National Experts Programme Announces Esteemed Mentors For Fourth Cohort Of Emirati Experts

The National Experts Programme (NEP) has announced the mentors for its fourth cohort. Established in 2019 under the guidance of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, NEP aims to empower Emirati experts to lead future-growth sectors aligned with UAE's national priorities. The programme is a platform for nurturing talent and fostering expertise across various fields.

The 25 mentors, drawn from government and business sectors, including the UAE Cabinet, will offer strategic insights and career guidance to NEP participants. Notable figures include Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, Cultural Advisor to the UAE President; Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology; and Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri, Minister of Education. These leaders will support the development of Emirati talent in key areas.

H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan continues to provide strategic direction for NEP. He emphasises investing in human capital to develop sector experts who can drive sustainable progress in national priority areas. Sheikh Theyab highlighted NEP's role in equipping national sectors with the expertise needed to achieve strategic goals.

Since its inception, NEP has focused on empowering Emirati experts in emerging sectors. The programme aligns with the UAE leadership's vision of preparing a new generation of experts to meet national aspirations across critical domains. Ahmad Talib Al Shamsi, Director of NEP, underscored its importance in nurturing local talent and enhancing the UAE's competitive position globally.

The mentors will engage with a cohort known for its high academic achievements—24 percent hold doctoral degrees while 76 percent have master's degrees. These experts represent diverse priority sectors such as culture, energy, economic development, education, mobility, foreign affairs, financial services, digital innovation, sustainability, space technology, advanced defence technology, media, community development, biodiversity, advanced sciences and future economy.

Diverse Expertise Among Mentors

The mentor list also includes Huda Al Hashimi from Cabinet Affairs; Abdulla Ahmed Balalaa from Foreign Affairs; Omran Sharaf from Advanced Science and Technology; Eng. Salem Butti Salem Al Qubaisi from UAE Space Agency; Mona Ghanem Al Marri from Dubai Media Council; Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid from Community Development Authority Dubai; Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak from Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund.

Additionally featured are Khalfan Belhoul of Dubai Future Foundation; Dr. Najwa Aaraj of Technology Innovation Institute; Hamad Al Marar of EDGE Group; Jasim Husain Thabet of Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA); Badr Jafar as Special Envoy for Business and Philanthropy; Talal Al Dhiyebi of Aldar Properties; Shaista Asif of PureHealth; Peng Xiao of G42; Dr. Andrew Jackson as Group Chief AI Officer at G42.

NEP reflects the UAE's commitment to developing homegrown talent capable of meeting future challenges. By aligning with national priorities and fostering expertise across various sectors, it ensures long-term growth and addresses the increasing demand for skilled Emiratis in fields crucial to national interests.

With inputs from WAM