Call for submissions: Essay Competition on EU-UAE relations
Do you have bold, innovative ideas for how the European Union (EU) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) can work together to address global challenges? Here’s your chance to make your voice heard and shape the future of international cooperation!
✍️ About the Competition
The Delegation of the European Union to the UAE, in collaboration with leading UAE universities, invites undergraduate and master’s students to participate in an exciting Essay Competition.
The aim: To gather fresh, forward-thinking ideas from youth voices on how the EU and UAE can expand their strategic cooperation across areas of mutual interest.
📌 Essay Title
“How can the European Union and the United Arab Emirates deepen and expand their strategic cooperation in areas of mutual interest?”
🗓️ Submission Deadline: 30 April 2025
👩🎓 Who Can Apply?
Eligible participants are:
- Undergraduate or Master’s students enrolled in UAE universities
- Studying in relevant disciplines, including:
- International Studies
- Diplomacy, International Affairs and Global Cooperation
- International Affairs and Social Studies
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Political Sciences
- Global Governance and Sustainable Development
- Political Sciences and Global Affairs
🏆 What’s in it for You?
📣 Top 10 Finalists will:
-
Get their essay Published on the EU Delegation’s official platforms
-
Receive an Invitation to Europe Day 2025 Reception & future EU events
-
Join the Youth Sounding Board for the EU Delegation to the UAE
- Meet H.E. Lucie Berger, EU Ambassador to the UAE
🥇 Top 3 Winners ALSO receive:
-
Certificate of Recognition, signed and awarded by the EU Ambassador at the Europe Day Reception on May 9th
-
An immersive “Day with the EU Delegation” experience
📝 How to Apply
Submit your original 4-page essay (max. 2,000 words) in English by 30 April 2025.
🔗 Submit Your Essay Here
Essays should reflect:
-
Evidence-based research
-
Innovative ideas and policy suggestions
-
Alignment with the Joint Communication for a Strategic Partnership with the Gulf
📄 Submission Guidelines
-
Max 2,000 words | Font size: 12 | Line spacing: 1.5
-
In English
-
Include citations where appropriate
-
Must be original and authored by the applicant
📅 Key Dates
|
Activity |
Date |
|
Launch of Essay Competition |
17 April 2025 |
|
Final Essay Submission Deadline |
30 April 2025 |
|
Essay Screening and Filter |
1 – 2 May 2025 |
|
Grading the Top 10 Finalists by the Judging Panel |
3 – 5 May 2025 |
|
Winners Announcement (3 Winners with special recognition) |
6 May 2025 |
🎯 Assessment Criteria
Your essay will be evaluated based on the following:
|
Criteria |
Description |
Max Points |
|
1. Understanding of EU-UAE Relations |
Grasp of the current strategic context and EU-UAE relations |
20 points |
|
2. Relevance and Innovation of Ideas |
Original and feasible ideas, forward-looking and grounded in reality |
10 points |
|
3. Structure and Clarity |
Logical flow, clear intro and conclusion, strong organization |
10 points |
|
4. Critical Thinking and Analysis |
Insight into challenges, policy gaps, and opportunities |
5 points |
|
5. Recommendations and Impact |
Practical, actionable suggestions aligned with EU goals |
5 points |
|
Total |
50 points |
The review process will be anonymised and the top 10 essays will be published and featured on the EU Delegation’s website and social media platforms.
📬 Questions?
Please reach out to us at: eu-uae-essay@ equinoccio.eu
