Students from the UAE’s Hamdan Centre for Giftedness and Innovation, part of Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, are currently taking part in the prestigious Pre-University Programme at the University of Cambridge’s Fitzwilliam College. Held from July 27 to August 9, 2025, the initiative provides gifted students with a rigorous academic experience, global cultural exchange, and hands-on exposure in scientific disciplines, furthering the Hamdan Centre’s mission to shape a generation of innovative thinkers equipped for the future.
A prestigious global platform for gifted students
The University of Cambridge Pre-University Programme, hosted at Fitzwilliam College, brings together more than 250 high-achieving students from 15 different countries. Taking place over two weeks from 27 July to 9 August 2025, the programme offers participants an immersive academic experience within one of the world’s leading universities. Students engage in a wide array of lectures and practical workshops spanning key disciplines such as engineering, chemistry, medicine, and the humanities. The programme is structured to promote cross-disciplinary learning and foster exposure to different schools of thought and problem-solving methodologies. Beyond academic instruction, the students participate in activities focused on developing soft skills, including communication, leadership, teamwork, and cross-cultural understanding. The presence of a globally diverse student body ensures a vibrant environment for international exchange, helping students build connections and expand their worldviews.
UAE participation and the role of Hamdan Centre
Representing the United Arab Emirates, a select group of students from the Hamdan Centre for Giftedness and Innovation are attending this year’s programme. Their participation reflects the Centre’s broader vision of enabling young Emirati talent to learn from top global institutions and take part in high-level academic networks. Dr. Mariam Al Ghawi, Director of the Hamdan Centre, underscored the importance of such exposure. According to her, this experience contributes to expanding students’ scientific understanding, enhancing their confidence, nurturing a spirit of research and innovation, and preparing them to be “ambassadors of knowledge and excellence” in both local and global contexts. She emphasized that the Centre’s approach extends beyond classroom academics—focusing equally on students’ psychological, emotional, and social development. The programme, she added, is one of many initiatives that create a holistic educational environment for gifted learners. Participation in the Cambridge initiative directly supports the UAE’s long-term goals of nurturing globally competent innovators and building a knowledge-driven economy.
About the Hamdan Centre for Giftedness and innovation
The Hamdan Centre for Giftedness and Innovation, established in 2015, is an initiative of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences. Its core mission is to identify, support, and empower gifted students across science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. The Centre operates with advanced facilities that include state-of-the-art laboratories, workshops, and learning spaces, all designed to support innovation, experimentation, and research. It offers:
- Tailored mentoring
- Specialised training programmes
- Access to local and international academic competitions
These resources enable students not just to deepen their academic capabilities but to apply their skills in real-world, challenge-based contexts. One of the Centre’s flagship efforts, the Talent Discovery Programme, has been operational since 2017. To date, it has assessed over 39,000 students across the UAE, identifying 2,207 as gifted from 122 schools and institutions. The Centre aims to raise this number to at least 5,000 gifted students by 2030.
Long-term impact and vision
Participation in elite academic programmes like Cambridge’s Pre-University initiative plays a vital role in the Centre’s overarching mission. Students benefit from:
- Advanced subject knowledge
- Research-oriented practical training
- Independent learning capabilities
- Exposure to global academic standards
These outcomes align with the UAE’s vision of preparing its youth for future leadership, entrepreneurship, and scientific excellence. The multidisciplinary and international framework of the programme helps develop adaptability, problem-solving skills, and cultural awareness, traits essential for success in both academic and professional domains.
