Latest news with #KnowledgeFundEstablishment
Khaleej Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
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.'
Hi Dubai
14-05-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
National Bonds Expands Young Investor Programme to 50 Schools Across UAE
National Bonds has announced the nationwide expansion of its Young Investor Programme, aiming to reach 50 schools and engage 75,000 students across the UAE over the next three years. In partnership with the Knowledge Fund Establishment, the initiative builds on the success of its pilot phase launched in 11 Dubai schools, where it received strong support from students, parents, and educators. The programme blends theoretical learning with real-world financial applications, encouraging students to explore saving strategies, investment tools, and entrepreneurship. Over the coming years, participating students will be challenged to develop small-scale investment or business projects. Selected initiatives will undergo feasibility evaluations, with standout proposals receiving support and recognition to help bring them to life. As part of the programme, high school students recently attended hands-on workshops at National Bonds' headquarters, covering topics such as budgeting, market research, customer service, data analysis, and communication. A new group of Grade 11 and 12 students is expected to join during the upcoming summer break. The curriculum, originally designed for students in Grades 5 and 6, is being updated to reflect evolving financial trends, incorporating modules on artificial intelligence, digital currencies, and everyday money management. Rehab Lootah, Group Deputy CEO of National Bonds, said the pilot outcomes surpassed expectations, highlighting the programme's role in building financial confidence among youth. Ohood Al Ichlah from the Knowledge Fund Establishment echoed the sentiment, calling financial literacy a 'cornerstone of future success.' Launched in early 2024, the Young Investor Programme aims to instil a savings mindset while equipping students with the skills to make informed, responsible financial decisions for the future. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Hi Dubai
27-02-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Knowledge Fund Establishment Reports Key 2024 Accomplishments
The Knowledge Fund Establishment has announced significant achievements in 2024, reinforcing its commitment to realizing the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, to elevate Dubai's education system to global standards. These accomplishments align with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), the Dubai Social Agenda 33, and the Dubai Education Strategy 2033 (E33). A major highlight is the expansion of the 'Dubai Schools' project, which includes a new campus in Al Khawaneej, set to accommodate over 4,000 students. This facility also features the 'Dubai Community Health Centre' to support student well-being. Additionally, the Al Barsha branch of Dubai Schools has been expanded to serve more than 2,400 students. The project aims to offer a unique Emirati schooling model that integrates global education with national values. In collaboration with KHDA, the Knowledge Fund has also signed agreements with nine private schools in Dubai, offering over 400 seats with a 50% tuition fee discount for outstanding Emirati students for the 2024-2025 academic year. This initiative is part of the 'Dubai Distinguished Students Programme,' which aims to provide 1,800 seats by 2030. In another pioneering move, the Knowledge Fund partnered with National Bonds to launch the 'Young Investor' program, the first of its kind in the region, aimed at fostering financial literacy among students. The program will initially roll out in Dubai Schools and later expand across various educational levels. Further, the Establishment has secured over 1.5 million square feet for new educational institutions, adding 10,000 student seats and multiple early childhood centers, underscoring Dubai's growing educational capacity. With a 34% increase in annual revenue and a 93.75% customer satisfaction rate, the Knowledge Fund is poised to continue driving innovation and expansion in Dubai's education sector. News Source: Dubai Media Office
Emirates 24/7
26-02-2025
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
Knowledge Fund Establishment looks to the future with strong growth
- Knowledge Fund Establishment looks to the future with strong growth and groundbreaking educational initiatives in 2024 - Over 1.5 million square feet allocated for new educational institutions; the 'Dubai Schools' project reports notable enrolment growth for the 2024-2025 academic year - 'Dubai Distinguished Students Programme' launched in collaboration with the KHDA to provide more than 400 seats for exceptional Emirati students in private schools - Customer satisfaction rate of 93.75% highlights the Establishment's role in driving innovation and shaping the future of the education sector - Total annual revenue registers a 34% increase while investment revenue surges nearly 44% The Knowledge Fund Establishment today announced its key accomplishments in 2024, highlighting its commitment to realising the ambitious vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to advance the education system and position it among the world's finest. The Establishment's achievements align with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), the Dubai Social Agenda 33, and the Dubai Education Strategy 2033 (E33), reinforcing Dubai's status as a leading global hub for education. In line with these objectives, the Establishment revealed the expansion of the 'Dubai Schools' project, notably through constructing a new campus in Al Khawaneej with a capacity exceeding 4,000 students. This campus features the 'Dubai Community Health Centre,' offering a wide range of student support services. The Dubai Schools project seeks to evolve an exceptional Emirati