Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Through its structured learning tracks and real-world experiences, the fourth edition of the National Experts Program (NEP) is shaping a new cadre of future leaders in priority sectors.
Twenty-five Emirati experts, selected from a pool of more than 1,100 applicants, comprise the fourth edition of the NEP.
Launched in 2019, under the direction of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the NEP is a launchpad for Emirati experts to play a leading role in the transformation of future-growth sectors aligned with the UAE's national priorities.
The programme goes beyond traditional academic training, placing experts in real-world environments where decisions are made and strategies are shaped.
The 25 participants were chosen for their skills, achievements and most importantly, their commitment to driving innovation in their sectors and contributing to the UAE's growth.
A key highlight of NEP 4.0 is its flagship initiative, the National Priority Journeys (NPJs), along with its structured learning tracks: The Disruption and Innovation, National Identity and Nudging in Public Policy.
Each track is meticulously crafted to align with the nation's strategic goals, pairing experts with leading institutions and immersive field experiences and research.
The Disruption and Innovation track focuses on clean energy and climate resilience, the National Identity track integrates Emirati values into policymaking, while the Nudging in Public Policy track applies behavioural science to develop evidence-based solutions.
In an interview with Aletihad, His Excellency Ahmed Taleb Al Shamsi, Director of NEP, said the National Priority Journey program is closely aligned with the UAE's long-term strategic vision, addressing key areas such as food security, climate action, national wellbeing, and other critical priorities.
"By placing experts at the heart of these sectors, NEP is helping drive the UAE's policy ambitions and accelerate progress towards its long-term goals."
At the core of its mission is empowering Emiratis to think critically, lead strategically, and contribute meaningfully to the nation's future, thereby cultivating a new generation of experts who are not only ready to serve but also equipped to shape the next chapter of their sectors.
"To date, NEP has empowered 86 Emiratis across key national priority sectors - ranging from space and energy to culture and the creative industries - reinforcing the UAE's capacity to lead with homegrown expertise," His Excellency Al Shamsi said.
Speaking to Aletihad, Butti Almheiri, Assistant Project Manager at the Office of Development Affairs, Presidential Court, elaborated on the learning tracks of the programme.
"What distinguishes the Disruption and Innovation track is its forward-looking orientation towards the transformative trends shaping the UAE, as well as its hands-on approach to developing innovative solutions for critical social and environmental challenges," Almheiri said.
The National Identity track explores how Emirati values can be embedded more deeply into policymaking across education, media, and other vital public services.
Participants in this track are developing a draft framework to guide policies that reflect the UAE's heritage while adapting to future national priorities, he said.
Meanwhile, the Nudging in Public Policy track examines how behavioural science can be applied to design more effective, evidence-based interventions.
Earlier this year, eight experts presented their work at Behavioural Exchange (BX2025), the global behavioural science conference hosted by the Behavioural Insights Team (BIT) and the Behavioural Science Group, in partnership with the Center for Behavioural Institutional Design at NYU Abu Dhabi.
The event, held for the first time in the MENA region, covered themes ranging from education and healthcare to sustainability, cultural identity, and food security.
Rasha Attar, Advisor at the Presidential Court of the UAE, Director of BSG and Member of the NEP Program Committee, highlighted that the Nudging for Public Policy track turns learning into real-world action.
"By blending behavioural science theory with hands-on policy experimentation, it equips emerging Emirati leaders with both the mindset and the tools to design evidence-based solutions," Attar told Aletihad.
"The journey brings proven behavioural insights together with practical project work in candidates' own policy areas, giving them the confidence to apply their learning in real-world settings. It is more than a training programme, it is actively building the next generation of policy shapers who think critically, test rigorously and lead with impact," she added.
