The Federal Youth Foundation launches the “National Preparedness Program.”

Under the directives of the Education, Human Development and Community Council, the Federal Youth Foundation launched the “National Preparedness Program – Ghattarif”, which is an integrated national program targeting recent high school graduates, young men and women, with the aim of preparing a generation that possesses the knowledge, skills and values ​​necessary for success in family, academic and professional life, and to contribute to serving the nation, society and priority national sectors, in a way that supports the sustainable development of the country, in partnership with governmental and academic agencies and the private sector.

On this occasion, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chairman of the Education, Human Development and Society Council, said: “The UAE’s journey has been based on a firm belief that the human being is the foundation of its renaissance, and that every generation bears the responsibility of continuing its path… The young men and women of the Emirates are the true wealth of the nation, and through them we preserve the achievements achieved and move them to broader horizons of global leadership… The National Preparedness Program – Ghattarif comes as an extension of this approach, by preparing and empowering a generation He believes in his values, is confident in his abilities, and is ready to contribute to serving his country, creating its future, building stable families, and sustaining his society.”

Her Highness Sheikha Maryam bint Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the Education, Human Development and Society Council, said: “Our youth’s confidence in their abilities begins with the family, and when family confidence meets the quality opportunities and experiences that the nation provides, capable and responsible generations are formed, more confident in their true role in supporting the future of the Emirates, and the National Preparedness Program – Ghattarif comes as an extension of this role, to complement the values instilled by the family, and translate them into a practical experience that opens up new horizons for learning and contribution before them. In the prosperity of their families, their community and their country.”

Through an experience extending over an 11-month period, the program combines theoretical learning, specialized training, and field application, and represents a turning point in their journey from general education to higher education, the labor market, and family life, with the aim of preparing them for family, academic, and professional life, and consolidating the values ​​of national identity and societal responsibility, in a way that ensures the sustainability of the state’s development process.

The program includes three main tracks: defence, protection, and artificial intelligence, health and care, and sustainability and vital services, and through a journey that includes three main stages, which include the basic stage for developing skills and enhancing national identity and Emirati values, the specialized and applied stage for building knowledge and expertise related to the targeted sectors, and practical training to apply skills in realistic professional environments at partner agencies.

Each track also includes a set of basic knowledge and areas related to national development needs, including health sciences, food security, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, logistics, supply chain management, basic languages ​​and mathematics.

Minister of State for Youth Affairs, Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, said: “With the launch of the first phase in September 2026, the National Preparedness Program – Ghattarif, directed at recent high school graduates, male and female, will constitute a qualitative opportunity that moves young people from learning to application… Through practical experiences, participants will be able to gain real-life experiences, learn about the needs of vital sectors, and build skills that will help them choose their future paths with confidence, and participate effectively in serving their families, their community, and their country.”

Secretary General of the Education, Human Development and Society Council, Hajar Ahmed Al-Dhahli, said: “Preparing young people is no longer limited to academic education, but has become an integrated system that links knowledge with skill, values ​​with experience, and learning with the requirements of the future. The National Readiness Program – Ghattarif embodies this trend by unifying the efforts of educational institutions and their partners to prepare a generation capable of keeping pace with changes, serving their country, and contributing to priority national sectors with confidence and efficiency.”

The launch of the “National Preparedness Program – Ghattarif” reflects the UAE’s continued commitment to investing in its youth, enabling them to contribute effectively to the development process, and enhancing their readiness for a more prosperous and sustainable future. The first phase of the program will launch in September 2026 in cooperation with a group of partners from governmental and semi-governmental agencies, higher education institutions, and the private sector, and provides participants with educational and applied experiences linked to national needs and priorities.

The program also offers a package of incentives and privileges, including a monthly bonus, practical training opportunities, obtaining accredited professional certificates, and benefiting from academic hours in accordance with approved regulations, in addition to opportunities to support projects and future paths for distinguished participants.

The Federal Foundation called on newly graduated high school boys and girls to view the details of the program, its paths, and the requirements for enrollment and registration through the official platform NRP.FYA.GOV.AE, as registration for the pilot phase of the program begins on Thursday, July 23, 2026, and will continue until Thursday, July 30, 2026.