Zabeel and Nakheel celebrate 1st anniversary of Bidaya

'Bidaya is in line with the UAE's 2015 strategy to provide the best education opportunities for everyone. It's the only programme of its kind in the UAE which offers local students the freedom of choice to study, as well as support and leadership skills throughout university, with no commitment to join a certain company after graduation. As we celebrate our first anniversary, we're also calling for more ambitious and talented UAE public school students to apply for the next stage of the programme by 6 June 2008'.

Over the last two months the Bidaya road show has been visiting public high schools across the UAE to raise awareness of the programme and encourage local students to apply.

The road show attracted large audiences in Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, Ajman, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Western Region and Fujairah - in total over 750 students took part.

Mohamed Al Suwaidi, Bidaya Programme Manager said, 'We've had a great time at the recent road shows, meeting many UAE public high school students who are excited and intrigued by the Bidaya programme. The time has now come for everyone we met, as well as those we didn't have the chance to, to really demonstrate their talent and desire to expand their skills, knowledge and experience by applying to be enrolled in the programme'.

Selection into the programme is based on several factors which include: demonstrated leadership, academic performance, financial situation, and future potential.

20 students will be selected each year following recommendations from public schools across the UAE.

The panel responsible for selecting these students includes representatives from Zabeel Investments, Nakheel, community leaders, along with academic partners including the American University of Dubai and the American University of Sharjah.