Landmark education reforms drive UAE's academic excellence

emirates7 - The UAE’s education sector saw remarkable developments in 2024, highlighted by the establishment of 28th February as the annual "Emirati Day for Education", a day to recognize the critical role of education in fostering development, progress, and nation-building.

To further strengthen the sector, the UAE introduced a new governance structure. H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, was appointed Chairman of the Education, Human Resources, and Community Development Council. H.H. Sheikha Maryam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was named Vice-Chair of the Council and Chairperson of the Quality of Education Centre, while Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri assumed the role of Minister of Education.

The restructuring also included the creation of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and a General Secretariat for the Education, Human Resources, and Community Development Council. Additionally, the Emirates Schools Establishment and the Federal Authority for Early Childhood Education were merged into the Ministry of Education.

The UAE Cabinet introduced a national framework to rank higher education institutions, covering both public and private entities. A new funding system was also implemented, transitioning federal government higher education institutions to a scholarship-based financing model.

In Dubai, the establishment of Dubai National University, with an investment of AED 4.5 billion, underscored the emirate’s commitment to positioning itself as a global hub for higher education and research. Additionally, Dubai launched the "Education 33" strategy, which focuses on delivering a high-quality, student-centred educational model to transform the education ecosystem.

Abu Dhabi achieved a significant milestone with the official opening of the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi – Abu Dhabi, the first branch campus of the prestigious institute outside India, further enhancing the capital’s profile as a host to world-class higher education institutions.

In November, the "Abu Dhabi Declaration" was adopted during the 19th Conference of Arab Ministers of Higher Education and Scientific Research, providing a strategic framework to advance higher education and scientific research across the Arab world.

In Sharjah, September marked the inauguration of Al Dhaid University’s new campus, which spans 412,000 square metres and has the capacity to accommodate 2,000 students.