Bidaya Scholarship Programme attracts students of high calibre

As interviews for candidates have now commenced, the team is reporting that despite research indicating a positive response from Ajman, the team has received no applications from the Emirate; however the programme has received a large number of applications from Dubai Sharjah and the Northern Emirates

Executive Director of Corporate Communications for Zabeel Investments, Amina Taher stated: "From the hundreds of Bidaya applications we have received the quality of students applying has been outstanding. As an education and leadership programme committed to excellence, Bidaya seeks out exceptionally talented, hard working, and motivated students, something we are pleased to see in the applications handed over."

The programme received a surge in applications after releasing its special television commercial, in partnership with Freej, the UAE's first 3D animated show. The short shows the women of Freej discussing the Bidaya programme, as they read about it in the papers.

In addition, Taher explained, the programme has decided to extend application deadlines to June 23, 2007 as a result of end of year exams, and the continued in pouring of applications. "Students have been focusing on their final exams, and we certainly wouldn't want them to lose focus. We have decided to extend the deadline until June 23rd, so students have extra time to get their paperwork together," she said.

Bidaya, a joint venture between Zabeel Investments and Nakheel, was launched in April under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the Executive Council of Dubai. As a first of its kind initiative in the region, the programme will offer university scholarships annually to outstanding male and female candidates from public high schools throughout the UAE; although, interestingly, statistics show that most of the applicants so far are females.

Starting at the undergraduate level, Bidaya plans to offer financial support as well as provide students with leadership development programmes. As Mohamed Al Suwaidi, Bidaya Programme Manager, explained, "Bidaya recognizes the importance of combining a high level of education with strong leadership skills; allowing the UAE's youth to develop such skills is the only way to ensure that the county will develop".

Since its launch in April, the Bidaya team has engaged in several activities to raise awareness about the programme and recruit possible candidates. The team organized a series of road shows throughout the country, during which Bidaya representatives interacted one on one with students from various public schools across the UAE. As part of the road shows, the team offered students a brief introduction about the programme, before inviting them to an interactive session during which questions could be asked and answered.

Taher emphasised, "The team is very excited about the next stage of the programme and look forward to working with some of the country's brightest, most talented youth. As we all know, today's youngsters are tomorrow's leaders, and we want students that have drive and ambition; those that know exactly what they want from their education!" We have started interviewing students and have short listed some very distinguished candidates.