The “Future Leaders in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics” program, organized by Abu Dhabi University and Al Maaref Group over two weeks, attracted more than 35 outstanding Emirati students. The program aimed to inspire the next generation of innovative Emirati high school students in these vital fields and included practical workshops in advanced areas such as drone engineering, data analysis and visualization, robotics, structural engineering, water treatment, and plastic waste recycling. It also featured introductory sessions on career paths and life skills development. Professor Ghassan Awad, the university director, stated that STEM careers are among the fastest-growing worldwide due to rapid technological change, and the UAE seeks to be a global innovation hub. Abu Dhabi University supports these efforts by bridging the gap between academic knowledge and market needs through future-focused educational experiences.

The program is more than a summer course; it is a true launchpad equipping Emirati youth with skills, creativity, and adaptability to excel in vital future sectors. Dr. Ahmed Badr, CEO of Al Maaref Group, emphasized the necessity of such programs to nurture a new generation of innovators who can effectively contribute to the UAE’s society and economy, reinforcing their shared vision for a knowledge-based future.