President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has issued a formal decision to establish the National Programme for Advanced Sciences and Technologies. This initiative is designed to create a cohesive national framework that aligns education, research, and talent development with the UAE’s strategic industrial goals. By fostering an institutional environment that promotes innovation and competitiveness, the programme aims to bolster the nation’s sovereignty in critical sectors while preparing the country for future technological shifts.
The programme serves as a cornerstone of a wider national effort to modernize the education and research landscape, ensuring it remains responsive to rapid global scientific advancements. It focuses on cultivating specialized national talent and equipping them with the skills required for future industries, thereby enhancing the global competitiveness of Emirati products. To oversee this mission, the decision establishes a Higher Committee for the National Programme for Advanced Sciences and Technologies, tasked with setting strategic priorities, policies, and initiatives.
His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, will chair the Higher Committee. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, serves as the Deputy Chairman. The committee’s membership includes several key officials: Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, who also serves as Managing Director and Chairman of the Executive Committee; Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology; and Dr. Abdulrahman bin Abdulmannan Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research. Other members include Mohammed bin Mubarak bin Fadel Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Defense Affairs; Dr. Ahmed Mubarak bin Nawi Al Mazrouei, Head of the Office of the UAE President for Strategic Affairs; and Faisal Abdulaziz Al Bannai, Advisor to the UAE President for Strategic Research and Advanced Technology Affairs.
The Higher Committee is responsible for managing the programme’s budget in accordance with existing legislation, issuing necessary directives, and monitoring progress against established national objectives. It is also tasked with reporting performance results and development recommendations to the UAE President and the Prime Minister to ensure the long-term sustainability and efficacy of the initiative. By bridging the gap between educational institutions, research centers, and industrial priorities, the programme seeks to generate technical solutions that can be scaled and exported, directly elevating the UAE’s international standing in the scientific community.
The initiative launches with six primary tracks: Technical Education and National Talent, National Service, Flagship Initiative, Global Challenge, Global Talent Attraction, and Technical Research and Innovation. These tracks may be expanded in the future based on further presidential directives. To support these efforts, an Executive Committee has been formed under the supervision of the Higher Committee, chaired by Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Gergawi. This body is responsible for reviewing and approving proposed plans and policies, overseeing budget allocations, and coordinating implementation across various state entities.
Additionally, the decision mandates the creation of an office for the National Programme for Advanced Sciences and Technologies. This office will act as a central hub for coordination, ensuring that all initiatives remain consistent and integrated. It will manage local and international partnerships, provide logistical and technical support to the committees, and track the progress of all approved projects through regular performance reporting.
Source: Gulf Today