schooling model that offers a truly global education rooted in national values. Meanwhile, the Al Barsha branch of Dubai Schools completed its expansion, raising its total capacity to more than 2,400 students. As part of its commitment to supporting Emirati students, the Knowledge Fund Establishment, in cooperation with KHDA, signed agreements with nine private schools in Dubai to provide more than 400 seats at a 50% tuition fee discount for outstanding Emirati students in the 2024-2025 academic year. This initiative falls under the 'Dubai Distinguished Students Programme,' which aims to offer 1,800 seats by 2030. Pioneering financial literacy initiative To foster financial literacy among students, the Establishment partnered with National Bonds to launch the pioneering 'Young Investor' programme – the first of its kind in the Middle East. The pilot phase rolls out in 'Dubai Schools' campuses before being incorporated into additional curricula across various educational levels. With six interactive modules, the programme covers saving, investing, and financial planning, nurturing a financially savvy generation. In 2024, the Establishment also secured prominent investments, dedicating over 1.5 million square feet to new educational institutions. These developments will add more than 10,000 student seats across multiple curricula, plus over ten early childhood centres across the emirate. Such allocations also serve to bolster the Fund's growth, reflecting exceptional stability and sustainable expansion while enabling continued support for Dubai's education sector. From an operational perspective, the Establishment posted a 34% increase in total annual revenue and nearly 44% growth in investment revenue – clear indicators of its strategic investment approach and sustainable returns. Customer feedback also registered a notable milestone, with a satisfaction rate of 93.75%, further emphasising the Establishment's role in driving innovation and bolstering the future of education. Commenting on the milestones, His Excellency Ahmad AbdulKarim Julfar, Chairman of the Board, Knowledge Fund Establishment, said: 'These 2024 achievements directly reflect the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and align with our national goals, the Dubai Education Strategy 2033 (E33), the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), and the Dubai Social Agenda 33. Keeping pace with global changes in the education sector, alongside continuous investment in state-of-the-art learning environments, underpins Dubai's competitiveness and cements its position as a global educational destination. We will continue creating advanced educational opportunities through strategic partnerships and pioneering initiatives that equip the next generation to thrive and realise our leadership's ambitions.' Aligned with emirate's strategic vision Abdulla Mohammed Al Awar, CEO of the Knowledge Fund Establishment, stated: 'We take great pride in our significant progress this year – from expanding 'Dubai Schools' with a new branch in Al Khawaneej and enhancements at Al Barsha to introducing the 'Young Investor' programme with National Bonds. Meanwhile, our agreements with nine private schools in Dubai, offering 50% scholarships for outstanding Emirati students, underscore our commitment to fostering local talent and developing responsible future leaders. Attracting top-tier educational investments and allocating larger areas for investors reiterates Dubai's standing as a global education hub. We remain dedicated to nurturing a sustainable educational ecosystem that meets our community's expectations and aligns with the emirate's strategic vision.' The outstanding successes achieved within such a short span of time underscore the Knowledge Fund Establishment's pivotal role in advancing Dubai's strategic objectives, fostering an innovative educational environment for residents and investors alike, and paving the way for a future defined by quality, innovation, and visionary leadership. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
Hi Dubai
25-02-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
KHDA Opens Registration for Second Cycle of Dubai Distinguished Students Programme
The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), in partnership with the Knowledge Fund Establishment and Dubai's private schools, has officially opened registration for the second cycle of the Dubai Distinguished Students Programme for the 2025-2026 academic year. The programme offers 415 scholarships to high-achieving Emirati students from Grade 1 to Grade 10, providing a 50% tuition fee reduction at 28 private schools rated "Good" or better. Launched in 2024, the initiative aims to enhance collaboration between the public and private sectors, ensuring top-tier educational opportunities for exceptional Emirati students. It aligns with Dubai's Education 33 strategy and strengthens the city's commitment to academic excellence. This year, the programme expands, offering more choices for families in terms of curriculum, location, and fees. Participating schools include six rated Outstanding, 14 Very Good, and eight Good, with diverse curricula, including UK, US, and IB. Her Excellency Aisha Miran, Director General of KHDA, highlighted the programme's role in empowering Emirati youth and reinforcing Dubai's educational goals. His Excellency Abdulla Mohammed Al Awar, CEO of the Knowledge Fund Establishment, emphasized the importance of public-private sector partnerships in providing opportunities for the next generation of Emirati leaders. The scholarship is open to Emirati students with a family book issued in Dubai, and applicants must meet academic criteria and pass assessments. Registration is open until March 10, 2025, through the KHDA website. Leading schools, including GEMS Education and Innoventures Education, have committed to offering 100 new scholarships, continuing their support for Dubai's vision of educational excellence. News Source: Dubai Media Office
