From first international appearances to championship titles, the program has backed talent across sport, arts and culture, and innovation since 2021.
Abu Dhabi – September 25, 2026: Mubadala invests globally to generate long-term returns for its shareholder, and to create lasting impact in the communities where it invests. That commitment extends beyond capital to the people themselves, through initiatives that back individuals pursuing excellence in their chosen fields.
One of the clearest expressions of that commitment is the Mubadala Excellence Program (MEP), which since 2021 has supported more than 40 individuals across the United Arab Emirates as they compete, create and build at the highest levels of their fields. The program provides financial support at the early stage when sponsorship and funding opportunities are hardest to secure without an established reputation or ranking. The MEP addresses this gap as the individual continues to excel and progress on their chosen pathway towards professional or elite athlete status
From emerging talents taking their first steps onto the international stage to rising stars becoming champions, the program celebrates the determination, discipline and potential of individuals who continue to push the boundaries of what they can achieve. The current program participants include Alia Fairooz in Formula 4 powerboat racing, Rouda Al Serkal and Rowdah Al Afifi in chess, Mohamed Al Messabi in athletics, Clara Lehmkuhl in tennis, Mohamed Al Serkal in equestrian dressage riding and Alya Al Mheiri in showjumping, Khalifa Al Kaabi in fencing, Marwa Al Hammadi and Dhuha Al Beshr in sailing and Esha Oza in cricket, alongside Alphia James in para-badminton, and Ahmed Al Mousawi in music.
Former program participants among others also include racing drivers Hamda and Amna Qubaisi, who was recently named in the Time 100 sports personalities. Together, their achievements reflect the breadth of talent across the UAE and the impact that opportunity and ambition can create.
At the heart of the program is a belief in the potential of people. Every participant arrives with a different journey, a different ambition and a different definition of excellence, and the Mubadala Excellence Program is built to support that range.
“The Mubadala Excellence Program reflects our commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for exceptional talent across the community. By supporting individuals with the potential and ambition to excel, we are helping them access the pathways, resources and experiences they need to progress. Having supported more than 40 individuals since the program began, we have seen first-hand how the right support can help rising talent grow, achieve and inspire others.” said Hadi Saeed Al Askari, Head of Sponsorships and Community Outreach, Mubadala
Inspiring the next generation
Mubadala is now inviting aspiring talent across the UAE to come forward. The program welcomes applications from UAE citizens and residents who can demonstrate a record of achievement, clear potential to develop, and a commitment to representing their discipline and their community with integrity.
Applications are accepted year-round through the Mubadala Excellence Program sponsorship portal. Candidates are reviewed twice a year, in March and September. Applicants submit a proposal outlining their achievements, their ambitions, and how Mubadala's support would contribute to the next stage of their journey.