Fujairah has officially joined the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC), marking a significant milestone in the emirate’s education and development journey.
The announcement places Fujairah among 72 newly admitted cities from 46 countries, expanding the global network to 425 cities across 91 nations. Together, these cities now serve nearly 500 million people worldwide.
Established by UNESCO in 2013, the GNLC promotes lifelong learning as a cornerstone of sustainable development, social inclusion, and economic resilience. Membership recognises cities that integrate education into all aspects of urban and community life.
For Fujairah, the recognition underscores years of investment in education infrastructure, digital transformation, and community-based learning initiatives designed to support learners of all ages.
Officials say joining the network will strengthen international cooperation, allow the exchange of global best practices, and reinforce the UAE’s leadership in knowledge, creativity, and cultural dialogue on the world stage.
The recognition confirms Fujairah’s commitment to ensuring education remains accessible beyond traditional classrooms, supporting skills development, innovation, and adaptability in a fast-changing global economy.
The Ministry of Culture played a central role in supporting Fujairah’s nomination through the National Commission for Education, Culture and Science. This ensured the emirate’s policies and initiatives align closely with UNESCO’s priorities.
Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, UAE Minister of Culture, described Fujairah’s inclusion as a reflection of the UAE leadership’s long-standing commitment to education, innovation, and sustainability.
“The emirate’s inclusion in the network stands as a testament to its strategic vision in expanding lifelong learning opportunities and cultivating a sustainable knowledge-based economy,” he said.
He added that the achievement highlights the UAE’s broader goal of empowering communities through education excellence, innovation, and forward-looking cultural policies.
According to Mohammed Al Dhanhani, director of the Fujairah Emiri Court, the emirate’s successful application was driven by targeted investments across multiple learning sectors.
He noted that Fujairah has prioritised modern educational facilities, digital learning platforms, and community-focused learning hubs designed to reach diverse segments of society.
“Our long-term objectives in education aim to strengthen Fujairah’s position in the educational sector and knowledge-based economy,” Al Dhanhani said.
He explained that these efforts align with UAE Vision 2031 and the National Strategy for Education 2030, both of which emphasise innovation, lifelong learning, and human capital development.
UNESCO officials also highlighted the importance of the newly admitted cities and their potential to transform how people learn throughout their lives.
Stefania Giannini, UNESCO’s assistant director-general for Education, said Learning Cities are redefining education by extending learning opportunities beyond schools and universities.
She noted that everyday spaces such as streets, workplaces, libraries, museums, and homes are increasingly becoming environments that encourage curiosity, creativity, and innovation.
“This approach places lifelong learning at the centre of sustainable development and social cohesion,” Giannini said.
Fujairah’s Learning City Project reflects this philosophy through a long-term vision that integrates education with economic growth, cultural preservation, and community wellbeing.
By embedding learning into daily life, the emirate aims to support workforce readiness, encourage entrepreneurship, and foster social inclusion across generations.
The designation also enhances Fujairah’s international profile, opening the door to collaboration with other global cities on education policy, digital learning models, and community engagement strategies.
Officials believe that participation in the network will further strengthen ongoing initiatives while inspiring new programmes tailored to local needs and global trends.
As cities worldwide face rapid technological, environmental, and social change, Fujairah’s inclusion signals its readiness to invest in people, knowledge, and innovation as pillars of sustainable growth.
With UNESCO’s recognition, the emirate joins a global movement that views lifelong learning not as an option, but as an essential foundation for resilient, inclusive, and future-ready societies.