Under the patronage and in presence of His Highness Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Etisalat's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm,Ayaadi, launched an Empowerment Program that aims to support talented and disadvantaged students in continuing their education.

As part of the first batch of this Empowerment Program, Ayaadi will sponsor 100 students' education. The press conference was attended by Etisalat's CEO, Saleh Al Abdooli, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Ayaadi and a number of the corporation's top executives and representatives from educational entities and universities in the country.

Ayaadi's program paves the way for high-caliber studentsfrom disadvantaged sections of the community to contribute to nation-building efforts and the UAE's socio-economic growth. On behalf of Etisalat, Ali Al Ahmed, its Chief Corporate Communication Officer, signed the agreements with UAE University, Higher Colleges of Technology and Zayed University to select the first batch of students from these universities.

Speaking on the initiative at the event, Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyanpraised the launch of Ayaadi's Empowerment Program for its focus on the nation's youth and its aim to develop their leadership abilities in line with the nation's progress. He highlighted that the UAE has become an excellent example of how a nation can be transformed to attain prosperity under the able direction of its wise leaders. He said that the UAE has many successful leaders at every level of the society who serve as role models for the future generations to learn from and innovate further.

His Highness added that the UAE is fortunate to have had the wise leadership of the country's founder - Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan AlNahyan- who was a fine example of successful leadership. He had a clear vision of the nation's progress and impacted the country's development at all levels.

His Highness assured that in today's information age, a successful leader is one who can source new ideas, analyse and then implement the most beneficial ones. The leader must be able to identify and optimize the vast pool of skilled and experienced talent available, and help boost innovation and creativity. A successful leader has to be focused on achieving long-term strategic objectives and not short-term gains.

The development of these leadership attributes is directly related to the right education and training programs that can help prepare citizens in social and economic management required in today's era of globalization.

In his address to the students, His Highnessstated that the future of their country requires that each one undertakeshis or her own responsibility in becoming knowledgeable and confident, inculcating high moral values, loving this country and working hard to serve it. He added that these attributes find their origins in Islamic teachings and values that have helped the UAE progress on an international level.

Commenting on the initiative, Omar Al Huraiz, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Ayaadi, said, "The Ayaadi Empowerment Program has been launched to support and sponsor students with exceptional talent in continuing their education. This program aims to qualify the participating student with appropriate tools to play an active role in building the future of the country. Ayaadi's Empowerment is a chance for limited income students to get financial support to continue their study. In addition, the students will be trained in Etisalat during their study, allowing them to gain real-life work experience."

"The first batch of 100 students will be selected from UAE University, The Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) and Zayed University, while the following courses in the program will open up for more students and colleges to enroll in," added Al Huraiz.

Etisalat's Ayaadi initiative, launched in late of 2011 by Etisalat, is the focal point for a national social project of significant objectives and expectations. Its strategic objectives aim to participate in achieving sustainable growth for the UAE community through the provision of technology solutions in the education sector and in other sectors in general.This initiative also seeks to raise awareness among the individuals and institutions within the society on various social issues,encourages them to contribute to voluntary work as pertheir experience and abilities and to participate in projects that benefit society as a whole.