NYU Abu Dhabi, in partnership with the Mohammed bin Rashid Government Scholarships, has announced the launch of the first cohort for the Master of Science in Economics. The program is designed to build advanced capabilities in economic analysis and public policy among national government professionals, supporting government entities in making decisions grounded in data and evidence.
The cohort is the first to be made up entirely of Emirati nationals and brings together professionals at early and mid-career stages, several of whom hold positions across key government entities. The cohort reflects the Scholarships' broader commitment to developing national leaders with the analytical tools needed to shape economic policy and anticipate shifts in the global landscape.
NYU Abu Dhabi Provost Arlie Petters said welcoming this cohort reflects the university's ongoing commitment to supporting the UAE's national priorities through world-class education and research.
Majid Al Shamsi, Director of the Mohammed bin Rashid Government Scholarships, said the launch of the first cohort comes within the UAE's broader commitment to investing in national talent and equipping professionals with the knowledge and analytical capabilities needed to support sound government decision-making and keep pace with rapid economic change at regional and global levels.
"Through the Mohammed bin Rashid Government Scholarships, we are building academic pathways that are directly tied to the priorities and future needs of government work. This programme is a model for the kind of strategic partnerships between government institutions and leading global universities that serve national development goals."
Andrzej Baranski, Associate Professor of Economics at NYU Abu Dhabi and Director of the Master's Programme, said the cohort was selected for its strong academic potential and professional grounding in the economic conversations and challenges relevant to their careers and to the UAE.
The Master of Science in Economics combines rigorous theoretical training with advanced quantitative methods, enabling students to analyse complex data, evaluate economic policy, and develop practical solutions to socio-economic challenges, including market dynamics, behavioural trends and the impact of public policy.
The programme runs over two academic years on a part-time basis, allowing participants to continue in their professional roles while they study. It includes a supervised research project, an international academic module and a range of enrichment activities that connect classroom learning to real-world application.
Participants are selected on the basis of academic credentials, professional experience and leadership potential, ensuring each cohort brings together national professionals capable of applying advanced economic knowledge to government work and policy development.
