NYU Abu Dhabi Announces The 2025-26 Class Of Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Scholars Programme

NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) has unveiled the 2025-26 cohort for the Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Scholars Programme (SMSP). This prestigious initiative aims to equip some of the UAE's brightest university students with the skills needed for academic and professional success. The programme includes advanced courses, leadership training, graduate school guidance, and access to a global network of faculty and peers.

The SMSP was established in 2008 and selects students from the UAE’s federal universities: United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Zayed University (ZU), and the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT). This year, 24 students were chosen from 154 applicants by a panel comprising NYUAD faculty and community leaders.

Fatma Abdulla, Senior Associate Vice Chancellor and Vice Provost at NYUAD, remarked that this year's group exemplifies academic excellence, leadership potential, and a desire to contribute to society. "Through rigorous courses, leadership workshops, and cross-cultural exchanges, they will be challenged and inspired," she said. "We look forward to supporting their growth during this journey."

The curriculum is delivered by NYUAD faculty who are influential in global discussions within their fields. Courses offered include Ideas of the Sacred; The Road to Net Zero: Global Debates and Challenges; What Makes a Leader; Public Speaking and Public Presentations; as well as Critical Thinking and Persuasive Writing.

Students also have opportunities to engage with NYUAD’s pioneering research centres and world-class facilities. This exposure allows them to delve into cutting-edge research areas such as sustainability, technology, and public policy. These experiences broaden their perspectives, foster tolerance, and strengthen their commitment to academia while making a positive societal impact.

The SMSP curriculum aligns with the UAE’s strategic priorities by preparing students to tackle global challenges like climate change, energy transition, and sustainable development. It also addresses questions of ethics, culture, and values to ensure that their leadership remains both innovative and principled.

Programme's Impact Over the Years

Since its inception, SMSP has supported 372 students. Among these alumni, 170 have pursued graduate studies worldwide. This includes 68 across NYU’s global campuses and 16 in PhD programmes. Alumni have embarked on impactful careers in academia, government, and industry, highlighting the programme’s enduring role in shaping future leaders in the UAE.

The SMSP is one of two Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Community Programs managed by NYUAD. The other is the NYUAD Summer Academy—a competitive college preparatory programme for Emirati high school students entering their eleventh year.

Commitment to Nurturing Future Leaders

H.H. Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan commented on the transformative nature of the scholars programme: "The scholars programme is a transformative platform that empowers exceptional students across the UAE to pursue their academic and professional aspirations." She emphasised that nurturing creativity, leadership, and intellectual curiosity upholds the nation’s commitment to developing future leaders.

This year's selected scholars include Abdulla Salem Mohammed Masoud Alshamsi; Fatema Alhay Ali Mohamed Almazrouei; Firaol Tesfaye Hailu; Hamad Saeed Juma Khalifa Almehairi; Hamda Naser Sulaiman Lutfi Khanji; Hassan Waheed Bakhsh Alblooshi; Ivy Grace Sylvina Suresh Samuel Dhanaraj; Jasem Mohamed Jasem Abdulla Almeraikhi; Juman Younus Mohamed Noor Alawadhi; Khadijah Jihad Diab; Laila Ahmed Salem Alreqabi Almessabi; Maitha Khaled Hamad Saeed Aljneibi; Maryam Omran Abdulkarim Belal Juma; Meriem Ben Jeddou; Narmeen Nader Abdulla Mohamed Almarzooqi; Omar Rasheed Ahmed Abdulla Alhammadi; Reem Matar Gharib Bin Jarsh Alfalasi; Salama Saeed Altuwair Balmur Alameri; Sawsan Ammar Omira; Shahad Abdulla Ali Mohamed Alyammahi; Solaf Radwan Dodan; Wadeema Ahmed Abdulraheem Yousef Alali; Yared Zebene Belete; Yihui Ma.

With inputs from WAM