As the United Arab Emirates marks World Teachers’ Day on Saturday, October 5, President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has extended heartfelt gratitude to educators across the nation for their “dedicated service to the nation.”
In a post shared on social media platform X, the President emphasized the critical role teachers play in shaping generations and inspiring the youth.
“World Teachers’ Day is an opportunity to recognise the vital role played by teachers in nurturing the next generation and inspiring young minds,” Sheikh Mohamed stated.
He highlighted education as a cornerstone of the UAE’s progress, asserting that educators are at the heart of this vision. “We thank them for their dedicated service to our nation,” he added, underlining the significance of teachers in fostering educational excellence.
In conjunction with this celebration, Sheikh Mohamed previously announced that February 28 will henceforth be designated as Emirati Day for Education, further solidifying the country’s commitment to educational advancement.
According to a 2021 report from Emirates News Agency WAM, the UAE has achieved a remarkable position, ranking first globally in three indexes associated with the Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) related to Quality Education.
This achievement marks the UAE’s consistent leadership in educational quality, as verified by various international organizations since 2020.
The UAE’s commitment to achieving SDG 4 focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.
The country has been at the forefront of educational innovation, particularly through its smart education system, initiated in 2012.
This system effectively harnessed technology to facilitate remote learning, particularly crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Over 25,000 tutors were trained remotely using advanced technologies, and students were equipped with computers and tablets to ensure uninterrupted learning.
The UAE’s dedication to education extends beyond its borders, as it prioritizes educational support in its foreign aid initiatives.
The nation contributed Dh367 million to the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) from 2018 to 2020, benefiting educational systems in 90 countries.
Furthermore, the UAE pledged an additional Dh367 million to support the Strategic Education Plan 2021-2025, illustrating its commitment to global educational advancement.
The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives has also made significant contributions to education globally, helping build over 2,126 schools and training 400,000 teachers worldwide by 2019.
Their programs reached approximately 45.5 million people in 2020, with a continued allocation of Dh265 million for ongoing educational initiatives.
Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri, the UAE’s Minister of Education, emphasized that empowering teachers is a key priority for the country.
“The UAE views teachers as key partners in advancing its education system and places their empowerment at the forefront of its priorities,” Al Amiri noted.
She acknowledged the essential role teachers play in preparing future generations, equipping them with the necessary skills to thrive in a competitive global landscape.
In a celebratory message, Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) took to social media to honor teachers, stating: “Happy #WorldTeachersDay! Today, we celebrate the incredible teachers who inspire, guide, and empower our children every day. Your passion, patience, and commitment light the way for students and their futures.”
Ahead of World Teachers’ Day, the KHDA encouraged parents to express their appreciation for educators in a unique manner by sharing a ‘Thank You’ certificate on social media, allowing families to publicly recognize the invaluable contributions of their children’s teachers.
As the UAE observes World Teachers’ Day, the collective appreciation for educators reflects the nation’s commitment to fostering a robust educational landscape and nurturing future leaders.