UAE President establishes National Programme for Advanced Sciences and Technologies

Abu Dhbai: President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has issued a decision establishing the National Programme for Advanced Sciences and Technologies. The programme creates an integrated national framework that links education, research and development, and talent development with the UAE’s strategic and advanced industries. It aims to strengthen the country’s future readiness through an institutional system that supports innovation, competitiveness and national sovereignty in vital and priority sectors. The programme forms part of broader national efforts to build an education and research ecosystem that keeps pace with rapid scientific and technological developments, while directing the outcomes of education, research and development towards fields that support the UAE’s industrial and development priorities. It focuses on investing in promising national talent, building a strong base of specialists in science and advanced technologies, and preparing them for future disciplines that enhance the country’s industrial capabilities and the competitiveness of Emirati products in strategic sectors, while reinforcing national sovereignty. The decision establishes the Higher Committee for the National Programme for Advanced Sciences and Technologies, which will provide strategic direction and oversight of the programme and its tracks. The committee is 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. Its members are Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Managing Director and Chairman of the Executive Committee; 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 Defence Affairs; Dr Ahmed Mubarak bin Nawi Al Mazrouei, Head of the Office of the UAE President for Strategic Affairs; and Faisal Abdulaziz Al Bannai, Adviser to the UAE President for Strategic Research and Advanced Technology Affairs. The Higher Committee will approve the programme’s strategic directions, priorities, policies and initiatives, set its budget in accordance with applicable legislation, issue decisions and directives to support implementation, and monitor progress towards its objectives and national impact. It will also submit results and recommendations to the UAE President and the Prime Minister to enhance the programme’s performance and long-term sustainability. The programme seeks to strengthen national industrial capabilities and the competitiveness of Emirati products in strategic and vital sectors by linking research capabilities, educational institutions and innovation centres with industrial priorities. It aims to support the development of technical solutions that can be manufactured, scaled and exported, contributing to the UAE’s position in science and advanced technology. The first phase of the programme includes six key tracks: Technical Education and National Talent, National Service, Flagship Initiative, Global Challenge, Global Talent Attraction, and Technical Research and Innovation. Additional tracks may be introduced as the programme evolves and in line with future directives from the UAE President. The decision also establishes an Executive Committee for the programme, operating under the supervision of the Higher Committee and chaired by Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs. The Executive Committee will review and approve plans, programmes, policies and initiatives proposed for the programme and its tracks before submitting them to the Higher Committee for approval. It will also review budgets, oversee implementation and monitor progress in coordination with relevant entities across the UAE. In addition, the decision establishes an office for the National Programme for Advanced Sciences and Technologies. The office will coordinate with track leaders to prepare plans, programmes, policies and initiatives, ensure alignment and integration across the programme, monitor implementation, and issue periodic reports on progress and performance. It will also develop and manage local and international partnerships and provide administrative, technical, logistical and organisational support to the programme’s committees and tracks.