Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, emphasized the United Arab Emirates' commitment to prioritizing education under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. During a visit to the Zayed Educational Complex in Al Warqaa, Sheikh Mohammed affirmed education as a cornerstone of sustainable development and a key driver of national prosperity and well-being.
According to Emirates News Agency, Sheikh Mohammed's visit to the Zayed Educational Complex highlighted the comprehensive learning environment provided by the facility. The complex offers students a holistic educational experience that integrates academic excellence, national values, creativity, physical activity, reading, and community engagement. This environment aims to foster responsibility and strengthen national identity.
Sheikh Mohammed stated, "The future of the UAE begins in its schools, where new generations are nurtured to carry forward our nation's pioneering journey." He credited the support of Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed for fortifying a national education system that instills pride. He further highlighted the importance of education in realizing the 'We the UAE 2031' vision and consolidating developmental achievements.
He underscored the need for an education system that merges technological advancements with authentic values, fostering a generation that harnesses knowledge for humanity's benefit. The UAE's education sector is undergoing a strategic transformation, shifting from knowledge-based learning to nurturing creative, engaged, and responsible individuals. This reflects the belief that investing in people is foundational to sustainable development.
The visit was accompanied by Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs; Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri, Minister of Education; and Hajer Ahmed Al Thehli, Secretary-General of the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council. Under the guidance of Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed, the UAE's education sector has evolved to meet contemporary changes and future aspirations.
Education in the UAE now represents an integrated life system that combines knowledge, values, behavior, and national identity within a dynamic environment that fosters learning, creativity, and community participation. The system emphasizes the importance of sports, well-being, and quality of life, with the Ministry of Education integrating activities to enhance fitness, discipline, and team spirit.
The UAE promotes a strong culture of reading and writing through programs that develop critical thinking and expression, preparing students for cultural and scientific contributions. Classroom initiatives such as the 'Little Shop' foster cooperation, local economic support, discipline, and time management.
Under the leadership's vision for future education and artificial intelligence, the UAE advances systems that ethically harness technology to serve society, ensuring innovation aligns with national values. These efforts are part of a national journey affirming education as a development cornerstone, central to the 'We the UAE 2031' vision.
The Zayed Educational Complexes project, launched in the 2023-2024 academic year, is one of the largest national education initiatives. With 11 complexes across five emirates and a capacity for 28,000 students, the project aims to provide high-quality infrastructure in line with global standards.