The National Experts Programme (NEP) has emerged as a catalyst for the UAE’s ambitious vision, empowering 86 Emirati experts to drive transformative change across key sectors shaping the nation’s future.
Launched in 2019, NEP has become a cornerstone of national progress, showcasing global leadership in innovation and sustainability.
With a record number of advanced degree holders—14 PhDs and 57 master’s degrees—NEP participants exemplify exceptional expertise. Reflecting on the programme's impact, Ahmed Al Shamsi, NEP Director, stated,
“NEP continues to align with the UAE’s ambitions for the next 50 years, nurturing expertise and fostering innovation to meet national goals and priorities.”
NEP sector experts have led groundbreaking projects, including a virtual environmental identity to measure per capita carbon footprints by Abdulla Al Remeithi, and a model for e-waste management spearheaded by Azza Al Raisi. Other innovations include Maitha Al Hameli’s use of AI to study marine mammals and Nour Al Mehairi’s platform connecting eco-conscious consumers with sustainable UAE farms.
On the global stage, NEP experts have amplified the UAE’s leadership at COP27 and COP28, launching initiatives, authoring white papers, and hosting key sessions. Their influence extended to COP29 in Baku, where they served as UAE negotiators. Contributions at G7 and G20 summits further solidified the UAE’s role in global sustainability and economic policymaking.
As NEP enters its fourth cohort, alumni are poised to collaborate with new participants to advance initiatives in space, education, AI, and healthcare, reinforcing the programme’s pivotal role in shaping the UAE’s future.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
