The deadline to apply for the Emirates Leadership Initiative Fellowship is January 15, 2025 at 11:59 a.m. ET.
By Dalia Aita MPP 2026
Aiming to provide training in public management and leadership development to Harvard Kennedy School students from the United Arab Emirates and broader Arab region, the Emirates Leadership Initiative (ELI) Fellowship equips students with the tools to be a powerful force for change in an evolving global arena. Fellowship recipients receive financial support toward a master’s degree at HKS, comprehensive co-curricular programming, and access to a network of exceptional peers and mentors.
From Gaza, Palestine, Dalia Aita MPP 2026 has found that the ELI Fellowship offers an extraordinary opportunity for leadership training in combination with community building focused on creating meaningful change in the Arab world and beyond. Not only has this fellowship transformed her HKS experience, but her peers have played a crucial role in enriching campus life through their leadership, perspectives, and contributions to policy discussions.
Read about her fellowship experience below.
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An opportunity for reflection
The application process pushed me to think deeply about my role in the Arab region’s future. Through my essay and interview, I discovered that ELI wasn’t just about academic achievements, but more so about highlighting voices that can enrich HKS’s understanding of the Middle East and recognizing those with a deep commitment to public service and leadership. I’ve found this reflection process to be transformative and highly rewarding.
Growing through community
The fellowship has taught me the profound importance of connecting with peers who share a commitment to the region’s development. My fellow colleagues from the UAE, Palestine, Sudan, Lebanon, and Egypt each bring exceptional expertise in their fields—from public policy to social entrepreneurship. What makes our interactions special is how we blend our regional understanding with global perspectives, all while maintaining a passionate commitment to public service in the Middle East.
Our bi-weekly dinners are the heart of our fellowship experience. These aren’t just social events—they are intimate gatherings where we discuss pressing challenges facing our region, share our aspirations for our communities, and support each other’s growth. These dinners have become a safe space where we can openly discuss our experiences at HKS and our visions for contributing to the Arab world’s development.
“The combination of Harvard Kennedy School’s resources and the ELI Fellowship’s focused support creates an unparalleled platform for developing the skills needed to make a meaningful impact in the Arab world and beyond.”
Dalia Aita MPP 2026
Why your voice matters
The other Emirates Leadership Initiative fellows have significantly shaped my HKS experience in meaningful ways. Through student organizations, policy discussions, and campus-wide initiatives, we bring crucial perspectives that enrich the school’s understanding of the Middle East. Our presence ensures that conversations about the region’s challenges and opportunities are grounded in lived experiences and deep cultural understanding.
Advice for future applicants
If you’re considering HKS and the ELI Fellowship, don’t let self-doubt hold you back. Your unique perspective on regional challenges and your commitment to public service in the Middle East are exactly what this fellowship seeks to nurture and bring to campus. The program offers not just financial support, but a comprehensive experience designed to develop your leadership capabilities while surrounding you with brilliant peers with exceptional leadership skills.
The ELI Fellowship goes beyond traditional academic support—it’s about building a network of change-makers committed to addressing the Arab World’s pressing public policy challenges. Whether your background is in government, civil society, or the private sector, your potential to contribute to the Arab region’s development is what matters most. The fellowship isn’t just for students with academic excellence. It is for individuals with a genuine commitment to public service and strong leadership potential in the Middle East. Your authentic connection to the region and your vision for its future is invaluable and much needed at HKS.
I encourage you to embrace this opportunity to join a community of leaders dedicated to building capacity in our region. The combination of Harvard Kennedy School’s resources and the ELI Fellowship’s focused support creates an unparalleled platform for developing the skills needed to make a meaningful impact in the Arab world and beyond.
Learn about another Emirates Initiative Leadership Fellow’s experience.
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