Minister of Education Hussain bin Ibrahim Al Hammadi has stressed that education in the UAE has become developed and unique, while its modern features are being strongly formed, in line with the national vision of keeping up with advancement.

He said this is a result of the constant support of the wise leadership that believes educated youth are the future of the nation. On the occasion of the beginning of the new school year 2017-2018, he praised the support of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, which has resulted in a modern and unified educational system across the country.

He said that the vision of the new school year relies on innovation and creativity two encompassing concepts that characterise schools in the UAE. Speaking about sustainable development, he said that it requires an effective education system that is based on scientific knowledge and the skills of the 21st century.

Schools in the UAE are becoming competitive and leading the way through the integration of efforts and will become international models in the future. Exceptional efforts are required for the development of a unified national educational system. "Developed UAE School" will be the theme of the upcoming phase of education plans, in line with the aspirations of the wise leadership and the vision for the country, Al Hammadi noted.

Congratulating teachers, students, and parents at the beginning of the new academic year, he said teachers will remain the safety valve of the system and the main drivers to successfully implement educational policies. He further said the development of the education process focuses on developing students’ skills, their ability to communicate and innovate, and promoting a sense of commitment to the nation, while maintaining a balance between modern values and the UAE’s humanitarian heritage.

He further called on all entities in the field of education to integrate efforts and apply modern methodologies of education that will form a pillar to achieve development.

The UAE aspires to reach greater heights in the world and it is hopeful its children will drive the wheel of development, he added.