UAE's National Experts Programme moulds new generation of Emirati leaders

SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)

The UAE's National Experts Programme (NEP), launched in 2019 under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is empowering the nation's brightest talents to lead its future growth.

The 12-month programme connects high-achieving Emiratis with mentors from government and the industry sector, equipping them with the skills to drive the country's ambitious goals.

By cultivating specialised expertise through a blend of academics, immersive experience, and mentorship, the NEP is shaping a new generation of Emirati leaders who are already making a significant impact across key sectors built upon five mindsets – worldly, action, reflective, analytical and collaborative – for lifelong learning.

Graduates of the programme are stepping into influential roles, inspiring others to follow their path and helping transform the UAE's future, in line with national priorities.

Speaking to Aletihad, Khalifa BinHendi, NEP 1.0 Fellow from the Community and Social Services sector, shared his personal and professional growth, saying: "The NEP is an experience that has been both transformational and deeply inspiring to me personally and professionally. The NEP has truly redefined my perspective on leadership and equipped me with the tools needed to contribute meaningfully and instrumentally to the UAE's ambitious vision for the future."

He noted that the NEP has significantly impacted sectors like community development, economy, renewable energy, AI, and public policy, providing them with a competitive edge through adaptability, collaboration, and strategic thinking.

"The NEP's training and mentoring equipped me to develop a strategic framework that emphasised sustainability without sacrificing operational efficiency, ultimately leading to a successful community initiative that aligns with the UAE's community cohesion and social services goals," he added.

Discussing how the NEP improved his ability to collaborate, BinHendi said: "The NEP experience has enhanced my collaborative skills by immersing me in cross-disciplinary environments, experiences and projects. This exposure taught me how to align and arrange diverse perspectives towards common goals, an ability I now leverage to build stronger partnerships and drive impactful projects as well as focusing on my personal development and professional coaching."

He credited the NEP's blend of academia, theory, and real-world experience for preparing him for leadership roles, enhancing his decision-making skills and confidence in dynamic environments.

Reflecting on his most significant personal take away from the NEP, he said: "My most significant takeaway is the realisation that impactful leadership requires a blend of vision, empathy, patriotism, and resilience. The NEP has shown me that true influence stems from a deep commitment to the nation's long-term goals and the ability to inspire others along the way."

Moreover, Fatima Rashid Al-Ali, NEP 3.0 alumna from the Health & Well-being sector, shared with Aletihad the importance of the Action mindset in her role, highlighting that agility is crucial in the healthcare sector, enabling quick adaptation and alignment with national priorities.

"The NEP's emphasis on fostering adaptable, reflective, and collaborative leaders ensures that alumni make a meaningful impact across these and other sectors, contributing to the UAE's long-term growth and global competitiveness," she said.

She indicated that the NEP's interdisciplinary approach boosts sectors like healthcare, sustainability, and technology by integrating tech, improving care, and aligning with global standards, while considering the UAE's context.

Al-Ali shared how she applied her NEP learnings to tackle a sector challenge: "As part of my graduation from the National Experts Programme, I authored a report titled 'Healthy Haven: A World Where Children Thrive', enabled by artificial intelligence and genetic sequencing. This report explores innovative approaches to preventing childhood diseases, leveraging AI and advanced genetic technologies, and addressing challenges such as consanguineous marriages and genetic diseases."

Aligned with the UAE's national priorities, she proposed expanding genetic testing into premarital screening for better early detection and intervention.

On her most significant personal take away from the NEP, she shared: "The NEP reinforced the idea that learning is a lifelong journey – one that thrives on curiosity, adaptability, and openness to new perspectives. It also pushed me to overcome fears and step outside of my comfort zone. Engaging with professionals from diverse sectors allowed me to broaden my understanding and explore innovative solutions."

Al-Ali further plans to leverage her NEP skills to drive UAE's healthcare growth, focusing on AI, telemedicine, and sustainability initiatives for environmental and healthcare excellence.

Also speaking to Aletihad, Meera Al Mheiri, an NEP 2.0 Fellow and Nuclear Safety Inspector at the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation, highlighted the impact of the programme on her professional development.

"Policymaking, as my project, was implemented to further strengthen the process of policymaking, making it more systematic, collaborative, agile, and well-informed of the strategic and political dynamics."

For her, the experience allowed her to combine academia and real-life practice to judge the best leadership style, depending on the context and the situation, while ensuring adherence to the core values in the UAE.

Asked about key takeaways from the programme, she said: "Embracing authenticity while maintaining openness towards new ideas and practices."