Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, an independent, research-driven graduate-level university focused on advanced energy and sustainable technologies, and the ICT Fund, an initiative of the UAE Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), today jointly announced a scholarship program for 30 outstanding students to study ICT at the institute.
A first-of-its-kind fund in the Arab world, the ICT Fund aims to achieve a global leadership position for UAE’s ICT sector through fostering innovation. The scholarship will cover tuition fees, textbook allowance, application and enrollment fees, fees for preparatory programs and administrative services, housing fees and monthly stipend.
The announcement was made at a press conference organized by the ICT Fund and Masdar Institute in Dubai. The agreement was signed by Dr. Abdul Qader Al Khayat, Chairman, Board of Trustees of ICT Fund, and Dr. Fred Moavenzadeh, President of the Masdar Institute.
Dr. Eesa Bastaki, CEO of the ICT Fund, Hamza Kazim, Vice-President for Operations & Finance of Masdar Institute, and Dr. Lamya Nawaf Fawwaz, Executive Director of Public Affairs of Masdar Institute, were also present at the press conference.
Students availing the scholarship will have to pledge that they will join any relevant positions in the ICT sector in the UAE upon graduation. The scholarship will be available only to full-time students who maintain the minimum GPA required by the TRA and Masdar Institute.
The agreement is part of TRA’s collaboration with Masdar Institute to focus on human capital development efforts in the UAE. According to the agreement, Masdar Institute will select the students who meet the TRA’s requirements and supervise them during their studies in accordance with the set criteria.
Dr. Eesa Bastaki said: “We focus on three core areas – education, research and development, and incubators – to stimulate the ICT sector’s growth. Masdar Institute continues to play a crucial role in developing Emirati human capital, especially in advanced technology areas. We are confident the scholarship program will effectively create the best professionals from among the high-caliber students at the research-based institution.”
In line with the agreement, Masdar Institute will additionally clarify the objectives and requirements of the TRA scholarship program to potential candidates and enrolled students. In effect, the collaboration aims to provide the ICT sector in the UAE with skilled Emirati professionals, and help graduating national students to find work in the UAE’s ICT sector.
Dr. Fred Moavenzadeh, President of the Masdar Institute, said: “Masdar Institute is mandated to develop and nurture students of high academic standing as part of its contribution to the UAE’s human capital development concurring with the directive by the country’s leadership. The agreement with TRA for the scholarship program will ensure students, on their part, contribute to the growth of the UAE’s ICT sector. We will continue our contribution as an academic institution in developing the country’s knowledge base through relevant and meaningful collaborations.”
Established as an on-going collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Masdar Institute integrates theory and practice to incubate a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, working to develop the critical thinkers and leaders of tomorrow. With its world-class faculty and top-tier students, the Institute is committed to finding solutions to the challenges of clean energy and climate change through education and research.
