Sharjah - His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has stressed that human development and the promotion of scientific and cognitive abilities of people is a priority for the UAE.

Dr Shaikh Sultan noted that cognitive development must be in line with the requirements of not only the current era but also for the future, with a commitment to the development of learning tools and maintaining Arab identity and culture.

The statement was made as Dr Shaikh Sultan launched a new initiative, the first of its kind in the Arab world, to support smart education in Arabic for students in Sharjah to promote the Arabic language. The method relies on learning through the latest programmes, and creating an appropriate school environment for creativity.

Under the initiative, tablets will be distributed free to students and teachers at all schools in the emirate. The tablets will include new educational programmes and innovative applications in Arabic.

The launch of the initiative came as Dr Shaikh Sultan visited yesterday the Centre of Kindergarten Development in Khor Fakkan. Dr Shaikh Sultan was accompanied by Shaikha Budoor Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq).

During the visit, Dr Shaikh Sultan met faculty and administrative staff in the centre and stressed the importance of harnessing all of their capabilities and developing them to support the process of education for students, and their access to the best international standards. He also distributed tablets to students in the centre.

The Sharjah Ruler said that the UAE’s leadership believes in the importance and the availability of high-level education for the nation and its citizens to ensure the future of the state and the people.

He said that the development they seek in the education system to build on human skills is not limited to the development of curricula, programmes and tools but also depends on the faculty, parents and community as a whole.

Dr Shaikh Sultan was accompanied by Abdullah Sueja, Chairman of the Board of Education in Sharjah, and a number of senior officials.