Zabeel Investments and Nakheel launch AED 30 million education and leadership programme

The collaboration between the two companies has resulted in a total investment of AED 30 million.

The joint venture, a first-of-its-kind initiative for the region, is aimed at discovering and nurturing the UAE's next generation of leaders. The programme will offer university scholarships annually to outstanding male and female candidates from the country's public high school system.

Zabeel Investments representative Amina Taher, Executive Director, Corporate Communications, said, "Zabeel's strategy is to work in ways that will benefit our country's future, and that future lies with its youth. Only by providing the best and the brightest with access to a top education and an unprecedented leadership programme can we guarantee the UAE's continued success."

Starting at undergraduate level, Bidaya will support university students financially, as well as offering leadership development programmes to enhance students' leadership skills. Each year, 20 students will be selected through recommendations from public schools across the UAE.

The screening process for candidates will be comprehensive, ensuring that only students fully committed to the programme will be considered. An advisory board of experts has been established to ensure that fair and right selections are made. The panel comprises representatives from Zabeel Investments, Nakheel and community leaders, along with academic partners including the American University of Dubai, the American University of Sharjah, Wollongong University and Middlesex University.

Selection is based on a combination of four factors: academic performance, demonstrated leadership, financial situation and future potential. Bidaya's four-year programme has been tailored to provide a fertile environment for developing leadership.

Beginning April 15, the team behind Bidaya will begin a road show in schools across the UAE, taking the initiative directly to students, teachers and family members while addressing any issues that prospective candidates may have.

"Bidaya is a unique programme, which will not just be launched and forgotten. This initiative is about long-term commitment and an ongoing sense of responsibility. We are accountable for all students involved, which is why the road shows are an essential process for us, where we can meet personally and interact with potential candidates," added Taher.

Through recent research commissioned by Nakheel and Zabeel Investments, YouGovSiraj revealed that there are not enough adequately trained Emirati employees in the UAE today. Of the more than 100 organizations polled in the survey, more than 70 per cent agreed with that statement. Only a third of the firms surveyed said Emirati education levels, prepare candidates for employment. Close to 85 per cent of the companies polled admitted to investing a great deal in the training and development of Emirati candidates.

Manal Shaheen, Nakheel Director, Sales, Marketing & Customer Services, said, "With its iconic projects, Nakheel is building the physical vision of Dubai. Ultimately, though, a city is defined by the quality of its people rather than the quality of its structures. Nakheel is committed to investing in the development of young UAE nationals. The Bidaya programme will ensure that some of the country's most promising students will have the resources to fulfill their potential."

Recommendation details will be released shortly. Eligible students are upcoming high school graduates, class of 2007, from all UAE public schools. Bidaya will commence as of September 2007, deadlines will precede university application deadlines.