Universities have noted a major increase in the numbers of Emirati pupils interested in studying environmental issues and the space sector.
Admissions officers at a major recruitment exhibition in Abu Dhabi said there was a noticeable rise in those seeking information about such courses.
Traditionally many Emiratis opted for a degree in business or law but this is changing, they said
“There is definitely a lot of interest in artificial intelligence and space,” said Kristen Narara of American University of Sharjah. “There has been quite a push in interest because of the UAE’s space programme.”
The impact of the UAE's first astronaut, Hazza Al Mansouri, and the prominence of climate campaigner, Greta Thunberg, were pointed to as partly driving the change. But the interest in climate issues has been building for several years and is shared equally by male and female pupils.
“Another area I’ve noticed is that Emiratis [coming to the pavilion] are very interested in environmental science and anything to do with sustainability. It is something high on the agenda,” said Ms Narara. “In the media they are hearing a lot about climate change so I find that really interesting.”
The three-day Najah fair at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre opened on Wednesday and features more than 100 universities from 21 countries. It also hosted talks on artificial intelligence, robotics and the future of aviation. Emiratis at the fair said they had been inspired by the UAE’s space programme.
“I also heard about the Mars programme so maybe I can go to Mars,” said Mohammed Al Hashmi, 17, who was looking at universities specialising in science and technology.
“Khalifa University is the best one in the UAE, I heard,” he said.
Physics is an important subject for pupils wishing to enter the space sector and Khalifa University is trying to encourage more Emiratis to study the subject.
Across the floor at New York University Abu Dhabi’s pavilion, administrators also reported similar trends. “Sustainability is definitely new, possibly because it is so prevalent in the news,” said NYUAD’s Wendy Barnett. “It is something that they are more interested in. Everybody is aware if we don’t look after the planet then the planet is not going to be here.”
Ms Barnett said there were many options for Emiratis wishing to study sustainability such as engineering and then specialising in solar panels. Alternatively they could study economics and then veer into policy planning. “There are lots of different routes.”
Separately, several Lebanese universities canvassing for pupils said it was business as usual despite the current round of protests in the country.
Salim Kanaan, director of admissions at American University of Beirut, said they had seen it all before.
“People will come. People know there have been crises in the past and then it is resolved,” said Mr Kanaan. “Previously we ran without a parliament, without ministries and everyone still came.”
Zeina Tannir, director of admissions at the Rafik Hariri University, said the protests were a temporary issue.
“Some school advisors came [to the pavilion] and said to us that hopefully this is a dark cloud,” said Ms Tannir.
“Education in Lebanon is top notch so I would encourage them to come. It will be sorted out. We are survivors.”
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
THE CLOWN OF GAZA
Director: Abdulrahman Sabbah
Starring: Alaa Meqdad
Rating: 4/5
The%20specs
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What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
THE SPECS
BMW X7 xDrive 50i
Engine: 4.4-litre V8
Transmission: Eight-speed Steptronic transmission
Power: 462hp
Torque: 650Nm
Price: Dh600,000
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Women's Prize for Fiction shortlist
The Silence of the Girls by Pat Barker
My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite
Milkman by Anna Burns
Ordinary People by Diana Evans
An American Marriage by Tayari Jones
Circe by Madeline Miller
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Women’s World T20, Asia Qualifier, in Bangkok
UAE fixtures Mon Nov 20, v China; Tue Nov 21, v Thailand; Thu Nov 23, v Nepal; Fri Nov 24, v Hong Kong; Sun Nov 26, v Malaysia; Mon Nov 27, Final
(The winners will progress to the Global Qualifier)
TCL INFO
Teams:
Punjabi Legends Owners: Inzamam-ul-Haq and Intizar-ul-Haq; Key player: Misbah-ul-Haq
Pakhtoons Owners: Habib Khan and Tajuddin Khan; Key player: Shahid Afridi
Maratha Arabians Owners: Sohail Khan, Ali Tumbi, Parvez Khan; Key player: Virender Sehwag
Bangla Tigers Owners: Shirajuddin Alam, Yasin Choudhary, Neelesh Bhatnager, Anis and Rizwan Sajan; Key player: TBC
Colombo Lions Owners: Sri Lanka Cricket; Key player: TBC
Kerala Kings Owners: Hussain Adam Ali and Shafi Ul Mulk; Key player: Eoin Morgan
Venue Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Format 10 overs per side, matches last for 90 minutes
Timeline October 25: Around 120 players to be entered into a draft, to be held in Dubai; December 21: Matches start; December 24: Finals
The Bio
Favourite place in UAE: Al Rams pearling village
What one book should everyone read: Any book written before electricity was invented. When a writer willingly worked under candlelight, you know he/she had a real passion for their craft
Your favourite type of pearl: All of them. No pearl looks the same and each carries its own unique characteristics, like humans
Best time to swim in the sea: When there is enough light to see beneath the surface
Recipe: Spirulina Coconut Brothie
Ingredients
1 tbsp Spirulina powder
1 banana
1 cup unsweetened coconut milk (full fat preferable)
1 tbsp fresh turmeric or turmeric powder
½ cup fresh spinach leaves
½ cup vegan broth
2 crushed ice cubes (optional)
Method
Blend all the ingredients together on high in a high-speed blender until smooth and creamy.
The Two Popes
Director: Fernando Meirelles
Stars: Anthony Hopkins, Jonathan Pryce
Four out of five stars
