General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowment’s & Zakah and Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities offer Islamic Studies scholarships for Emirati students to prepare national cadres for sharia discourse

The General Authority for Islamic Affairs & Endowment’s & Zakah (AWQAF), in cooperation with Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities, has launched the Project to Prepare the National Sharia Cadre for Religious Discourse.

The project was launched as part of AWQAF’s commitment to strengthen competencies in the field of Islamic affairs and qualify UAE Nationals to occupy religious positions, to support the UAE’s strategy to prepare Emiratis to participate in nation-building initiatives.

The programme aims to provide qualified cadres capable of promoting religious awareness, spreading the values of citizenship, and the meanings of the Islamic religion, consolidating the UAE’s efforts to promote tolerance, coexistence, and peace. The programme seeks to attract distinguished high school graduates to work in religious jobs, such as Imams, preachers, Sharia researchers, and other relevant positions provided by the AWQAF.

His Excellency Dr Omar Habtoor Al Darei, Chairman of the General Authority for AWQAF, praised the partnership with the MBZUH to achieve common goals and enhance the roles of the two institutions, as well as consolidate the values of tolerance, cohesion, and loyalty to the UAE and its wise leadership.

His Excellency emphasised that the programme aims to attract and sponsor Emirati high school graduates to help them obtain qualifications in religious and Sharia studies and enable them to occupy religious positions in AWQAF. He said that among the benefits provided by the programme include the cost of tuition fees, and a housing and transportation allowance of AED6,000 per month.

He said that the scholarship programme requires applicants to have a high school diploma or equivalent, with a final grade of at least 90 per cent. Candidates also need to obtain a score of no less than 1,200 points in the Emirates Standard Test (EMSAT) in the Arabic language, and 950 points in the English language or its equivalent in other standard tests (such as TOEFL or IELTS), along with passing the personal interview.

Scholars will be required to maintain a GPA of at least 3.6 in each semester throughout their studies, memorise eight parts of the Holy Qur’an, and pass the training seminars organised by AWQAF and the MBZUH.

His Excellency Dr Khalifa Mubarak Al Dhaheri, Chancellor of the MBZUH, said the project embodies the university’s vision of providing the society with Emirati graduates with solid qualifications in the field of Islamic and Sharia studies, who will undertake the tasks of promoting the principles and values of Islam that the UAE and its wise leadership have adopted. His Excellency emphasised that the university aims to support the project to ensure a successful outcome.

His Excellency Al Dhaheri said: "The Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities is very proud of its fruitful cooperation with the General Authority for Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Zakat in areas that serve the nation within the framework of their joint societal responsibility."