Initiative Will Provide Scholarships for Master's Education at World Renowned Universities

Dubai: 05 December, 2007 - The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation today launched the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Fellows Programme, the first of a series of initiatives to be implemented under its scholarship agenda.

The 'Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Fellows Programme' will help talented and ambitious young students, from across the region, to pursue post graduate studies in Business Administration (MBA), Public Administration (MPA), Public Policy (MPP) and Finance at premier international universities including Harvard, London Business School, National University of Singapore (NUS), Stanford and IMD. The programme will cover all tuition related costs including books, accommodation, stipend and travel for the full duration of the Fellowship.

By harnessing the potential of promising students through financing their graduate studies in renowned global universities, the programme confirms the Foundation's commitment to invest in the region's knowledge and human development.

Announcing the initiative at a press conference, Mustafa Al Ansari, Director of Human Resources and Business Support at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation said: "The prime objective of the Fellows Programme is to help reverse the region's brain drain and encourage talented human capital to contribute to the development of the region. Through this initiative, we will create an environment that will ensure the evolution of a new generation of leaders across the public and private sectors.  

"The trend of students staying back in the country of study to pursue their careers after the completion of their Masters programme deprives our region of valuable intellectual capital. The Fellows programme will seek to ensure this rich resource of academic wealth is channeled within the region to drive its overall development."

Under the Fellows programme, students will be required to return to the region, following the completion of their studies, for a minimum period of two years of employment in the public or private sector. A binding contractual agreement will be signed between the Foundation and successful candidates for the Fellows Programme.

"The legal obligation will not deprive the beneficiaries of their legitimate right to seek job opportunities elsewhere in the world after fulfilling their commitment to the region," Al Ansari explained.

The highly competitive Fellows Programme is open to Arabs with outstanding leadership capabilities and academic track record. Dedication and commitment to the region's human and socio-economic progress are also key selection criteria. Proof of substantial achievements in either governmental or non-governmental sectors will also be required.

Meanwhile, the Foundation has invited Arab MBA seekers to visit its stand at the QS World MBA Tour at Dusit Dubai on December 7, to learn more about the Fellows Programme. Advisors from the Foundation will be on hand, at the world's largest programme of recruitment and information fairs for business school applicants, to brief interested and qualified individuals on the application criteria and selection process.

The Fellows Programme will also be promoted at QS World MBA Tour in Cairo on December 10.

-Ends-

For more information, please contact:
Mohammed Abdelmonem
A'Sidrah Public Affairs
Tel: +971 4 3642196
Fax: +971 4 3688004
Email: mohammed.abdelmonem@asidrah.ae

© Press Release 2007