الشارقة 24 – وام:
The UAE’s Minister of Education, Her Excellency Sara bint Yousef Al Amiri, has emphasised the ministry’s commitment to fostering essential values among students, including loyalty, belonging, adaptability, and perseverance. These foundational traits are described as pivotal components for Emirati students who are preparing to enter the workforce and carry the responsibility of serving their beloved country, transcending mere aspirations for the future.
During a keynote session titled “Continuity in Education: From Response to Sustainability” at the UAE Government Annual Meetings 2026, Al Amiri noted several significant advancements in the education sector, achieved under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Her Highness Sheikha Maryam bint Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the Presidential Court for National Projects and Vice President of the Council for Education, Human Development and Society. These advancements have markedly enhanced the educational processes in the nation.
Al Amiri highlighted the launch of the National Educational Charter in February as a crucial milestone that has bolstered the educational and pedagogical framework within the UAE, reinforcing key skills and values across all educational stages. She underscored the strategic importance of the charter, which introduces new concepts central to Emirati education, focusing on three main pillars: strengthening national identity, enhancing future skills, and developing personal attributes in students throughout their educational journey.
Among this year’s noteworthy achievements following the implementation of the National Charter, Al Amiri pointed to the valuable lessons learned from various experiences within the country. Schools and educational staff have prioritised enhancing students’ skills and supporting their learning while ensuring the retention of these acquired abilities. The Ministry of Education has also demonstrated a high level of preparedness for the current academic year by developing five educational protocols and inaugurating 12 new schools across various regions of the UAE.
The Minister of Education affirmed that the educational process has not only focused on developing essential new infrastructures but also ensured that schools remain in a state of constant readiness for future challenges, equipped to adapt to ongoing changes effectively. Al Amiri shared insights into how the educational system has ensured the continuity of learning amidst exceptional circumstances, showcasing its ability to adapt and respond. This adaptability has transformed lessons learned into a sustainable methodology that enhances preparedness.
She stated that the challenges faced by the nation have contributed to forming a unique Emirati concept of readiness in the education sector, preserving national achievements, safeguarding students’ welfare, and maintaining the continuity of their learning. Al Amiri remarked, “The experience has shown that readiness does not equate to the absence of challenges, but rather the ability to manage them efficiently, protect our accomplishments, and ensure ongoing education in all circumstances.”
In her address, Al Amiri detailed how the ministry has gone beyond merely introducing a new educational approach that emphasises concepts and self-study. The ministry has also redesigned policies and added new dimensions to ensure the quality of educational content, measuring the impact of these developments on student performance through digital tools and proactive international assessment methodologies.
She emphasised the distinctive nature of the Emirati education model, which encompasses a variety of national and international programmes and incorporates global curricula and international assessments that reinforce the nation’s educational leadership. Consequently, the Ministry of Education devised a comprehensive plan to measure educational outcomes based on all available data, alongside a strategic development plan that benefits regional schools. This initiative enables them to implement exceptional experiences by drawing on the UAE’s proactive approach, which not only ensures the availability of resources but also meets the fundamental aspirations of students, educators, and parents across the country.
Additionally, the ministry has coordinated with all institutions accountable for international assessments to evaluate student performance throughout the academic year, rather than only at the end-of-term exams. This approach ensures that students can document their efforts throughout the year.