The Frontline Heroes Office has announced a Higher Education Scholarship Programme with the aim of implementing short and long-term solutions and supporting UAE's frontline workers. The announcement has come in line with the directives of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Chairman of the Frontline Heroes Office, to provide necessary support to frontline workers to overcome pandemic repercussions.

Launched in partnership with the Ministry of Education, the programme is supported by Sandooq Al Watan and the UAE's private sector. Under the programme, eligible frontline heroes and their children will be provided scholarships for government and private colleges and universities across the UAE, starting from the academic year 2021-2022. This programme is aimed at recognising the efforts and sacrifices made by all frontline heroes who ar working continuously to protect the community from the pandemic.

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Chairman of Sandooq Al Watan, said the UAE has set a paramount example in the global fight against the pandemic with the support of the country's wise leadership and efforts of frontline heroes across all sectors. He expressed excitement in supporting the initiative, adding that it fully compliments the core values at Sandooq Al Watan. He further noted that the programme is inspired by the deeply-rooted principles of giving and unity of the Emirati culture.

"We are proud to contribute today by recognising these heroes and appreciating their commitment and dedication in protecting everyone in the country," Sheikh Nahyan added.

Assuring full support of Sandooq Al Watan, the Minister hailed the private sector for backing this humanitarian and community initiative which seeks to assist the education future of UAE’s frontline heroes and their children. He also pointed out that the programme is in line with the corporate social responsibility of the private sector in the UAE.

"Education is one of the cornerstones for building a better future and developing the community, as well as activating the private sector’s role in supporting and enabling young talent," Sheikh Nahyan said.

Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Frontline Heroes Office, reiterated that the initiative is in with the vision and directives of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, to support frontline heroes and their families who are sacrificing their own health and safety to protect others in need in the country. He expressed his gratitude and appreciation for Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s ongoing efforts to provide assistance to frontline workers and their families during these challenging times.

"The Frontline Heroes Office dedicates all efforts possible to repay the sacrifice of these heroes who continue to work selflessly to protect our community during the pandemic. Their continued bravery and dedication are evident across different sectors, and they reflect truly honorable examples embodying the UAE’s values and culture," Sheikh Sultan said.

Hussain bin Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Minister of Education, also expressed appreciation for the support provided by Sandooq Al Watan and the private sector to the initiative aimed at offering higher education scholarships to frontline heroes and their children. He further acknowledged Sandooq Al Watan and private sector's commitment towards higher education, social contribution, and the principles of unity and cooperation in the UAE community.

Eligible applicants can benefit from the initiative by submitting their scholarship request with relevant supporting documents and acceptance letter from their chosen university or college to: [email protected].

The Frontline Heroes Office will finalise all eligible requests, which will be directly sent to the relevant universities or colleges. The initiative seeks to support those working on the frontline of UAE's fight against COVID-19 and their families such that their financial burden is reduced and higher education goals are accomplished.

WAM