Khatawat Program forum aids students of UAE martyrs in career guidance

The Fallen Heroes’ Affairs Office at the Presidential Court, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Nafis, an initiative of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council, and Zoud, the National Financial Wellbeing and Sustainability Initiative, organised the Khatawat Program forum for Grade 12 students from the families of UAE martyrs. Held on 10 October 2026 at Etihad Museum in Dubai, the forum brought together 28 students.

Held under the theme Towards a Promising Career Future, the forum aimed to guide students in choosing university majors and higher education pathways aligned with their interests and aspirations. It also introduced them to higher education admission requirements and future career opportunities, supporting their educational journeys and preparing them for the labour market.

His Excellency Abdullah Ghurair Al Qubaisi, Director of the Fallen Heroes’ Affairs Office, said the forum reflects the office’s commitment to continuing to support and empower the children of UAE martyrs throughout the different stages of their education, providing them with the guidance and knowledge needed to build academic and professional futures aligned with their abilities and aspirations.

The forum featured a guidance session delivered by the Ministry of Education covering students’ academic and career journeys, certificate equivalency procedures, and the University Readiness Program (INTILAQA). The session aimed to help students plan their educational pathways and make informed decisions about their academic futures.

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research highlighted its efforts to develop an integrated system for registration, admission and scholarships, and to simplify the student journey through unified digital platforms enhanced by artificial intelligence technologies. These include the National Unified Registration and Admission Platform for Higher Education Institutions and the Scholarship Platform, both part of the unified digital higher education gateway, “EduHub”. Through its digital platforms, the Ministry enables students to explore academic disciplines and programmes offered by higher education institutions, admission requirements and scholarship opportunities, as well as access to digital services that support them in exploring educational options and planning their academic pathways at an early stage. This empowers students to make informed decisions that align with their abilities, interests and future aspirations, while taking into account labour market needs and priority economic sectors.

Nafis also presented its initiatives and programmes through 2040 and their role in supporting national talent and preparing Emiratis to pursue career opportunities. The session highlighted the importance of aligning students’ academic choices with labour market requirements.

Zoud delivered a financial literacy session aimed at strengthening students’ financial confidence and empowering them to make informed financial decisions. Covering financial planning and money management, the session provided students with practical knowledge and skills to support a sustainable financial future as they prepare for university and their professional lives.

The forum concluded with a guided tour of Etihad Museum, where students explored the museum and its collections and participated in a hands-on workshop. The activities strengthened their connection to the UAE’s history and national values, combining academic guidance with cultural knowledge as part of an integrated educational experience.

The forum forms part of the Fallen Heroes’ Affairs Office’s ongoing efforts to support the children of UAE martyrs throughout their educational journeys, empowering them to build academic and professional futures aligned with their aspirations and contribute to the UAE’s comprehensive development.