When I look back on this year, I am impressed by the youth who, when faced with multiple challenges during a global pandemic, still persevered and accomplished more than many ever thought possible. Through their commitment and tenacity, the youth have done their part.
As enablers, we must establish an ecosystem to ensure that youth’s drive to succeed is channeled in the most efficient way. We can assure that they have the best pathways through strategic partnerships.
Since my father founded the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation, our mission to provide access to high-quality educational opportunities for Emirati and Arab youth through partnerships has remained consistent, and our impact has grown. This year, we expanded our reach, increasing our network of private and public sector partners and positively effecting the lives of over 60,000 youth.
H.E. Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair
Chairman, Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation
Dr. Sonia Ben Jaafar
Chief Executive Officer, Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation
2021 was a year of reflection and growth for us. We purposefully expanded our network with the aim of creating a broader, deeper, and lasting positive impact. We made noteworthy progress towards our mission of supporting Emirati and Arab youth in obtaining high-quality educational opportunities that lead to elevated livelihoods.
We worked consistently towards increasing collaboration across sectors to uplift the region’s education and talent ecosystems. We know our authentic partnerships, based on shared values, are critical in supporting our youth to achieve their goals and building a sustainable future.
We continued to align our efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 4, 5, 8, and 17. We integrated sustainability into education by going beyond academic certifications and facilitating pathways to meaningful employment and entrepreneurship. Our vision is shared with the youth, that they develop to become self-sufficient contributing leaders in their communities and beyond.
Our Impact
Implemented
4 programs
- UAE Consortium for Quality Online Learning (UCQOL)
- Abdulla Al Ghurair Hub for Digital Teaching and Learning
- MIT Bootcamp
- Virtual Internships
Launched
NOMU,
a National Youth Development Initiative.
Reached
18, 000+
beneficiaries representing 21 countries from across the Arab region.
Created
13
new multi-sector partnerships
About Us
The Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation was established in 2015 with the aim of empowering Emirati and Arab youth through high-quality education. In accordance with our mandate, which is to increase access to high-quality education that leads to better livelihoods, we strive to support the development of a comprehensive educational ecosystem in the Arab region. Our strategy focuses on increasing program cohesion for greater impact through authentic and strategic partnerships, as well as knowledge production and sharing.
Alignment with the
Sustainable Development Goals
Our dedication to the realization of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4, 8, and 17 is fueled by our commitment to facilitating greater access to an inclusive, high-quality higher education that leads to improved livelihood, through partnerships.
NOMU - A National Youth
Development Initiative
Abdulla Al Ghurair Hub
for Digital Teaching and Learning
The Abdulla Al Ghurair Hub for Digital Teaching and Learning was established at the American University of Beirut (AUB); it is based at the Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture (MSFEA). The Hub is responsible for developing and delivering online university degrees and certificates, as well as digitizing existing residential courses.
MIT Bootcamp
The Foundation collaborated with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) to organize the Arab region’s first MIT Innovation Leadership Bootcamp. The Bootcamp tasked participants with developing creative and sustainable ventures to address the challenge of youth unemployment across the Arab region. Over the course of ten weeks, the participants were guided by 15sustain able MIT faculty and MIT-certified coaches and participated in a mix of in-person team meetings and online expert-led sessions that focused on employment challenges, labor market dynamics, and entrepreneurship ecosystems using region-specific scenarios.
University Consortium for
Quality Online Learning
(UCQOL)
The University Consortium for Quality Online Learning was founded by the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Education (MoE) and nine leading universities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). UCQOL aims to strengthen existing online programs, develop high-quality online courses, and make them more accessible to Emirati and Arab youth. The consortium is working towards building an expanding network of educational institutions in the region that will incorporate online learning into their operations.
Scholarship Programs
The Foundation launched two scholarship programs with 16 universities. The Al Ghurair STEM Scholars Program (STEM) supports Arab youth between the ages of 17 and 30 who want to pursue an undergraduate or graduate degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM). The Al Ghurair Open Learning Scholars Program (OLSP) provides Arab youth with access to accredited online degrees and credentials from leading universities. Both programs provide high achieving, underserved Arab youth with financial assistance as well as academic and nonacademic support.
Al Ghurair Young Thinkers Program
Virtual Internships
Knowledge Production
The Foundation shares expertise to help build a regional community of evidence-informed decision-makers. By providing policymakers and other stakeholders with policy-focused and evidence-based support, the Foundation has established itself as a regional thought leader. In 2021, we shared 12 publications.
Thought Leadership Engagements
We drive thought leadership and bring relevant stakeholders together to identify challenges and brainstorm innovative solutions. Our engagements enable us to reach a larger audience while also broadening and deepening our understanding of our beneficiaries and partners. We discuss prominent issues, connect changemakers, and highlight the perspectives of young Arabs.
How Do
We Do It ?
How Do We Do It ?
ENABLING FACTORS
Since the Foundation was established, research has been instrumental in informing and supporting the development of our programs and strategic orientation.
AGFE has positioned itself as a thought leader in the region by supporting policy makers and other stakeholders through our policy-focused and evidence-based approach.
MIT Bootcamp
The Foundation collaborated with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) to organize the Arab region’s first MIT Innovation Leadership Bootcamp. The Bootcamp tasked participants with developing creative and sustainable ventures to address the challenge of youth unemployment across the Arab region. Over the course of ten weeks, the participants were guided by 15sustain able MIT faculty and MIT-certified coaches and participated in a mix of in-person team meetings and online expert-led sessions that focused on employment challenges, labor market dynamics, and entrepreneurship ecosystems using region-specific scenarios.
Virtual Internships
The Foundation implemented a pilot program in the UAE in collaboration with Virtual Internships. The program offers a guaranteed local and international virtual work placement program, a curated student support system through mentor coaching and career planning, and an online professional development hub. The Foundation collaborated with Zayed University to welcome the pilot first cohort of 15 graduating students. After completing a virtual internship, participants
reported better job prospects, more career opportunities, and improved digital and professional skills.