The United Arab Emirates today observed Emirati Day for Education, reaffirming learning as a core national priority. Senior leadership, the Ministry of Education and federal authorities marked the occasion with the launch of a National Education Charter and a suite of strategic reforms aimed at strengthening the education system from early years to higher education.
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National messages on Education Day
President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan reiterated the central role of education in national progress, calling human capital the country’s greatest asset. In a separate statement, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum underlined the need for lifelong learning to keep pace with global competition. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan described education as a “firm national priority,” stressing that families, schools and communities must work together to raise generations ready for tomorrow’s jobs.
National Education Charter launched
The Ministry of Education unveiled the National Education Charter, a unified framework intended to bring greater coherence to federal and local education policy. The charter sets out pillars that tighten governance of the national curriculum, align policies across emirates, strengthen family-school ties and embed sustainability and future-ready outcomes in learning standards. Officials said the measure will standardize oversight and reinforce links between schooling and the country’s broader development goals.
Curriculum reform and AI integration
Under the new charter, curriculum modernization continues to be a priority. Authorities confirmed that Artificial Intelligence has been integrated into mandatory learning pathways from early years through Grade 12 — a rare, system-wide adoption intended to build digital fluency and critical thinking from a young age. Curriculum frameworks were also updated to balance core knowledge with future skills and problem-solving abilities. The rollout is accompanied by new federal legislation on the governance of the national curriculum to ensure consistency and accountability.
Assessment and testing overhaul
Education officials said centralized end-of-term examinations have been replaced by school-based assessment models, shifting emphasis toward formative evaluation, continuous monitoring and student wellbeing. The move is designed to reduce high-stakes pressure and give teachers more flexibility to assess learning progress through classroom-based evidence.
Higher education law and quality assurance
A new Federal Law on Higher Education was referenced in the day’s briefings, aimed at tightening regulatory oversight and lifting quality assurance across universities and colleges. The law seeks to benchmark UAE tertiary institutions against international standards and support greater global competitiveness for local providers.
Teachers and professional development
Officials highlighted large-scale investment in teacher training: tens of thousands of educators have taken part in programmes focused on AI-enabled instruction and modern pedagogies. Recognition schemes that raise the profession’s standing — including long-running initiatives that grant residency incentives to distinguished teachers — were again emphasized. Several emirates, Sharjah among them, announced scholarship streams targeting early childhood and educational leadership specializations.
Student pathways and platforms
The ministry’s releases stressed improved transitions from study to work. National internship platforms linking graduates with industry are being expanded, and government skills portals such as Maharat Al Emarat were cited for their role in certifying competencies and supporting employability. Officials also pointed to targeted scholarship programmes for priority fields such as technology and leadership.
Infrastructure expansion and academic events
The Education Day briefings noted the opening of several new educational complexes and upgraded public schools to increase capacity and modernize learning environments. The UAE also hosted international academic events this year, including the 57th International Chemistry Olympiad, drawing overseas delegations and showcasing the country as a venue for high-level scholastic competition.
Sector figures highlighted
Authorities released headline statistics alongside the charter announcement: more than 1 million students are enrolled nationwide; over 23,000 educators have received advanced professional development; and higher education admissions rose by roughly 13% in the 2024–25 cycle, with women accounting for about 54% of new entrants. These figures were cited to illustrate recent momentum across the system.
Identity, values and early childhood focus
Officials reiterated that reforms will not dilute national identity: Arabic language, Islamic studies and civic values remain embedded across curricula. Early childhood initiatives such as Al Ghad Nurseries and the Emirati Classroom were singled out as part of efforts to anchor identity and language from the earliest years.
