RTA 2025–2026 Scholarships for Emirati Transport Leaders

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched its Academic Scholarship Programme for the 2025–2026 academic year. This initiative aims to prepare talented Emirati students for careers in engineering, technology, and transport. The programme is part of RTA’s long-term vision to build a skilled national workforce that can meet the city’s growing infrastructure needs and future mobility plans.

Twenty Students Chosen for the 2025–2026 Scholarship Intake

This year, 20 Emirati students have been selected for the scholarship. They will study at some of the most respected universities in the United Arab Emirates. By offering this opportunity, RTA is not only helping students gain top-level academic qualifications but also ensuring that the knowledge they acquire will directly contribute to Dubai’s transport sector after graduation. The scholarship is closely linked to the UAE’s Emiratisation strategy, which focuses on creating more opportunities for Emiratis in key industries.

Top UAE Universities Partner with the Programme

The Academic Scholarship Programme is an annual initiative, but this year marks an important step forward in its scope and ambition. RTA has selected universities that deliver high-quality education and match international standards. These include the American University of Sharjah, University of Sharjah, University of Dubai, Zayed University, and the Higher Colleges of Technology. Each of these institutions offers strong academic programmes that align with Dubai’s smart transport and infrastructure goals.

Fields of Study for Dubai’s Transport Future

The scholarship covers fields of study that are essential for the future of transportation in the city. These include electrical and electronic engineering, intelligent systems engineering, computer science and engineering, artificial intelligence, civil and mechanical engineering, information systems and business analytics, mechatronics, and robotics. By focusing on these areas, RTA is investing in the knowledge and skills needed to design, manage, and operate advanced transport systems. The chosen disciplines also reflect the city’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and smart mobility.

Beyond Education: Building Careers and Leaders

RTA’s investment in education goes beyond paying tuition fees. The programme is designed to provide a full career pathway for students. This means that once they graduate, they will be guided towards job opportunities within RTA, ensuring their talents are used where they are needed most. The programme also includes mentorship, internships, and exposure to real-world transport projects. This hands-on experience will help students understand how their academic studies connect to the practical demands of the transport industry.

Connecting the Classroom to the Workplace

One of the major goals of the scholarship is to bridge the gap between education and the workplace. Students will have the chance to work on live projects, visit RTA operations, and learn directly from industry experts. This approach ensures that by the time they complete their degrees, they are not only academically qualified but also ready to contribute immediately to Dubai’s infrastructure development.

A Focus on Emerging Technologies

The 2025–2026 edition of the Academic Scholarship Programme stands out for its strong focus on emerging technologies. By including fields like artificial intelligence, mechatronics, and robotics, RTA is preparing students for a future where transport systems are increasingly automated, data-driven, and interconnected. This aligns with Dubai’s vision of becoming a fully smart and sustainable city.

Creating a Pipeline of Future Leaders

By building a pipeline of skilled leaders in these advanced fields, RTA is ensuring the transport sector can meet future challenges. Graduates from the programme will be ready to plan and manage smart mobility systems, design sustainable infrastructure, and use data to improve efficiency. They will also be equipped to lead projects involving autonomous transport, predictive maintenance, and passenger experience enhancements.

Strengthening Dubai’s Global Position in Transport Innovation

Dubai is already recognised worldwide for its advanced transport network, from the driverless Dubai Metro to integrated smart services. By training local talent, RTA is making sure that expertise remains within the UAE. This reduces dependence on external specialists and strengthens Dubai’s position as a global leader in mobility innovation. The programme also serves as an inspiration for young Emiratis, encouraging more students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—fields that are crucial to the city’s progress.

A Model for Public Sector Talent Development

RTA’s approach is also a model for other public sector organisations. It shows how a government entity can link education to its operational needs, create clear career pathways, and invest in local talent in a way that benefits both the individual and the wider economy. This strategy supports Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33, which aims to boost innovation, sustainability, and economic growth by focusing on human capital development.

Looking Ahead: The Role of the 2025–2026 Graduates

The 20 Emirati students selected for the 2025–2026 scholarship are not just receiving an education; they are stepping into a responsibility that will shape the future of transport in Dubai. They will be part of projects that design the next generation of mobility systems, improve the city’s connectivity, and ensure transport services are sustainable and efficient. For RTA, this is more than filling positions—it is about building the next wave of leaders who will drive Dubai’s transformation into a fully future-ready metropolis.

By aligning academic preparation with the operational needs of the transport sector, RTA is ensuring that each year’s scholarship graduates will have the skills and knowledge to contribute immediately and meaningfully. This approach strengthens Dubai’s competitive position on the global stage and secures the city’s ability to innovate in response to rapid technological changes.

In the coming years, as these students graduate and enter the workforce, the impact of the Academic Scholarship Programme will become even more visible. From managing complex infrastructure projects to introducing breakthrough transport solutions, these young Emirati professionals will be at the heart of Dubai’s journey towards smarter, more sustainable mobility.

RTA’s continued investment in the scholarship programme is a clear message: the future of Dubai’s transport system will be built by homegrown talent. By giving young Emiratis access to world-class education, hands-on industry experience, and clear career opportunities, RTA is laying the foundation for decades of progress. The 2025–2026 Academic Scholarship Programme is not just an educational initiative—it is a strategic plan for ensuring Dubai remains a global leader in transport innovation, sustainability, and efficiency.