Emirati educators have reaffirmed Dubai’s commitment to becoming a leading global environment for teaching, investing in local talent to spearhead the future of the education sector. This initiative aims to fulfil the objectives of the Dubai Education Strategy 2033 and solidify the role of Emirati teachers as key partners in moulding future generations.
Gathering of Educators in Dubai
This commitment was highlighted during the Emirati Teacher Forum, organised by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai. Approximately 100 Emirati teachers from private schools and early childhood centres participated, demonstrating the vital role teachers play in achieving the goals of the Dubai Education Strategy 2033.
Empowering Emirati Educators
The forum is part of the strategy for Emirati personnel in the private education sector, approved by the Executive Council of Dubai, which aims to attract and empower Emirati talent. The goal is to increase the number of Emirati educators to 3,000 by 2033.
A Platform for Professional Development
Amna Al-Kuwari, Director of Educator Empowerment at KHDA, expressed that the presence of Emirati teachers in the educational field carries a national message and creates an impact that reverberates through generations. She emphasised that empowering these educators is a national duty that translates the leadership’s vision of human development, enhances the status of teachers, and embeds principles of leadership and sustainability in education. Al-Kuwari noted that the forum serves as a professional platform for exchanging experiences, building networks among educators, and presenting innovative solutions and professional development opportunities, all contributing to raising education quality in line with the Emirati workforce strategy.
Celebrating Experience and Youth
The forum also saw the presence of retired Emirati educational leaders alongside current educators and newly graduated teachers, fostering a spirit of mentorship and collaboration. The aim was to promote professional guidance, share experiences, and support the well-being of Emirati teachers through interactive methods that consider their individual needs, contributing to a community of practice based on knowledge exchange and inspiring educational practices.
Strengthening National Identity Through Education
Emirati educator Suhaim Al-Hajri highlighted that the Emirati workforce strategy and the efforts of KHDA to attract locals to private schools represent a pioneering national step towards strengthening national identity and instilling Emirati values in future generations.
Enhancing the Role of Emirati Teachers
Fellow educator Widad Bin Turki reaffirmed that the Emirati workforce strategy embodies Dubai’s commitment to enhancing the role of Emiratis in the private education sector while continuously improving the educational system and leveraging technology to achieve the highest quality standards.
A Motivating Step Towards Teaching
Arabic language teacher Sheikha Mohammed, from a private school in Dubai, remarked that the Emirati workforce strategy serves as a motivator for Emiratis to join the teaching profession, reinforcing the role of Emirati educators in shaping the future of education in the UAE.