UAE schools to train 75,000 students on real-world money skills under 'young investor programme'

In a landmark move to promote early financial literacy among students, National Bonds , the UAE’s leading Shari’a-compliant savings and investment company, in partnership with the Knowledge Fund Establishment , has launched the ‘ Young Investor Programme ’. The programme is designed to teach fundamental financial concepts to students through both classroom-based and hands-on, real-world learning .

Reaching 75,000 Students Across the UAE
The initiative sets an ambitious goal: to reach 50 schools and impact 75,000 students across the country. It has already completed a successful pilot phase in 11 private schools in Dubai, currently engaging 3,500 students. As part of a recently announced three-year expansion plan, National Bonds aims to scale the programme nationwide through regional activations and flexible delivery models.

The schools that participated in the pilot phase 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
  
  
• St. Mary’s Catholic High School
  
  

With its early success in Dubai, the programme is now expanding to Sharjah, through a collaboration with the Masar initiative , launched by the Sharjah Capability Development Authority. Masar aims to empower Emirati university students and recent graduates with practical training and mentorship, ensuring continuity in financial education from school years into early adulthood, preparing for the workforce through Masar.

A Curriculum That Combines Theory and Practice
The programme initially targets Grades 5 and 6 with simplified lessons on financial basics. It also extends to Grades 11 and 12, where students participate in workshops hosted at National Bonds' headquarters, providing hands-on exposure to the finance industry.

Students are introduced to a structured curriculum built around six core modules:

Money Management

Payment Systems

Loans and Debts

Savings and Investments

Insurance Protection Plans, with a focus on Takaful

Long-Term Financial Planning

These modules are supported by role-playing exercises, interactive case studies, and practical workshops that bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application.

To keep pace with evolving economic trends, new topics are continuously added, including:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  
  
• Digital Currencies
  
  
• Modern Money Management Techniques
  
  

For older students, the workshops delve deeper into:

• Budgeting and Financial Planning
  
  
• Investment Strategy
  
  
• Market Research
  
  
• Data Analysis
  
  
• Professional Communication Skills
  
  

These activities aim to give students an insider perspective into financial services and the skills required in finance careers.

Extending Beyond the Classroom
More than just academic learning, the programme also encourages students to develop and pitch real-world investment or business projects. Selected proposals may receive feasibility assessments, mentorship, and recognition, preparing students for entrepreneurial or investment-focused futures.

In Sharjah, the Masar partnership enhances this vision by targeting university students and fresh graduates through specialised financial literacy workshops. These sessions focus on:

• Savings
  
  
• Financial Planning
  
  
• Investment Awareness
  
  
• Risk Management
  
  

A Vision Aligned with the UAE’s Knowledge Economy
Speaking about the broader impact of the initiative, Rehab Lootah, Group Deputy CEO at National Bonds, said:

“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 also stressed how the programme aligns with the UAE’s national development goals:

“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.”