UAE Welcomes New Diplomatic Students at AGDA for 2025–2026 Year

Post by : Bandanpreet Kaur

The Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA) in Abu Dhabi has warmly welcomed its newest cohort of students for the 2025–2026 academic year. This marks another milestone in the UAE’s commitment to training skilled diplomats who will represent the nation on the global stage.

This year, AGDA enrolled multiple cohorts across its prestigious programs. These include the 11th batch of students in the Post-Graduate Diploma in UAE Diplomacy and International Relations (PGD), the 9th batch in the Master of Arts in Global Affairs and Diplomatic Leadership (MAGAD), the 5th batch in the Master of Arts in Humanitarian Action and Development (MAHAD), and the 2nd batch in the Master in International Law, Human Rights and Diplomacy (MILAD).

Welcoming Ceremony

The Future Diplomats welcoming event was held at AGDA’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi. The ceremony saw the presence of several high-profile officials, including:

• Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, Cultural Adviser to the UAE President, Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University, and member of AGDA’s Board of Trustees.

• Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs.

• Nickolay Mladenov, Director-General of AGDA.

• Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Dhaheri, Deputy Director-General of AGDA.

During the event, Zaki Nusseibeh highlighted how diplomacy in the UAE has grown beyond traditional political negotiation. He described it as a powerful tool for driving economic growth, promoting humanitarian efforts, and expanding the UAE’s presence internationally.

“Diplomacy is no longer confined to political negotiation alone,” Nusseibeh said. “It has become a strategic tool for building economic partnerships that drive national development, a humanitarian bridge that delivers hope and support to people in times of hardship, and a means of strengthening the country’s foreign relations while expanding its presence and influence regionally and globally.”

The Role of Youth in Diplomacy

Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi emphasized the central role that young Emiratis play in shaping the country’s global image. He said that empowering youth to act as ambassadors of the UAE ensures the nation’s values of peace, tolerance, and openness continue to reach every corner of the world.

“The UAE has always been keen to uphold the message of peace, tolerance, and openness to the world as part of its national approach within the framework of comprehensive development,” Dr. Al Neyadi said. “These principles are not just slogans but a reality we live, a policy we practice, and a deeply rooted doctrine in our international relations. Investing in the youth ensures the continuity of these values and helps the UAE maintain its standing on the global stage.”

AGDA’s Academic Programs

The academy’s programs focus on developing a new generation of diplomats equipped with knowledge in international law, humanitarian action, global leadership, and human rights. The Post-Graduate Diploma in UAE Diplomacy and International Relations (PGD) helps students understand the UAE’s foreign policy and diplomatic practices.

The Master of Arts in Global Affairs and Diplomatic Leadership (MAGAD) prepares students to become leaders in international affairs, capable of navigating complex global challenges. The Master of Arts in Humanitarian Action and Development (MAHAD) trains students to coordinate humanitarian efforts and development projects worldwide. Finally, the Master's in International Law, Human Rights and Diplomacy (MILAD) focuses on law, human rights, and diplomacy, giving students tools to address global legal and humanitarian issues.

Preparing the Future Diplomats

AGDA aims to ensure that its graduates are ready to take on the challenges of the modern world. With a focus on strategic thinking, leadership skills, and international awareness, students are encouraged to develop a global perspective while staying grounded in UAE values.

The welcoming event provided students with a glimpse of the responsibilities ahead, inspiring them to commit to the principles of peace, dialogue, and international cooperation. It also allowed them to meet leading figures in diplomacy and international affairs who shared their experiences and insights.

With the arrival of the 2025–2026 cohorts, AGDA continues its mission of shaping talented young diplomats who will carry the UAE’s message of tolerance, development, and global cooperation. The academy not only trains students in the technical aspects of diplomacy but also instills the values and vision needed to represent the UAE proudly on the international stage.

AGDA, UAE diplomacy, international relations, youth leadership