Abu dhabi: The UAE National Experts Programme (NEP) has set out its key achievements for 2025, underscoring its contribution to developing a launchpad for Emirati experts who strive to play a leading role in the transformation of future-growth sectors aligned with the UAE's national priorities.
According to Emirates News Agency, the announcement aligns with the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, and the oversight of H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes' Affairs. These efforts aim at empowering Emiratis with the skills and expertise needed to drive sustainable development and support the UAE's future growth plans.
Ahmed Taleb Al Shamsi, Director of the National Experts Programme, stated that the progress achieved in 2025 reflects a strong commitment to developing Emirati talent and expanding their role in advancing the UAE's priority sectors. He mentioned that the milestones achieved in 2025 demonstrate how NEP experts are able to apply knowledge to develop practical solutions that inform national policy and strengthen the UAE's presence on the global stage.
He further highlighted key milestones, including the graduation ceremony of the Programme's second and third cohorts in November, attended by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan during the UAE Government Annual Meetings in Abu Dhabi. A total of 40 Emirati experts graduated, representing 23 national sectors. Each cohort included five Fellows selected to lead work in priority areas critical to the UAE's future development.
The fourth cohort completed its programme in October 2025, with 25 Emirati experts finishing a year-long cycle of applied learning and sector-focused projects. Eight members of the cohort presented innovative solutions to national challenges in education, healthcare, sustainability, cultural identity, and food security at the global Behavioral Exchange (BX2025) conference, hosted in Abu Dhabi for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa.
Throughout 2025, the Programme emphasized advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, by introducing new learning pathways to support the UAE's efforts to develop a national talent pool capable of driving the country's technological transformation.
On the international stage, 14 NEP experts participated in Expo 2025 Osaka in Japan, showcasing Emirati expertise and contributing to panels in line with the UAE's approach to 'knowledge diplomacy' through partnership and exchange. The Programme's experts also participated in COP30 in Brazil and in knowledge sessions during the World Governments Summit, further reinforcing the role of Emirati talent in global platforms shaping the future of key sectors, including participation in the World Economic Forum in Davos.
In line with the UAE's designation of 2025 as the 'Year of Community,' the Programme carried out community-driven initiatives, including an international humanitarian mission in Nador, Morocco. A delegation of NEP volunteers supported a week-long surgical programme run by Operation Smile Morocco in partnership with Operation Smile UAE. The mission was supported by NEP legacy partner Mubadala. NEP experts also took part in activities marking Emirati Education Day, highlighting the Programme's role in advancing the UAE's broader human capital development goals.
NEP also hosted 10 STEM Fellows from the Korea Foundation at Emirates Foundation, where both groups exchanged knowledge, shared experiences, and explored areas of common interest.
Launched in 2019, the National Experts Programme has now graduated a total of 86 Emirati experts, with one of the highest concentrations of advanced degree holders. In the fourth cohort alone, 24 percent of participants hold a PhD, and 76 percent have a master's degree.