Dubai: The UAE is considering developing education as per latest international standards, and utilising technology in education to make it one of the best education systems in the world by 2021.
The statement was made by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, during the Mohammad Bin Rashid session for policies, which was held under the theme of “Future approaches to develop education”, at Al Bahr Palace in Dubai on Sunday.
Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, and Humaid Mohammad Al Qutami, Minister of Education, were present.
“We give special attention to education. It is one of the top priorities of the UAE government, a move which stems from our belief that the development of nations begins with improving their education systems,” said Shaikh Mohammad.
“The UAE was among the first countries to perceive future requirements of the education sector, and hence we launched the Smart Learning initiative in line with our vision and ambitions for a better future for the UAE,” he added.
“Developing our education system is our national responsibility. We need to start with the development of schools and curriculums, so as to create a highly qualified generation empowered with advanced skills that allow them to keep abreast with changes and modern developments in education and aspects of life,” said Shaikh Mohammad.
The Vice-President pointed out that the fundamental development of education and achieving an integrated education system as per the latest international standards is a crucial component of our national vision.
“The road towards a better future begins at schools, and hence I want to make sure that the best education system, which keeps pace with the knowledge revolution and technological developments, is made available to our citizens,” he said.
The session included a presentation on future approaches to develop education, whereas international expert Saleem Esmail said the UAE has promising and vast opportunities to shift to a global powerhouse for knowledge and education, because it has the competence to make bold decisions and enjoys the fundamentals for development and progress. He also spoke about the UAE’s successful utilisation of modern technology in its education systems, thus qualifying it to have the best and advanced education systems in the world.
Esmail highlighted the importance of smart learning as an advanced means to meet the community’s future educational needs, especially related to the skills of using high technology in communication and work completion. He called for making the most of modern technologies in developing a student’s skills, enhancing the spirit of competition, and stimulating their capabilities to develop creative ideas.
He emphasised the teacher’s important role in motivating students to be innovative and think outside the box. He pointed out that advanced curriculums and modern technologies will not serve any benefit unless a highly qualified teacher is overseeing the learning process.
Esmail — an expert specialised in higher education — outlined various themes, including innovation, knowledge output, ways to boost creative thinking among students, as well as the role of education systems in a knowledge-based economy, and the state of education in a number countries, and future prospects for developing it.
Present were Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, a number of senior officials and prominent figures, as well as education experts.
