Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, has announced a scholarship fund for Emirati students worth Dh1.1 billion ($299.5 million).
Sheikh Hamdan said the move would empower the next generation of local talent.
"In line with the Dubai Social Agenda 33’s goal to empower the next generation of local talent, we have announced a Dh1.1 billion scholarship programme focused on supporting outstanding Emirati high school graduates," Sheikh Hamdan said on X.
"The programme will grant scholarships to 100 of Dubai's best-performing Emirati students, annually.
"Strengthening the abilities of our youth is essential to fulfilling our future vision of a knowledge-based economy. By investing in Dubai's youth today, we are paving the way for a prosperous and successful tomorrow."
One of the primary objectives of the scheme is for the number of Emiratis employed in the private sector to increase by three times the current rate.
Another driving force behind the project is to support Dubai's top-performing Emirati students with opportunities at "best-in-class academic institutions".
The announcement is the latest in a series of projects lined up for 2024, under the Dubai Social Agenda 33.
Last week it was announced that 3,500 plots of land would be distributed among Dubai’s citizens, as well as 2,300 ready-to-move-in houses valued at Dh5.5 billion.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, approved the project, also under the umbrella of the Dubai Social Agenda 33.
UK-EU trade at a glance
EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years
Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products
Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries
Smoother border management with use of e-gates
Cutting red tape on import and export of food
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae
