His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, recently engaged with students from the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge’s (ADEK) Khotwa Scholarship Program. During the encounter, His Highness emphasized the importance of nurturing and advancing the talents of Emirati youth across academic and vocational disciplines. He underscored the UAE's commitment to meeting both local and global workforce needs by offering opportunities for students to pursue high-quality educational programs at top academic and vocational institutions worldwide.
His Highness encouraged students of the Khotwa Scholarship Program to embrace their roles as ambassadors of the UAE, urging them to embody the nation's rich traditions and values. He also reiterated the leadership’s steadfast support for Emirati youth, facilitating their academic growth and technical skill development across diverse sectors.
Initiated in September 2022 under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, ADEK’s Khotwa program aims to provide 6,000 Emirati students with higher education opportunities in the US and Canada by 2028. The program aims to broaden students’ educational access and open new academic pathways. In 2023, the program expanded its international scholarship network by partnering with esteemed community colleges in Australia and New Zealand.
At present, Khotwa supports 694 participants, contributing to a total enrollment of 1,146 students expected by September 2024. This fully-funded program equips cohorts with globally relevant skills and extensive educational opportunities, empowering them to realize their potential and contribute to advancing the UAE’s knowledge-based economy. The meeting featured current and prospective program participants, underscoring its role in skill development and capability enhancement across academic and professional domains.
At the end of the meeting, the students conveyed their deep appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the UAE leadership for their consistent backing of Emirati youth. They also reiterated their pride in representing the UAE as ambassadors abroad.
