Initiative aims to recruit top Emirati talent for future transport majors including AI, autonomous mobility, and cybersecurity
DUBAI — Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has officially opened applications for its Academic Scholarship Programme for the 2026–2027 academic year. The initiative underscores the authority’s ongoing commitment to nurturing human capital and attracting high-achieving Emirati talent to specialized fields that drive the development of a smart and sustainable transport ecosystem.
The programme aligns with Dubai’s broader vision to equip a new generation of UAE nationals with the skills required to lead digital transformation across the emirate. It specifically targets outstanding Emirati high school graduates alongside current university students, offering financial and academic backing across pivotal majors tied to advanced technology and modern transit systems.
Athari Mohamed, Executive Director of Human Resources and Development at RTA’s Corporate Administrative Support Services Sector, highlighted the long-term impact of the initiative.
“The Scholarship Programme, launched by RTA in 2009, is a key pillar of RTA’s strategy to build a sustainable pipeline of specialised Emirati talent capable of supporting key transformation projects in the transport sector and strengthening Dubai’s global competitiveness in adopting smart and innovative solutions,” Mohamed stated.
She further emphasized that the authority takes a forward-looking approach to ensure academic outcomes match organizational priorities. The current focus areas remain heavily oriented toward cutting-edge disciplines, including artificial intelligence (AI), advanced data analytics, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, and autonomous mobility.
The curriculum segments supported by the scholarship form the backbone of the future of smart transit. Key disciplines include roads engineering, advanced traffic systems, smart city planning, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). By qualifying local talent for these critical infrastructure roles, the RTA aims to enhance its corporate readiness and fortify national capabilities in strategic forecasting and decision-making.
Eligible Emirati students looking to advance their education in these vital sectors are encouraged to review the criteria and submit their applications through the RTA’s official portal.
