About NEP

“The UAE is a nation that pursues innovation, with its people at the forefront of progress. Lifelong learning is the fuel that propels our nation forward.”

– His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE

Developed under the direction of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, the National Experts Program is a launchpad for Emirati experts who strive to play a leading role in the transformation of future-growth sectors aligned with the UAE’s national priorities. Underpinned by the values of His Highness and built upon five mindsets for lifelong learning, NEP’s rigorous program combines academics, immersive work experience, and mentoring by top government and business leaders. NEP cultivates sector expertise in its participants—a select cohort of ambitious, experienced professionals who will help shape the country’s future.

As custodian of NEP, His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan provides strategic guidance to ensure that NEP fulfills its mission of training Emirati sector experts in alignment with the UAE’s evolving priorities. His leadership ensures that NEP cultivates expertise and innovation, fostering a network of experts dedicated to the nation’s sustainable growth.

NEP is delivered by ODA Academy, the capability-building arm of the Office of Development Affairs of the Presidential Court, in support of the UAE’s strategic priorities.

NEP at the Forefront of Progress

At pivotal moments in the history of our nation, progress has come from people willing to work on the best solutions for the future. 

We are living one of those moments.

Since our founding in 2019, NEP has existed to lead the transformation in sectors critical to the UAE’s future economy and national development.

NEP Experts challenge assumptions about how our most strategic sectors work and to think big about how they could work better. The challenges we face now are more complex, interconnected, and urgent than ever, and they touch every area of our diverse society: from education and family to food security, technology, and defense.

NEP Experts are developing new ideas and new ways to engage everyone in the work.

The mission is clear: NEP serves as a launchpad for Emirati experts, accelerating their journey from specialized expertise to national leadership. Through advanced training, strategic exposure, and access to influential networks, the program equips high-potential Emiratis with the capabilities and platforms needed to shape policy, drive innovation, and lead transformation in sectors critical to the UAE’s future. Today, 70% of NEP Experts hold leadership roles. By empowering experts to translate knowledge into impact and to contribute to national priorities, the program strengthens the UAE’s human capital and prepares a new generation of leaders capable of advancing the country’s long-term development and global standing.

NEP Experts are generating big ideas and bold solutions for the future of the UAE.

NEP Experts do this by:

• Translating national strategies into concrete initiatives and policies
• Advancing innovation and global best practices
• Building collaboration across government, industry, and academia
• Developing future Emirati leaders and expertise