Abu Dhabi Launches Social Care Scholarships to Strengthen National Talent Development
The Department of Community Development (DCD), in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), has initiated a scholarship program focused on social care. This initiative is part of the broader Abu Dhabi Scholarships Programme aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the emirate’s social care sector.
Commitment to National Talent
This strategic initiative underscores Abu Dhabi’s dedication to nurturing national talent and ensuring the sustainability of the social care sector. The program aims to prepare and qualify specialized national professionals to address community needs while adhering to the highest professional and regulatory standards.
The launch of this scholarship program aligns with the rapid expansion of Abu Dhabi’s social care sector, characterized by an increase in service providers, a wider array of services, and a growing demand for qualified social and psychological professionals. Despite this growth, the availability of specialized national talent remains limited, highlighting the necessity for targeted interventions. The program is designed to create clear educational and career pathways that will support the long-term sustainability of the social care system in the emirate.
Target Audience and Educational Pathways
The scholarship program is specifically aimed at Emirati students interested in pursuing key disciplines in social and psychological fields. It offers scholarships for both undergraduate and master’s levels through established pathways at leading international universities. This approach not only enhances the attractiveness of these fields but also emphasizes their importance as sustainable career options with significant social value.
At the undergraduate level, the program focuses on social work and psychology. For master’s students, particularly those who are unemployed, it includes disciplines such as family counseling, social work, psychology, counseling psychology, and psychotherapy. A pilot pathway will be introduced this year under the approved scholarship system.
Statements from Officials
Mubarak Salem Al Ameri, Executive Director of the Licensing and Social Control Sector at DCD, stated that the program represents a strategic investment in human capital. He emphasized that it reflects the department’s vision to cultivate a sustainable social care system led by highly qualified national professionals capable of effectively responding to evolving social needs.
Dr. Ahmed Sultan Al Shuaibi, Executive Director of the Talent Enablement Sector at ADEK, remarked that this partnership illustrates the value of collaboration between agencies to empower Emirati students through a comprehensive approach that encompasses both academic guidance and professional development. He noted that the initiative aligns with national priorities that prioritize family and social cohesion.
Addressing Sector Needs
By aligning the Abu Dhabi Scholarships Programme with the requirements of key sectors, DCD and ADEK are working towards their shared objectives of enhancing family stability and ensuring that national talent is adequately prepared to fulfill its social and professional roles over the long term.
Mahasen Alhosani, Director of the Social Standards Division at DCD, explained that the program is designed to directly address the evolving needs of the social sector. It provides beneficiaries with clear educational pathways and sustainable career opportunities. The program targets a select group of outstanding Emirati students who will be chosen to pursue priority social and psychological disciplines. Beneficiaries will receive comprehensive support, including full tuition coverage, practical training opportunities, and professional guidance and mentoring. This integrated approach ensures that graduates are well-prepared to enter the licensing system and contribute effectively to the social care sector.
Alhosani further indicated that the program aims to attract a cohort of undergraduate students through existing programs, alongside a group of master’s students in the inaugural class set for 2026. This initiative is expected to play a crucial role in bridging the gap between the supply and demand for specialized talent while enhancing the overall quality of social services available to the community.
Outreach and Impact
The program primarily targets secondary school students, recent graduates, as well as parents and academic counselors. Its core message highlights that a career in social care is not just a job but a meaningful profession capable of creating lasting and positive impacts within society.
As reported by www.emirates247.com.
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Published on 2026-03-29 18:56:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk