Eighty-Six Exceptional Students Honored with Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Scholarship at NYU Abu Dhabi Summer Academy
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)—In a notable showcase of academic merit and leadership potential, eighty-six outstanding secondary school students have been awarded the esteemed Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Scholarship for Outstanding High School Students, embarking on an enriching 18-month journey through the NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) Summer Academy. This programme, now in its fifteenth year, continues to serve as a beacon of educational opportunity for Emirati students, equipping them with vital skills that prepare them for admission and success at premier global universities.
The NYUAD Summer Academy is intricately designed to not only bolster the academic prowess of participants but also to cultivate their cultural competencies and personal growth, creating well-rounded scholars prepared to navigate the complexities of a globalized world. The scholarship represents one of the highest honors available to Emirati secondary students, acknowledging their achievements while fostering further academic excellence and leadership qualities.
Her Highness Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan articulated the program’s significance succinctly, 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. Each 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.”
The structure of the programme consists of two intensive summer sessions interspersed with academic enrichment during the academic year. Commencing in the summer following Grade 10 or Year 11, students first immerse themselves in a five-week, rigorous academic experience at NYU Abu Dhabi, which is complemented by co-curricular activities designed to build essential leadership, communication, and teamwork skills.
Continuous academic and personal support from faculty and staff ensures that the students not only thrive in a classroom environment but also develop a strong sense of community. Evening sessions offer opportunities for deeper engagement on critical topics, enriching discussions that further groom students’ insights and perspectives. As students transition into Grade 11 or Year 12, they partake in online classes and refresher weekends aimed at reinforcing integral skills necessary for their academic journeys.
For those in Grade 12 or Year 13, the programme assumes a vital role in demystifying the college application process. Guidance is provided through every step, from researching potential universities to refining personal statements and completing applications, thereby enhancing their readiness for higher education.
A grand graduation ceremony marks the culmination of the programme, during which students and their families celebrate individual achievements and receive official certificates acknowledging their accomplishments. This moment not only signifies their hard work over the 18 months but also serves as a stepping stone as they move forward into their academic futures.
“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,” stated Fatma Abdulla, Senior Associate Vice Chancellor and Senior Vice Provost for Strategy and Planning at NYUAD. “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.”
It is noteworthy that graduates from this illustrious programme have continued their studies at prestigious institutions such as Yale, Princeton, the London School of Economics, and King’s College London, among others, illustrating the programme’s effectiveness in preparing students for world-class educational environments.
As the region evolves, the NYU Abu Dhabi Summer Academy plays an indispensable role in nurturing the next generation of leaders, whose contributions will undeniably shape not only the future of the UAE but also the global landscape. The commitment to fostering excellence in education and leadership through targeted initiatives such as this scholarship is pivotal for empowering youth in the rapidly changing world we inhabit.
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