Hessa Bint Essa Buhumaid: “The government seeks to foster and encourage creativity by facilitating plans that are future oriented”

Dhahi Khalfan: “We aspire to qualify talent and expertise to carry the torch of knowledge excellence, and establish a culture of scientific inquiry”

Mansour Al Awar: 'Our aim is to equip individuals with the skills for scientific exploration and prepare them for the challenges of the future”

February 23, 2022 – The Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) has recently held an event to honour the graduates of the “Emirati Explorer” Program, in the presence of H.E. Hessa Bint Essa Buhumaid, Minister of Community Development and H.E. Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Deputy Chairman of Police and General Security of Dubai and Chairman of HBMSU Board of Governors. The event was organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Community Development, under the patronage of the Emirates Talent Association.

The Emirati Explorer Program is an initiative that aims to strengthen the Emirati scientific community in line with the University's strategy to develop young talents skilled in leadership and technology. The graduation ceremony themed ‘We Discover the Future,’ was held at the DP World Pavilion and the Fazaa Pavilion at the Expo 2020 Dubai, bringing together 20 talented graduates, along with their parents and several key officials.

The graduation ceremony was accompanied by a 'Talent Session' at the DP World Pavilion, during which the students presented their projects developed during the program. The attendees also enjoyed a stimulating and vibrant presentation that showcased explorers' talents and inventions in accordance with the Expo 2020 Dubai theme, ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future.’

This was followed by the ‘Talents’ March’, a session where the graduates, accompanied by their families, VIP guests, partners, and media professionals marched to the Wall of Talents at the Fazaa Pavilion. Students held cards with their name, year of birth, and potential designation, that were displayed on the newly inaugurated ‘Wall of Talent,’ allowing visitors to identify and learn more about the future innovators of the UAE.

H.E. Hessa Bint Essa Buhumaid, Minister of Community Development, congratulated the creative students for the successful completion of this qualifying stage at the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University. Further, she emphasized the importance of nurturing the talent of students and encouraging their creativity, as they represent the nation’s future and pave the way to excellence, happiness, and a higher quality of life. Additionally, Her Excellency reaffirmed the UAE’s continuous encouragement, support, and future oriented plans throughout its next fifty-year journey, up to its Centennial in 2071.

H.E. Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim congratulated the graduates for their aptitude, abilities to present theses that reflect their potential, and confidence to play key roles in advancing scientific innovation and knowledge leadership.

His Excellency added: 'Celebrating the graduation of Emirati Explorer Program learners complements HBMSU's goal of establishing knowledge and scientific innovation as the solid foundation for building the competencies of young nationals that will promote future readiness and keep pace with the needs of institutions and professionals in a highly competitive environment. Additionally, the celebration also recognizes our valued partnership with the Emirates Talent Association and the Ministry of Community Development. The graduation of this class holds special significance, as it coincides with the UAE's preparation to enter a new era of development, progress, and prosperity. The event is held at the Expo 2020 Dubai, which also embodies the UAE's position as a world-class scientific and technological country. We will continue to develop national talent and competence to carry the torch of innovation, thereby establishing the culture of exploration and scientific research as a foundational value for future generations.'

H.E. Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, Chancellor of Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University, said: “The Emirati Explorer Program aims to provide talented students with knowledge and hands-on skills in scientific exploration using advanced technologies. By acquiring these tools, they will be able to compete on the global stage, face future challenges, achieve scientific excellence in the fields of innovation, knowledge, and creativity. In line with the directives of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and President of the University, the program further fulfils HBMSU’s aspirations to foster generations of globally competitive talents in various scientific fields.”

Al Awar added: “We also congratulate our graduates on their excellence. We are confident in their ability to advance in the scientific and knowledge fields, to contribute to the UAE’s aspirations and lead its development process by making optimal use of the skills and knowledge capabilities acquired through the program. By implementing the program in conjunction with the Emirates Talent Association, we are continuing to invest in national talents to enhance their capabilities in the areas of innovation, emerging technologies, space science, and others, as part of our efforts to support the country’s development and competitiveness.”

The Emirati Explorer Program aims to develop students’ knowledge, skills, and scientific abilities using advanced technologies, develop their perseverance and leadership capabilities, in addition to improving their skills in deploying scientific methodologies to solve problems in basic sciences, including chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics. The main objective of the program is to create scientifically and technologically qualified generations capable of contributing to the UAE's sustainable development in various fields in the future.