Over 200 Emirati students receive scholarships in Dubai's top schools

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Distinguished Students Programme has helped 134 Emirati families in Dubai by providing 236 scholarships in 13 private schools rated Good or better.

The programme, launched in April this year, offers top performing Emirati students scholarships to study in Dubai private schools.

More than 100 parents attended a gathering hosted at the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) over the weekend.

Speaking at the event, KHDA director general Dr Abdulla Al Karam said: "Students who are part of this programme are our ambassadors and their achievements will encourage other Emirati families to apply for this programme in the future."

The event was attended by Aisha Miran, assistant secretary general for strategy management and governance sector at The Executive Council of Dubai, Hesham Al Qaizi, CEO of Knowledge Fund, Fatma Al Marri, CEO - KHDA, and representatives of GEMS Education and Taaleem.

Parents also shared their views and experiences and presented ideas and suggestions to enhance the programme.

Hesham Al Qaizi, CEO of Knowledge Fund said, "The active participation of students and parents in this programme contributes to its success. Through our partnership with government entities and education providers, we will continue to invest in human minds and create a better future for the UAE."

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Distinguished Students Programme is supported by Dubai-based school operators Taaleem and GEMS Education.

Taaleem offered 112 places to students across three schools this year. CEO Ros Marshall said: "We are proud to be associated with this inspirational and transformational initiative. The first MBRDSP students have settled remarkably well into their new schools and are already playing an active part in all aspects of school life. We are also delighted with the strong support and positive feedback we have had from parents of scholarship students; forging a strong partnership with them is one of our first priorities."

GEMS Education offered 124 places to Emirati students at 10 schools across its network in Dubai.

GEMS Education CEO Dino Varkey said: "We are a proud partner of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Distinguished Students Programme – a programme that reflects the bold vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. GEMS Education, working in partnership with the KHDA, has pledged its support to provide opportunities for outstanding Emirati students and help to prepare a future generation of Emirati leaders. GEMS Education's schools in Dubai have welcomed over 120 outstanding Emirati students to 10 of our schools this year".

Earlier during the event, parents and officials kicked off the event with a 3 kilometre walk at KHDA's indoor running track for men and a 20 minute yoga activity for women as part of an activity hosted to the Dubai Fitness Challenge.