Sharjah 24 – WAM:
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, the twelfth edition of the “Education Interface” exhibition has commenced, organised by the “Education Interface Platform.” Taking place over two days at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Centre (ADNEC), the event features participation from 580 universities and educational institutions both locally and internationally. The inauguration was attended by His Excellency Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khoori, Secretary-General of the Zayed Humanitarian Foundation, alongside a distinguished gathering of decision-makers, educational representatives, experts, families, and students.
Highlighting the Family’s Role in Education
This year’s exhibition is themed “Education and the Family,” aligning with the declaration of 2026 as the “Year of the Family.” The exhibition aims to illuminate the family’s role in supporting children and guiding their academic and professional choices. Various topics linked to the future of education and the job market are being discussed, including future specialisations, artificial intelligence, innovation, and entrepreneurship, while fostering synergy between families, educational institutions, and the business sector.
A Platform for Interaction
The exhibition provides an interactive platform that connects students and parents with representatives from universities, academic institutions, government entities, and experts. Attendees have the opportunity to explore the latest educational specialisations and programmes while learning about training and employment opportunities, as well as innovations shaping the future of education.
Empowering Students for Future Success
Dr. Moza Said Al Badie, Chairperson of the Education Interface Exhibition, remarked, “For 12 years, the Education Interface Exhibition has established itself as a platform connecting students with educational institutions and academic opportunities that align with job market demands.” She highlighted that the exhibition currently showcases 580 educational entities, offering students and their families insights into available programmes, specialisations, scholarships, and the chance to communicate directly with educational institutions, enhancing their awareness about their academic and professional futures.
Dr. Al Badie further emphasised the critical role of innovation in shaping the future of education, showcasing 22 innovative projects across the realms of education, technology, and innovation, which offer practical models that contribute to enriching the learning experience and creating a sustainable impact. In the Year of the Family, she reiterated that building a student’s future is a shared responsibility among families, educational institutions, businesses, and society. “Investing in youth begins with preparing them to handle the rapid transformations in education and the job market, introducing them to new specialisations and promising fields, especially in artificial intelligence, technology, and innovation,” she stated.
Collaboration Among Sectors
Dr. Al Badie asserted that the Education Interface aims to be a significant stop in every student’s journey, broadening their horizons to discover academic and professional options, while helping them identify their abilities and inclinations. The exhibition ensures that students leave with a clearer vision of their pathways, increased confidence in their decisions, and a broader understanding of available opportunities, ultimately assisting them in constructing their futures based on knowledge and a readiness for ongoing learning and development.
Dr Abdul Aziz Salem Al Junaibi, Director of the Scholarship Management Department, highlighted the Ministry of Interior’s participation in the Education Interface Exhibition, showcasing the ministry’s commitment to supporting national talents. He noted that the venue introduces students and parents to educational and professional opportunities in policing and security fields, aligning with future requirements and the demands of a modern security system. The ministry is presenting a number of specialisations and programmes related to artificial intelligence, security sciences, and modern technologies, alongside qualification and development programmes that contribute to preparing skilled national personnel capable of advancing innovation and enhancing national security.
Engagement with Business Sector Initiatives
The Khalifa Empowerment Programme “Aqdar” also participates with a dedicated booth that showcases the programme’s objectives, initiatives, and empowering programmes, while informing students and visitors of various opportunities. Additionally, it organises various competitions and interactive activities that promote knowledge and skills, encouraging engagement with programme content.
Dr. Wudaima Bin Hamooda Al Dhaheri, Vice President of the Education Interface and representative of Bin Hamooda Group, noted that partnership between the business sector and educational institutions is essential for building a generation equipped with knowledge and skill, capable of turning aspirations into achievements. “We take pride in our partnership with the Education Interface, which creates a space for students, educational institutions, and the business sector, bridging youth with academic options and professional opportunities,” she expressed. “Our responsibility towards youth extends beyond educational support; it encompasses creating an environment that instills confidence to discover their capabilities, develop their skills, and prepare them for active participation in development efforts.”
Dr. Bin Hamooda added, “During the Year of the Family, we affirm that the responsibility for building the future of generations is a collective effort involving families, educational institutions, the business sector, and society.” She asserted that real investment starts by granting youth knowledge, opening avenues for experience, and providing bridges that connect their aspirations to opportunities. We aspire to see partnerships exceed mere support and participation, becoming a driving force linking education to the economy, knowledge to innovation, and talents to the labour market, contributing to the preparation of a generation that doesn’t just keep pace with future transformations but has the confidence, capability, and ambition to shape them.”
Abdullah Al Junaibi, Managing Director and Head of the Government and Public Sector at First Abu Dhabi Bank, expressed, “We are delighted to be part of the twelfth edition of the Education Interface Exhibition, which continues its role in supporting youth and enhancing their readiness for the future.” He highlighted that their ongoing partnership with the Education Interface reflects First Abu Dhabi Bank’s commitment to supporting education, youth development, and reinforcing the connection between knowledge and the labour market, especially amidst rapid technological transformations that necessitate equipping youth with knowledge, skills, experiences, and adaptability.
Finally, Sultan Al Ghaithi, Chief Human Resources Officer at Abu Dhabi Ports, stated, “We believe that developing national talents is a great responsibility and a strategic investment in the future of the UAE.” He underscored that empowering the youth begins by allowing them to discover their abilities, understand the diverse fields of work, and build experience that qualifies them for active participation in vital sectors constituting the economy of the future. Abu Dhabi Ports Group is dedicated to providing multiple pathways for youth in port operations, maritime transport, logistics, economic cities, trade, and technology through academic and practical training programmes, graduate training courses, and maritime and leadership qualifications, ensuring a clear and effective transition from education to professional experience, from talent discovery to talent development and empowerment.