UAE, October 9, 2013 – The Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology (EIAST), part of a strategic initiative to inspire scientific innovation and technological advancement in the UAE, has announced the winners of the Entaliq scholarship. The scholarship aims to support talented high school students and university students from various engineering disciplines, including Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Software Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Optics, Aerospace, and Telecommunications Engineering
University students Marwan Al Sharid and Ahmad Al Nuaimi both received the Entaliq 2013 scholarship in line with efforts to increase the number of EIAST engineers working in the field of satellite manufacturing. There are currently 45 UAE experts who are working on the DubaiSat-3 Satellite project on the ground, with satellite segments to be developed on UAE soil exclusively by Emiratis.
H.E. Yousuf Al Shaibani,Director General, EIAST, said: “Investment into the UAE’s human capital is part of EIAST’s three-pronged strategy for advancing knowledge, infrastructure and manufacturing facilities in order to develop advanced satellite systems through the skills of UAE nationals. This is vital to advancing the UAE’s march towards excellence and becominga regional hub and pioneer in global space technology. The Entaliq scholarship focuses on promoting scientific and academic excellence in the field of space sciences and relevant engineering disciplines which have become the backbone of sustainable development.”
“Through our scholarships we aim to nurture a new generation of young UAE nationals who are able to keep pace with rapid developments in advanced technology. We shall provide a solid foundation for the transfer of knowledge and the promotion of a culture of scientific research and technological innovation in Dubai in line with the goals of UAE’s 2021 Vision which aspires to a knowledge-based economy. We are confident that the winners of this year’s scholarship will represent important additions to our team. We already have a dedicated group of engineers, experts and technicians involved in developing the DubaiSat-3 satellite as part of a new direction towards promoting overall development in light of the directives of our wise leadership,” Added Mona Al Qemzi, Assistant Director General for Financial and Administrative Affairs, EIAST.
Ahmad Al Nuaimi, a second-year Mechanical Engineering student said: “The Entaliq scholarship paves the way for young UAE nationals to reach the highest levels of scientific and academic excellence. He also praised EIAST for its pivotal role in developing the satellite industry and elevating the status of the UAE in this field.
“Winning the scholarship gave me a huge opportunity to improve not only in my field but personally as well,” said Marwan Al Sharid, a second-year mechanical engineering student expressing his joy at winning the scholarship. “The UAEhas made great strides towards establishing a strong presence within the global space sciences community.”
The Entaliq Scholarship program aims to support eligible studentsin pursuing higher education, accelerate the process of recruiting engineers according to the highest standards of academic excellence and technical development, and address projected vacancies of select departments at EIAST. EIAST provides both financial and moral support to winners of the scholarship, who can be high school graduates or university students. Preference is given to Computer, Electrical, Electronics, Software, Chemical, Mechanical and Telecommunications Engineering as well as Physics, Optics and Aerospace. These disciplines are highly relevant to EIAST’s current and future needs.