UAE: 75,000 students to learn saving, budgeting under 'young investor programme'
UAE companies have launched an initiative to embed essential financial skills such as diligent saving, budgeting and strategic investing into young students from an early age.
The programme aims to reach 50 schools and 75,000 students across the UAE. It was launched by National Bonds, UAE's leading Shari'a-compliant savings and investment company, in collaboration with the Knowledge Fund Establishment.
The 'Young Investor Programme' blends classroom-based learning with immersive, real life training, offering students a unique and interactive pathway to understanding personal finance.
Initially targeting students in Grades 5 and 6, the curriculum introduces fundamental financial concepts in a simplified yet impactful manner. Older students in Grades 11 and 12 also benefit from hands-on workshops hosted at National Bonds' headquarters.
These sessions delve into critical topics including budgeting, investment planning, market research, data analysis, and essential communication skills, providing participants with a crucial behind the scenes perspective on the workings of financial services and bridging theoretical knowledge with practical career exposure.
The curriculum is structured around six core modules: Money Management, Payment Systems, Loans and Debts, Savings and Investments, Insurance Protection Plans (with a specific focus on Takaful), and Long-Term Financial Planning.
Beyond these fundamentals, the program integrates real-life application through engaging role-play exercises, interactive case studies, and practical workshop activities.
New modules are continuously being introduced, covering areas such as artificial intelligence, digital currencies, and modern money management practices.
During its successful pilot phase, the 'Young Investor Programme' has already been implemented in 11 private schools across Dubai.
The participating institutions include Dubai Schools – Al Barsha; Dubai Schools – Al Khawaneej; Dubai Schools – Nad Al Sheba; International School of Creative Science – Nad Al Sheba; American School of Creative Science – Nad Al Sheba; American School of Creative Science – Maliha; American School of Creative Science – Al Layyah; Buds Public School; Nibras International School Dubai; Springdales School Dubai; and St. Mary's Catholic High School.
Currently, the programme is catering to 3,500 students in Dubai. Building on this success, the initiative is now expanding beyond Dubai, entering Sharjah through the Masar initiative.
National Bonds recently collaborated with the Masar initiative, launched by the Sharjah Capability Development Authority, which aims to empower Emirati university students and recent graduates through a blend of hands-on training and professional mentorship. This partnership ensures continuity in financial education, extending from middle school students in the Young Investor Programme to young adults preparing for the workforce through Masar.
Specialised financial literacy workshops help young adults focus on essential concepts such as savings, financial planning, investment awareness, and risk management.
National Bonds recently announced a three-year strategic expansion plan for the 'Young Investor Programme', aiming to reach 50 schools and 75,000 students across the UAE through scalable delivery models and regional activations.
Beyond traditional classroom learning, students will be challenged to conceptualise real-world investment or business projects, with some receiving feasibility reviews, support, and recognition.
Rehab Lootah, Group Deputy CEO at National Bonds, commented on the program's impact: 'The success of the 'Young Investor Programme' reflects our belief that financial education should start early, and in a way that resonates with young minds. By equipping students with the basics of saving and planning, we are helping them build habits that last a lifetime.'
Lootah added, 'This initiative is more than just a programme; it's part of a larger movement aligned with the UAE's vision for a knowledge-based economy. As we expand into more emirates, we are proud to be giving the next generation the confidence and tools to navigate their financial future with purpose.'
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