and will play an important role in fulfilling the 2030 economic vision. Ensuring that we have a pool of elite Emirati talent equipped with world-class technical skills and knowledge will assist us in the successfully driving forward the development of this strategically significant sector.”
The Al Nokhba program builds on ATIC’s central aim of promoting Abu Dhabi’s strategic development of the advanced technology sector, in particular the semiconductor industry, by supporting the development of the human capital that will drive the future of the industry and provide UAE nationals with world-class learning opportunities.
In a testament to the growing interest in advanced technologies in the UAE, the program received in excess of 500 digital applications. Applicants went through a rigorous process of short-listing, including ability testing, experimental exercises and panel interviews, and finally, consideration of high school academic achievement. All Al Nokhba scholars will receive financial support for tuition at either a local or leading international institution, health insurance and a books allowance. In addition, scholars will receive education and travel support for families and sponsorship for 90 days for a family member of female scholars.