NYU Abu Dhabi Honors Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Scholarship Recipients for Class of 2026
In an inspiring display of academic excellence and leadership potential, eighty-six exceptional secondary school students have been selected to join the prestigious NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) Summer Academy, courtesy of the esteemed Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Scholarship for Outstanding High School Students, Class of 2026. This program, now in its fifteenth year, reflects a commitment to fostering the next generation of Emirati leaders by equipping them with the necessary skills and experiences for success in top global universities.
The Summer Academy is designed to offer a transformative educational and cultural experience, specifically tailored to prepare Emirati students in the United Arab Emirates for the competitive landscape of higher education. The Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Scholarship is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious opportunities available to Emirati students, recognizing not only academic achievement but also the potential for impactful leadership.
Alumni of this program have gone on to secure places at some of the world’s most renowned institutions, including Yale, Princeton, New York University (both in New York and Abu Dhabi), the London School of Economics, the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, and King’s College London, among others. This further exemplifies the scholarship’s role in shaping the futures of Emirati youth by providing them with a solid foundation upon which to build their academic careers.
Her Highness Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan articulated the significance of the program, stating, “The Summer Academy represents a meaningful investment in our youth and in the future of our nation. It offers a space where students are empowered to think critically, build confidence, and engage meaningfully with the world around them. Every new cohort brings with it renewed potential and ambition, and I look forward to witnessing how these remarkable young minds will go on to shape the future both here in the UAE and beyond.” Her words capture the spirit of the program, emphasizing its role as a catalyst for personal and academic growth.
The Summer Academy initiates in the summer following Grade 10, extending over an intensive eighteen-month period that comprises two rigorous summer sessions in Abu Dhabi, coupled with academic year enrichment. During the summer, students engage in five weeks of demanding coursework at NYUAD, which is meticulously designed to enhance critical thinking, foster intellectual curiosity, and refine academic skills. Complementary co-curricular activities facilitate the development of vital leadership, communication, and collaboration competencies.
Participants are not left to navigate this academic journey alone; the faculty and staff provide ongoing academic and personal support throughout the program. Evening sessions are organized to deepen discussions and strengthen community bonds, creating a collaborative environment that promotes shared learning and personal development. As students transition into Grade 11, they partake in online classes and refresher weekends to reinforce their skills, providing continuity in their education. By the time they enter Grade 12, the program assists with the college application process, guiding students through university research, essay writing, and application submissions.
The program culminates in a graduation ceremony, where students, alongside their families, celebrate their achievements and receive certificates recognizing their successful completion of the Summer Academy. Such ceremonies not only honor the academic accomplishments of the students but also mark the beginning of their future pursuits in higher education.
Fatma Abdulla, Senior Associate Vice Chancellor and Senior Vice Provost for Strategy and Planning at NYUAD, highlighted the program’s broader impact, remarking, “The Summer Academy is more than a pathway to university; it’s a transformative experience that challenges students to grow as thinkers, communicators, and leaders. Each year, we witness how this intensive program opens doors and broadens horizons for some of the UAE’s most promising young minds. We’re proud to welcome the Class of 2026 into this dynamic community of scholars.”
Indeed, the recipients of the Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Scholarship for the Class of 2026 exemplify the diversity and potential of Emirati youth. Their names, listed in an extensive catalog of talent, echo the promise that this new generation carries. As they embark on their educational journeys, these young scholars not only represent their families and schools but also the aspirations of a nation poised for innovation and leadership on the global stage.
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