Scholarship Program graduates relate their experience..............
Some of the Scholarship Program alumni described it as one of the most rewarding initiatives set up by ADNOC in terms of preparing a qualified UAE cadre for the oil sector.

Speaking to ADNOC News, Dr. Saleh Al Hashemi, a graduate from Tufts University, USA, in 2000, said that besides its academic advantages, the program had also given the students the opportunity to acquire a wide and diversified cultural experience.

Dr. Al Hashemi, who joined the PI as a lecturer after his return, said that after being some time in the United States, he recalled the words of Mr. Mohammed Dhain Al Hamili, ADNOC Marketing Director, who told them before their departure that the objective of their traveling was not only for acquiring education but also to gain other skills such as self-confidence and interaction with students of different nationalities. "Definitely, joining the Scholarship Program was an opportunity for us to acquaint ourselves with other cultures," Dr. Al Hashimi said.

Mr. Saif Al Mazroui, another former program graduate, said that the program for him was like a dream come true. 

" I remember when I completed my studies; I was in a hurry to return home to take over my work," he said, noting that he was now working hard to contribute to the improvement of the human resources division and providing services to UAE graduates.

He added that the provided Scholarship Program assisted the ambitious UAE youth in their endeavor to pursue higher education in world renowned universities.

"Since 1974, a large number of UAE citizens have benefited from the Program, obtained higher academic degrees from reputable universities and returned to their work in ADNOC or its Group of Companies to achieve their ambitions and to serve their country," Mazroui said.

He added that thanks to the wise leadership of President H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the government did everything it could to meet the educational aspirations of the UAE youth.

Mr. Mohamed Al Mazroui, Head of Real Estate Directorate, ADMA-OPCO, a 1989 graduate in Business Administration, described the Program as "excellent" while commending ADNOC's close follow up of the students' academic performance and social wellbeing.

"The most vital service that the Program avails the UAE youth with  the opportunity to complete their education and gain self confidence," he said.

He added that he had graduated from high school and worked five years in the oil sector before he had won the scholarship saying "I felt the difference after I obtained my university degree as opportunities had started to open up for me."

Mr. Al Mazroui said that representatives of large companies used to visit the university where he was studying and used to offer jobs to outstanding students, noting that this was an incentive for him and his colleagues to strive to excel in their education.

Another alumina, Mr. Sultan Al Shamsi Head of ZADCO's Personnel Division Team, said he was indebted to H.H. Sheikh Zayed, underlining the awareness of the youth for the trust and responsibility they bear towards their country.
Source: ADNOC News Magazine - July 2004 issue.