Dubai – February 20, 2026: Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and IDP Education have strengthened their strategic partnership for the third consecutive year in support of the Hamdan bin Mohammed Scholarship Programme, reaffirming their shared commitment to empowering high-performing Emirati students to access world-class higher education opportunities.
Launched under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, the Hamdan bin Mohammed Scholarship Programme continues to play a pivotal role in supporting outstanding Emirati graduates from public and private schools in pursuing higher education at leading international universities.
Over the past two years, IDP Education has played an integral role in supporting the programme’s scholars, providing expert guidance and admissions support to eligible applicants seeking placement at top 200-ranked universities worldwide. As the partnership enters its third year, the collaboration will further expand to enhance outreach, engagement, and student support initiatives.
Dr Amna Almaazmi, CEO of the Growth and Human Development sector at KHDA said: “Our continued partnership with IDP Education reflects our shared commitment to supporting ambitious Emirati students in accessing world-class higher education opportunities. As the Hamdan bin Mohammed Scholarship Programme grows, we are focused not only on expanding access to top-ranked international universities, but also on strengthening outreach and awareness so that every eligible student understands the possibilities available to them.
“Through this collaboration, we are helping to nurture a generation of Emirati leaders equipped with the knowledge, specialised expertise, and entrepreneurial mindset needed to contribute meaningfully to Dubai’s future priorities.”
Imad Chaoui, Regional Director MEA, EU & CIS at IDP Education said: “Dubai hosts our Regional Office, which manages operations across the Middle East, Africa, European Union, Turkey, Pakistan, and CIS countries, totalling 41 countries. Supporting the HBM Scholarship Programme in collaboration with KHDA is a privilege, allowing us to give back to the Dubai community that hosts the IDP team.”
Rashi Bhattacharya, Area Director – UAE, Oman, Qatar, Turkey & Kazakhstan, IDP Education added: “This collaboration with KHDA is especially meaningful because it puts students at the heart of everything we do. We are honoured to join hands with KHDA, the governing authority shaping Dubai’s education landscape, and an institution that shares our commitment to elevating education and expanding opportunities for every learner. By combining our global expertise with KHDA’s deep understanding of Dubai’s education landscape, we’re creating new possibilities for students to grow, explore, and succeed. We are excited about what we’ll achieve together and the positive impact this partnership will have on students, families, and the wider community.”
As part of the partnership, IDP has actively participated in key HBM Scholarship Programme engagement initiatives, including Najah 2024 and 2025, Education Expo 2025, and orientation events for the first two cohorts of HBM scholars.
Through these platforms, IDP has supported prospective applicants and scholars with personalised counselling, admissions guidance, and insights into specialised academic pathways aligned with Dubai’s future-focused economic sectors.
In addition, KHDA and IDP have collaborated on joint local and international engagement initiatives aimed at strengthening the programme’s outreach and visibility, ensuring that eligible students and families are well-informed about the opportunities available through the scholarship.
As part of its preparation for the new round of applications, the HBM Scholarship Programme is initiating a series of school visits to public and private schools across Dubai. These engagements aim to enhance awareness of the programme’s opportunities and core objectives, as well as the application process for eligible students.
More information about the Hamdan bin Mohammed Scholarship Programme is available on the KHDA website. Applications for the third cohort will open soon through the Dubai Now app.