Abdullah bin Zayed leads Education Council meeting to enhance quality and competitiveness in UAE education sector

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, recently chaired a virtual meeting of the Education and Human Resources Council to assess the progress of educational institutions in the UAE. The focus was on advancing educational quality and student achievement to align with national needs and solidify the country’s position as a leader in academic excellence.

During the meeting, Sheikh Abdullah emphasized the importance of improving student academic achievement and enhancing the effectiveness of teaching staff. He also stressed the need for transparency in providing a comprehensive picture of student learning outcomes. Sheikh Abdullah highlighted the significance of fostering robust Arabic language skills, which serve as a foundation for mastering subjects like mathematics and English.

Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice Chairperson of the Education and Human Resources Council, emphasized the need for a shared vision in the education sector to address challenges collaboratively. She highlighted the importance of coordination between educational entities, parents, students, teachers, and leaders to achieve foundational goals and drive progress in the educational system.

Dr. Ahmad bin Abdullah Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, the Minister of Education, proposed introducing an Arabic language assessment for first-grade students in public and private schools starting from the academic year 2024-2025. This national assessment aims to measure Arabic language skills acquired by students upon enrollment in the first grade to ensure they possess basic language skills.

Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology, presented an analysis of the second semester exam results for students in public schools. She highlighted interventions made by the Emirates Schools Establishment (ESE) to improve academic achievement and address violations during exams, including cheating cases.

Al Amiri also discussed extracurricular activities in public schools, benefiting over 150,000 students and enhancing knowledge acquisition and skill-building. She emphasized the role of extracurricular programs in fostering student development and aligning with educational objectives.

The ESE plans to launch an educational project to utilize students’ leisure time, discover their creative skills, and develop talents through multi-activity centers in public schools. The project aims to guide students on growth paths using the latest technologies.

The meeting was attended by various officials, including the Minister of Community Development, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, Minister of State for Early Education, and other key figures in the education sector.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the UAE’s commitment to enhancing educational quality, fostering student achievement, and promoting transparency in the education sector. By addressing challenges collaboratively and implementing innovative initiatives, the UAE aims to create a generation with advanced knowledge and skills to support the country’s future development and competitiveness in various fields.