Dubai Unveils Dhs70M Endowment to Empower Emirati Gifted Youth
Dubai has introduced a groundbreaking initiative with the launch of the Dhs70 million “Gifted Endowment” project. This visionary move is designed to support and develop the nation’s gifted youth, providing a sustainable source of funding to nurture emerging talent across the United Arab Emirates. Spearheaded by the Dubai Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation in collaboration with the Emirates Gifted Association, the endowment represents a long-term commitment to fostering intellectual growth and innovation.
The Gifted Endowment is envisioned as a permanent waqf (Islamic charitable endowment) that will create a continuous income stream. This income will be channeled into programmes that identify, train, and support talented Emiratis through scholarships, research grants, and innovation-driven initiatives. Scheduled for completion within two years, the project is poised to make a lasting impact on the country’s talent development ecosystem.
A Legacy of Generosity and Strategic Vision
Strategically located in Dubai’s Al Raffa area, the project sits on a 70,000-square-foot plot of land with an estimated value of Dhs40 million. This land was generously donated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. His contribution underscores the enduring vision of the country’s leadership in empowering the next generation of innovators, scientists, artists, and entrepreneurs.
Construction of the investment property that will sustain the endowment is expected to cost approximately Dhs30 million. When combined with the land value, the total endowment reaches Dhs70 million. The project’s structure will include a ground floor and six upper floors, comprising 36 residential units, commercial retail spaces, and designated parking areas. This property is designed not only as a revenue source but as a functional, long-term asset aligned with the city’s development goals.
Creating Sustainable Income Through Real Estate Innovation
What makes this initiative particularly innovative is its model: using a real estate asset to generate sustainable funding for educational and developmental purposes. Rather than depending on external funding cycles, the Gifted Endowment applies a sustainable investment strategy. The rental income generated from its residential and retail units will be reinvested directly into programmes aimed at supporting gifted Emirati youth.
This method of funding ensures resilience, financial independence, and scalability. As Dubai continues to grow and develop, property values are likely to appreciate, allowing the returns from the endowment to increase accordingly. Such an approach guarantees the long-term viability of talent-focused initiatives, ensuring they remain effective despite shifting economic circumstances.
In a rapidly evolving global landscape, such foresight enables the emirate to remain competitive in cultivating homegrown talent that can meet both regional and international challenges.
Empowering Excellence Through Education and Innovation
Central to the Gifted Endowment’s mission is the support of Emirati students and young professionals through comprehensive educational aid. Scholarships will provide access to leading institutions locally and globally, helping students gain the skills, knowledge, and global perspectives essential for excellence in today’s competitive world.
Beyond formal education, the endowment will fund research projects led by emerging Emirati innovators. By supporting both academic and applied research in fields such as science, engineering, healthcare, artificial intelligence, and the creative arts, the initiative seeks to encourage boundary-pushing discoveries and innovations.
Complementing these efforts, specialised training programmes and workshops will be developed to enhance critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills. Such initiatives prepare talented youth not just to excel individually, but to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the national economy.
Dubai’s Strategic Vision for Knowledge-Driven Growth
The Gifted Endowment fits seamlessly into Dubai’s wider strategic ambition to foster a knowledge-based economy. As part of the broader UAE Vision and plans like the Centennial 2071 strategy, the emphasis lies on creating a smart, innovative society powered by knowledge, creativity, and talent.
By investing directly in its most promising minds, Dubai enhances its position as a global centre for innovation and education. The Gifted Endowment is a tangible expression of this vision—turning philanthropic investment into a structured, strategic vehicle for national progress.
Dubai’s approach not only strengthens internal capacity but also boosts the emirate’s global competitiveness. Talent is the true currency of modern economies, and through this initiative, Dubai demonstrates its commitment to securing long-term prosperity through human capital development.
Institutional Partnership and Responsible Governance
The collaboration between the Dubai Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation and the Emirates Gifted Association reflects a coordinated and professional approach to long-term project management. Each institution brings unique expertise—one in managing charitable investments and the other in identifying and nurturing gifted individuals.
Transparency and accountability are foundational principles of the endowment’s governance model. Clear oversight mechanisms will guide how the generated funds are used, ensuring they serve the intended purpose efficiently and ethically. Performance indicators and annual evaluations will ensure the continuous refinement of strategies and allow for dynamic responses to changing needs.
This structure not only builds public trust but also sets a strong example of how partnerships between charitable organizations and development-focused entities can lead to impactful outcomes.
Community Involvement and Inclusive Opportunities
For the Gifted Endowment to fully achieve its potential, community involvement will be essential. Families, educators, and civil society will all play vital roles in identifying gifted youth and creating environments where they can thrive. The project aims to involve schools, universities, and local mentors in providing continuous guidance and encouragement.
Inclusivity lies at the heart of the initiative. By focusing purely on talent and merit, the endowment ensures that support is accessible to a broad range of gifted individuals, regardless of socio-economic background or field of interest. Whether a student excels in science, visual arts, or entrepreneurial thinking, the endowment offers a pathway for advancement.
Inclusion and diversity of talent strengthen society as a whole. By welcoming various forms of excellence, Dubai sends a clear message that innovation knows no boundaries and that every form of talent has value in building a thriving nation.
Future-Proofing Through Enduring National Assets
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the Gifted Endowment is its timeless nature. Designed to last indefinitely, it acts as an evolving resource capable of adapting to the future needs of Emirati youth. The endowment is not confined to a single generation; rather, it establishes a framework for enduring national benefit.
As new industries emerge and global dynamics shift, the ability to redirect funds toward relevant areas ensures ongoing relevance. This agility allows the endowment to evolve alongside the UAE’s social and economic transformation, making it not just a funding source but an enabler of national resilience.
In this way, the Gifted Endowment becomes more than a philanthropic project—it becomes a permanent pillar supporting the country’s intellectual and innovative growth.
A Neutral and Merit-Based Approach to Empowerment
A critical strength of the Gifted Endowment lies in its neutrality. The allocation of funds and opportunities will be based strictly on the merit and potential of candidates. The initiative remains free of political or ideological influence, focused solely on advancing national talent in a fair and transparent manner.
This impartiality helps build credibility and ensures that support reaches those who can make the most of it. Moreover, the emphasis on merit encourages a culture of excellence, where dedication and achievement are recognised and rewarded.
Through this balanced and objective approach, the Gifted Endowment maintains the integrity of its mission and maximises its developmental impact.
A Lasting Investment in National Brilliance
The launch of the Dhs70 million Gifted Endowment represents a landmark moment in Dubai’s long-term vision for sustainable human capital development. As the construction phase progresses over the next two years, the city is laying a strong foundation not just in bricks and mortar, but in ideas, innovation, and intellectual empowerment.
This project reflects Dubai’s deep commitment to shaping a future where every gifted individual has the chance to shine. Through a blend of real estate investment, institutional collaboration, and social responsibility, the emirate has created a model of how nations can turn charitable intent into transformative, long-lasting impact.
The Gifted Endowment is not merely a financial initiative—it is a bold and visionary commitment to excellence. By investing in its brightest minds today, Dubai is helping shape the leadership, innovation, and creativity that will define the UAE’s tomorrow.
