Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation introduces 'Pioneers Programme'

The Programme will offer 100 scholarships annually for deserving undergraduate students with outstanding academic achievement, leadership potential and financial need, to pursue their postgraduate studies in selected universities across the region.

The Foundation has partnered with 13 leading universities in based in the UAE, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt and Morocco to offer the scholarships in the fields of management; both public and business administration, in addition to journalism and mass communication.

The list of partner universities currently includes the British University in Dubai, Michigan State University (Dubai), Middlesex University (Dubai), Wollongong University (Dubai), American University of Dubai, London Business School (Dubai), Herriot - Watt University (Dubai), American University of Sharjah, University of Jordan, Yarmouk University, American University of Cairo , American University of Beirut, Lebanese American University and Al Akhawayn University in Morocco.

This programme is to benefit Master's level students across the Arab World commencing in the 2008 academic year.

The scholarship covers all tuition fees and other related educational expenses.

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Pioneers Programme is the second scholarship programme announced by the foundation in less than a year following the launch of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Fellows Programme which aims to identify talented and ambitious students from across the region, and offer them scholarships to pursue a Master's degree at top-tier international universities.

Dr. Rima Khalaf, CEO of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, said: "As a pan-Arab initiative, the programme will provide equal opportunity to deserving students, while reversing the syndrome of brain drain, and preparing a future generation of leaders committed to progress".

Karine Ataya, Project Manager, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, said: "We are very delighted to launch a new programme aimed at building a knowledge based society in the Arab World. We look forward to receiving applications and we would like to advise candidates to submit an application form online, after securing an acceptance from an agreed field of study at one of the partner Universities. In addition, candidates might need to furnish proof of their financial need to the foundation upon request".

Successful candidates will be required to sign a two-year agreement to undertake employment in the region within the public or private sector for a minimum period of two years, following the completion of their studies.