Under the directives of the Education, Human Development, and Community Development Council, the Federal Youth Authority (FYA) launched the first phase of the ‘National Readiness Programme – Ghatareef’, which engages 1,280 young Emiratis who recently graduated from high school across the UAE.
Over the course of 11 months, the programme aims to develop their capabilities, equip them with essential skills and experiences, and support their transition into more advanced academic and professional stages. This, in turn, strengthens their ability and readiness to contribute to society and priority national sectors.
The first phase of ‘Ghatareef’ is delivered across seven educational sites, as part of an executive framework that brings together academic institutions and national partners. These include the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah, as well as the University of Sharjah and the University of Khorfakkan. This wide geographic presence enables participants to enrol in a comprehensive learning environment that combines training and practical application.
Targeting recent high school graduates aged 17 to 19, ‘Ghatareef’ takes participants on a gradual journey beginning with a foundational stage focused on skill‑building, national identity, and Emirati values. It then moves into the specialisation and application phase, culminating in the hands‑on training phase, which takes place in professional environments across partner institutions.
Participants are distributed across three principal tracks: Defence, Protection, and Artificial Intelligence; Health and Care; and Sustainability and Vital Services. These tracks align with the UAE’s future priorities, covering fields such as AI, cybersecurity, health sciences, food security, logistics, and supply chain management, in addition to the languages, mathematics, and core knowledge supporting each pathway.
The programme provides participants with monthly stipends, accredited professional certificates, academic credits in line with approved standards, and practical training opportunities, in addition to scholarships, career prospects, and support for projects and future pathways according to programme criteria.
