Students in Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's scholarship scheme to be trained by former US envoy

This year, 24 outstanding young Emiratis were selected for a course in politics, economy and leadership

Students graduate at a ceremony in the UAE. Some of the brightest Emirati students were chosen for the Crown Prince's course in diplomacy and leadership. Sarah Dea / The National

Emirati students selected for a prestigious scholarship programme will be trained in politics, economy and leadership by two top experts.

Former US Ambassador to the UAE Michael Corbin and James Traub, an author and journalist, will teach as part of the Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Scholar Programme at NYU Abu Dhabi.

The 24 have been selected from United Arab Emirates University, Zayed University and the Higher Colleges of Technology.

“The students will participate in academic, leadership, and cross-cultural experiences to enhance their profiles and prepare them for graduate school,” said Diane Yu, the programme’s executive director.

“This year, the competition was fierce and the decisions were very difficult because of the high quality of the candidates.

“The faculty and staff look forward to working with them, initially in the virtual instruction mode and we hope through in-person teaching later in the year.”

Out of the 60 students that were nominated, 36 made it to the finals and only 24 were selected.

Mr Corbin will teach a course on how governments are dealing with a new political economy. It will also focus the rapidly changing world, rise of artificial intelligence and changing ideas of community.

Mr Traub’s course will be titled ‘Crises in Context’ and will look at topics such as climate change, migration, and the Covid-19 pandemic and other global issues.

“The Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Scholars Programme recognises promising students and provides them with unparalleled educational and leadership development opportunities,” said Sheikha Mariam bint Mohammed bin Zayed, co-chair of the steering committee.