UAE National Experts Programme Reports Significant Achievements For 2025 In Emirati Talent Development

The UAE National Experts Programme (NEP) has outlined its significant achievements for 2025, highlighting its role in nurturing Emirati experts to lead future-growth sectors aligned with national priorities. This initiative follows the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and guidance from other key leaders, aiming to equip Emiratis with essential skills for sustainable development and future growth.

Ahmed Taleb Al Shamsi, Director of NEP, stated that the accomplishments in 2025 demonstrate a strong commitment to developing Emirati talent. He noted that these milestones reflect how NEP experts apply their knowledge to create practical solutions that inform national policy and enhance the UAE’s global presence. "The progress achieved in 2025 reflects a deep commitment to developing Emirati talent," he said.

The graduation ceremony for the second and third cohorts took place in November during the UAE Government Annual Meetings in Abu Dhabi. His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan honoured these ceremonies. A total of 40 Emirati experts graduated, with 25 from Cohort Two and 15 from Cohort Three, representing 23 national sectors. Each cohort included five Fellows selected to lead work in priority areas critical to the UAE’s future development.

In October 2025, the fourth cohort completed its programme, with 25 Emirati experts finishing a year-long cycle of applied learning and sector-focused projects. Eight members presented innovative solutions at the global Behavioral Exchange (BX2025) conference in Abu Dhabi. This event marked its first occurrence in the Middle East and North Africa region.

On an international level, 14 NEP experts participated in Expo 2025 Osaka in Japan last September. They showcased Emirati expertise through panels aligned with "knowledge diplomacy." Additionally, NEP experts contributed to COP30 in Brazil and engaged in knowledge sessions at the World Governments Summit, reinforcing their role on global platforms shaping key sectors' futures.

Throughout 2025, NEP emphasised advanced technologies like artificial intelligence by introducing new learning pathways. These efforts support the UAE’s goal of building a national talent pool capable of driving technological transformation.

Community Initiatives and Knowledge Exchange

Aligned with the UAE's designation of 2025 as the "Year of Community," NEP carried out several community-driven initiatives. A notable effort was an international humanitarian mission in Nador, Morocco. Here, NEP volunteers supported a week-long surgical programme run by Operation Smile Morocco alongside Operation Smile UAE.

The Programme also hosted Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2025 for a panel discussion at Emirates Foundation. Additionally, NEP welcomed ten STEM Fellows from Korea Foundation for knowledge exchange activities at Emirates Foundation.

Programme Legacy and Educational Contributions

Since its inception in 2019, NEP has graduated a total of 86 Emirati experts. The fourth cohort alone saw 24 percent holding PhDs and 76 percent possessing master’s degrees. This highlights one of the highest concentrations of advanced degree holders within the Programme.

NEP's contributions extend to educational initiatives such as activities marking Emirati Education Day. These efforts underscore its role in advancing broader human capital development goals within the UAE.

The Programme remains committed to applying knowledge towards practical solutions for advancing remote communities within the UAE. Through various initiatives and collaborations, NEP continues to empower Emiratis while supporting national growth objectives.

With inputs from WAM