His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Chairman of the National Fund, highlighted that recent research conducted by Dutch scholars, which aimed to gather insights on university students’ choices for their fields of study, revealed that a significant majority of Emirati students believe that the highest purpose of their education is to serve the nation across various domains and contribute to its development journey.
He stated that this finding reflects the awareness of Emirati youth regarding their national responsibilities and embodies the authentic values instilled in them by the late founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may his soul rest in peace. These values are continuously nurtured today by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. He emphasized that students’ eagerness to serve the UAE in all sectors—be it scientific, technological, or humanitarian—assures that the country’s future is in capable hands, equipped for creativity and innovation, confidently progressing towards achieving its vision of global leadership.
This statement was made during His Excellency’s address at an open meeting for graduates of the fourth session of the “Bridges International” program, organized by the National Fund in collaboration with various local and international entities, especially industry institutions in Germany.
Participants
The meeting, which featured 25 Emirati students, focused on the graduates’ experiences during their six-month internship, both locally and in Germany. Numerous officials from the participating industrial organizations in the “Bridges International” program shared their insights, along with trainers and supervisors of this significant initiative. The session was moderated by Yasser Al Qarqawi, the General Director of the National Fund.
Al Qarqawi remarked that the National Fund is committed to providing exceptional Emirati university graduates with the opportunity to join this pioneering program—the first intensive training initiative in industrial technology in Germany. This program allows participants to engage with state-of-the-art technologies through hands-on training and experience at major German partnerships, facilitating their skill development and enhancing their employability.
He further noted that the National Fund consistently emphasizes the empowerment and qualification of youth, whether for careers in the private sector or venturing into entrepreneurship. The “Bridges International” program specifically aims to offer comprehensive opportunities for Emirati university graduates to gain insights and training within advanced German factories, benefiting from their extensive expertise through a well-structured program designed by international training specialists using the latest global methodologies.
The fourth edition of “Bridges International” included 25 students and collaborated with several leading German companies in the fields of energy, advanced technologies, aviation, and pharmaceuticals. The participating students represented four universities: Khalifa University (9 students), UAE University (9 students), Higher Colleges of Technology (6 students), and the American University of Sharjah (1 student).
Pride
The participating students expressed their pride in their experiences within the “Bridges International” program. Student Sara Abdullah Al Kahtani mentioned that this experience was a significant milestone in her professional path, as it provided her with exposure to a multicultural work environment and broadened her intellectual and professional horizons. She added that working in Germany with a global team strengthened her determination to pursue a career in diplomacy and extended her gratitude to the National Fund and all who contributed to this opportunity.
Meanwhile, Salem Mohammed Al Katbi noted that during his internship, he gained practical technical experiences in aircraft component maintenance, non-destructive testing, and working with composite materials. He also learned about high-quality standards in an advanced industrial environment and how to operate within a diverse international setting, enhancing his ability to communicate and adapt, build new professional and social networks, and make German friends, thereby acquiring experiences to share with his colleagues in the UAE. He expressed his appreciation to the National Fund for providing this invaluable opportunity.
Bushra Al Hamadi shared that she learned a great deal during her internship, acquiring expertise in design, execution of 3D models, and precise 2D drawings, as well as developing skills in welding, disassembly, and assembly within shielding projects while handling complex electrical systems without damage. She emphasized the importance of safety, organization, and teamwork in a highly professional manufacturing environment.