President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has issued a decision establishing the National Programme for Advanced Sciences and Technologies, a new framework designed to connect scientific research directly with the UAE's strategic industries.
For readers watching how the UAE positions itself in advanced technology and research, the program matters because it builds a formal pathway linking education, research and development, talent-building and industrial application into one structure, rather than leaving these areas to operate separately.
Six tracks in the first phase
The program's first phase runs through six main tracks: technical education and national talent, national service, a flagship initiative, a global challenge, global talent attraction, and technical research and innovation. Together, these tracks are meant to close the distance between scientific research and its implementation in industry, connecting universities, research institutions and innovation centers more directly with industrial priorities.
A core focus of the program is developing national specialists in advanced science and technology, and preparing Emiratis for future disciplines within strategic sectors.
Who leads the program
The Higher Committee overseeing the program will be chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, with His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, serving as deputy chairman.
Other members of the Higher Committee include Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs; Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology; Dr. Abdulrahman bin Abdulmannan Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research; 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.
This Higher Committee will determine the program's strategic direction, approve priorities and policies, set its budget, issue implementation decisions and monitor progress across the six tracks.
An executive layer and dedicated office
Beneath the Higher Committee sits an Executive Committee chaired by Mohammed Al Gergawi. This body will review proposed plans, programs, policies and initiatives before they are submitted to the Higher Committee for approval.
A dedicated office for the National Programme for Advanced Sciences and Technologies will support both committees and coordinate with the leaders responsible for each of the six tracks, providing the administrative backbone for the program's rollout.