At Ru’ya 2026, held recently in Dubai, students emerged as some of the most active participants, approaching the event with questions about their future education and careers. Many attendees showed a strong interest in fields such as medicine, engineering, aviation, and space science, seeking detailed information from recruiters and institutions.
Among them was 17-year-old high school senior Moza Khtibi, who attended the event with a group of friends, exploring various academic prospects. With a curriculum focused on biology, mathematics, chemistry, and physics, Moza and her peers visited multiple booths to inquire about scholarship opportunities, degree durations, and admission requirements. Their interactions helped clarify the steps necessary for university enrollment. “I am going to focus on my grades first, language tests next, and then on university,” Moza said.
The Dubai Health Authority’s booth attracted considerable attention from students interested in medical studies, reflecting a growing enthusiasm for healthcare careers. Nearby, students drawn to aviation engaged with representatives from Emirates Airlines, testing a flight simulator. One student, Adazak, who is preparing to enter the workforce in two years, participated in the Rubu’ Qarn Science & Technology hackathon, a competition challenging participants to design business solutions aimed at reducing workplace stress. Despite not pursuing a piloting career specifically, Adazak’s encounter with the simulator provided valuable insight into the demands of aviation.
The event also featured the National Space Academy, a key partner promoting STEM education. The academy showcased projects developed by young Emirati talents, including brothers Khalid and Abdelaziz Alhammadi, who presented WATAN SAT, an environmental monitoring satellite designed to track pollution and ecological changes in the Arabian Gulf and UAE waters. The satellite’s data would be relayed to a ground station and a live dashboard, a development inspired by recent disruptions to shipping routes in the region.
Students attending Ru’ya 2026 demonstrated a clear focus on understanding the practical steps needed to advance their careers, distinguishing themselves by their curiosity and long-term planning. Rather than collecting promotional materials, these young attendees actively engaged with recruiters and educators, seeking guidance on the qualifications and experiences required to achieve their professional goals. For many, the event served as a turning point where uncertainty about the future gave way to concrete plans for higher education and employment.