Jan 16 2025
UAE: The UAE education sector witnessed transformative developments in 2024, marked by significant reforms, new universities, and key strategic initiatives.
A landmark decision was made to designate 28th February as “Emirati Day for Education” to honour education’s role in national development.
The UAE announced a new education framework led by H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan as Chairman of the Education, Human Resources, and Community Development Council. H.H. Sheikha Maryam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan serves as Vice-Chair and Chairperson of the Quality of Education Centre, while Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri was appointed Minister of Education.
Reforms included the creation of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and a new General Secretariat for the Education Council. Additionally, the Emirates Schools Establishment and the Federal Authority for Early Childhood Education were integrated into the Ministry of Education.
Dubai unveiled the AED 4.5 billion Dubai National University, positioning the emirate as a global higher education hub. The “Education 33” strategy was also introduced to revolutionise the student-focused learning model.
Abu Dhabi saw the official opening of the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi – Abu Dhabi, the first IIT campus outside India, enhancing its status as a global higher education centre. The Abu Dhabi Declaration was adopted at the 19th Conference of Arab Ministers of Higher Education, advancing research and education across the Arab world.
Sharjah inaugurated the Al Dhaid University campus, accommodating 2,000 students on a 412,000-square-metre site, further expanding educational infrastructure in the region.
The UAE Cabinet also launched a national ranking framework for higher education institutions and introduced a scholarship-based funding model for federal universities.
These changes demonstrate the UAE’s vision to build a future-ready education system that aligns with global standards.
