UAE Ministry of Education launches first magazine

Dubai: The UAE Ministry of Education on Tuesday officially launched its first-ever magazine – Al Resala.

The monthly Arabic periodical lets students, parents, teachers and principals join ministry officials in writing content for the 80-pager.

Al Resala, or The Message, is expected to cover the latest developments and issues surrounding public education in the emirates. The freebie will be sent to government schools and education zones in the UAE every month.

In a statement regarding the launch of the in-color, glossy title, Dr. Hanif Hassan, the Minister of Education, said: “Our aim is to activate the role of individuals and organizations in developing education and raising the skills of our educators.''

At a press conference on Tuesday, Rashid Lekrabani, director general of the ministry said the magazine is part of an effort “reassuring the transparency and lucidity of education standards in our schools.''

The first issue – September 2008 – carries a special feature on the role of the late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, former president of the UAE, in laying the foundations for modern schooling in the country.

It also covers the recent graduation projects of high school students. Profiles of officials and students will apparently be a regular affair. Other topics covered will be news, reviews, sports and even feedback from local celebrities or prominent personalities.

For example, the debut edition published a letter from Abu Rashid, a famous radio presenter in the UAE. The Al Resala team was also introduced in it. The publication's editor is Ayoub Habib, also head of media relations at the ministry.