Dubai: The Dubai Media Council has announced the opening of applications for the Mohammed bin Rashid Scholarship for Emirati Media Students for the 2026-2027 academic year. The initiative reaffirms Dubai's commitment to nurturing a new generation of Emirati media professionals capable of adapting to rapid transformations in the media sector. The scholarship aims to produce local media content aligned with global standards and strengthen the UAE media's influence on the international stage.
According to Emirates News Agency, the scholarship was launched under the directives of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council. It forms part of the Council's strategy to support and empower young Emirati media talent by providing specialized academic opportunities in communication and media fields. The program equips students with innovation-driven skills to produce high-quality content that reflects the nation's aspirations and future vision.
The scholarship offers high academic achievers or top Emirati high school graduates the chance to pursue a fully funded undergraduate degree at the American University in Dubai's Mohammed Bin Rashid School for Communication (MBRSC). This institution is recognized as one of the region's leading academic centers for media and communications studies.
Covering advanced academic programs such as Journalism, Digital Production and Storytelling, and Game Design and Development, the scholarship prepares students with the necessary creative, technical, and analytical skills to thrive in the evolving media ecosystem. The program is part of the Dubai Media Council's efforts to expand the pool of qualified national talent, supporting the media sector's growth and future objectives.
Nehal Badri, Secretary General of the Dubai Media Council, emphasized the importance of investing in young talent, stating that the partnership with AUD's Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Communication aims to build an advanced national media ecosystem. The goal is to equip aspiring professionals with technical, critical-thinking, and creative skills necessary to navigate the fast-changing media landscape.
Hesham Al Olama, CEO of the Media Development Sector at the Dubai Media Council, highlighted the role of academic training in shaping creative media professionals. He noted the fundamental transformation in the industry, which demands a strong academic grounding to develop professionals capable of crafting an effective national narrative.
Sophie Boutros, Executive Director of MBRSC, underscored the scholarship's role in building talent for the UAE and the region. She stated that graduates are making their mark in various media sectors, and the scholarship sets high achievers on a successful path, preparing them to contribute significantly to the media industry's advancement.
Applications for the scholarship can be submitted through the website: https://scholarship.aud.edu. Required supporting documents include Grade 10, 11, and 12 transcripts, TOEFL/IELTS and SAT score reports (if available), copies of passport and Emirates ID, an army exemption/completion letter for UAE male nationals, and a portfolio of creative artwork. The application deadline is 30 June 2026.
