NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) has announced the 2024/2025 class of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Scholars Program (SMSP), which offers courses, lectures, leadership experiences, networking, and graduate school counseling to a select cohort of talented university students.
Established by NYUAD the SMSP recruits students from the UAE’s federal institutions of higher learning: United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Zayed University (ZU), and the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT). Of the 60 applicants to the program, 24 were selected as SMSP scholars by a notable panel of judges from NYUAD and local community leaders.
Co-chair of the Scholars Program Steering Committee, Her Highness Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan commented: “Her Highness Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Co-chair of the Scholars Program Steering Committee, highlighted the program's significance in empowering exceptional students to achieve their academic and professional aspirations.
Her Highness emphasized that the program serves as a unique platform for developing leadership and creativity skills among students, expressing pride in the UAE’s continued support in nurturing future leaders who will carry the torch of innovation and excellence, contributing to the nation's prominence internationally.”
Scholars will be split into two groups to explore one of two courses taught by NYUAD faculty. The first offering is titled “Ideas of the Sacred” taught by Global Distinguished Professor of Religious Studies and Law John Coughlin. This course explores the existence, manifestations, and meaning of the sacred across major religious traditions. The second offering is “The Road to Net Zero: Global Debates and Challenges” taught by Global Distinguished Professor of Environmental Studies and Public Policy Sophia Kalantzakos, a course that explores the impact of a net-zero future on food production, water insecurity, and urban living. Scholars will also take courses that look at leadership development, public speaking and public presentations, and critical thinking and persuasive writing.
Since its inception in 2008, the SMSP has graduated 16 cohorts of a total 373 students. Out of its 300 alumni, 130 have enrolled in or graduated from graduate school. Among these, 15 have pursued or completed PhD programs, with six also earning additional graduate degrees.
The SMSP is one of two Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Community Programs run by NYUAD. The other program is the NYUAD Summer Academy, a competitive college preparatory academy for Emirati high school students entering their eleventh year, awarded to recipients of the Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Scholarships for Outstanding High School Students.
