H.E Hussain Bin Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Minister of Education, confirmed that education has become a wide gate through which we can enter into the building of a future that consists of a society desiring development, uniqueness and excellence. It is also considered the optimal investment and crucial pillar in building human capital, and a key to the development the wise leadership so aspires.
He added: The education map in the UAE has now become clear with creativity, innovation and continuous development as its foundation. During the next few years, the education arena will witness a qualitative leap in the standard of education and quality of outcomes that meet our aspirations due to the changes undertaken by the Ministry in the methodology of education.
This statement was made during a speech delivered by His Excellency at the Global Education Forum (GEF) and the 10th edition of the Global Education Supplies & Solutions Exhibition (GESS); held under the patronage of H.H Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, under the logo Teach, Inspire, Build the Future which started today, and will continue for three days.
The Forum was attended by a large number of top officials and high level educators, along with substantial participation of delegations from the Gulf region, a select group of Arab and foreign experts in education and information technology, and individuals interested in the education field.
At the outset of his speech, the Minister of Education affirmed that the UAE, thanks to the untiring guidance of H.H Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President, and H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, and H.H Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has become an important element within the international technology map and an incubator of advanced technology due to the availability of a strong infrastructure and an advanced communication network and high level channels, applications and devices enabling it to achieve its development goals and to embed the standards of global sustainability and competitiveness in all vital sectors, with technology and education at the forefront.
200 Workshops & Dialogue Sessions
He added that the Forum is a unique event in the region, which provides us with a wide expanse to view the latest tools and practices of modern education, and modern technology means, along with successful new experiments and educational inventions. All of these contribute to the improvement of the teaching and learning process by attending around 200 workshops and varied discussions and dialogue sessions, and the chance to learn about educational solutions through exhibits from more than 550 suppliers from 39 countries.
He explained that the Education Forum and its exhibition always enjoy different characteristics from similar international educational events due to the constant presentation of all that is new. In turn, this reflects a different picture in the presentation, analysis and exhibiting of the latest developments in the educational arena, which establish a qualitative educational movement and create a difference in the educational sector.
He added that the UAE has established standards of excellence and quality in its various sectors, with education as the focus of attention. This is thanks to the continued support of the leadership to invest in the country’s youth in order to achieve high quality educational outcomes, and employ available potentials to make the country a world-class knowledge production platform through advanced education, being an attribute of the future Emirati School.
VIP Leadership Institute
He added that, in addition to the Forum's training workshops, discussions and dialogue sessions and all that is contained in the form of smart educational solutions, the Ministry of Education this year was keen to introduce new elements to ensure provision of the desired supplements to the Forum, one of which is the “VIP Leadership Institute”. This provides leaders and decision makers in the field of education with the opportunity to strengthen their leadership and management skills within specialized classes, in addition to affording them the latest skills related to operational efficiency and improved performance standards, and other topics within the current and future educational scenes, to motivate learning in their schools.
His Excellency attributed the reasons for choosing the logo of the Forum for this year entitled Teach, Inspire, Build the Future as it reflects our true commitment in strengthening and ensuring sustainability of the education market in UAE and the region to achieve high development rates in the future. These developments will be furthered through the opportunity to meet with international and local experts, who will discuss their points of view around the pressing challenges facing the education sector in the region, in addition to learning about the latest trends in educational methodologies, improvements witnessed in the field of education, and future learning.
He added: Quality education is a top priority for the UAE as the quality of education and high standards we seek is dependent on the adoption of modern methods and technology. This is not only a demand for us but a universal demand for progress, provided that it includes educational standards and highly efficient assessments of the processes and efficiency of educational systems, thus, the ability to judge how well they respond to human development requirements and the needs of the labour market.
Emirati Schools
His Excellency outlined part of what the Ministry of Education had done recently to elevate Emirati Schools within its ambitious future educational plan and the radical transformations made in prelude to achieving a qualitative shift in education in accordance with the national agenda and UAE vision 2021, whereby radical changes were made on curricula in terms of adjustments, development and creation of other curriculums, within a national effort and in cooperation with the most prestigious international expert organizations.
He continued: The multifarious system has been replaced by new courses for learning; including general, advanced and elite. Updated and modern assessment methods in the educational process have been approved, and provision of modern and specific features for the UAE student to devote in the methodology of life to support his academic and practical life. Developments within the social studies curriculum have also been made to conform with the State’s vision to instil the attributes of national identity, and great attitude toward education and social responsibility, a sense of belonging to the nation and its leadership coupled with strong morals, and approval of moral education within educational curricula, as directed by H.H Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed
Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. Approval of the EmSAT examination instead of other international examinations has also been achieved, which is a prerequisite for university. Innovation, design and life skills classes have also been added to the educational curriculum. Utilizations of opportunities to enhance technological skills in students through robots and quality scientific competitions; development of a new vision for continuous learning and determination of educational paths that will develop students academically; approval of plans supporting students’ thinking, creativity and skills through diversified activities inside and outside the classrooms; investment in educational trips to enhance students’ capabilities; approval of specialized training for teachers; development of the kindergarten curricula and increasing the rate of enrolment therein in accordance with the specifications of the national agenda; and approval of future educational complexes that offer an ideal educational environment; approval of smart learning as a main choice in classes, in addition to an educational plan that guarantees cancellation of the foundation year in universities.
Students’ Inventions
His Excellency stressed that the Ministry of Education is moving towards advancing the Education Forum and its exhibition to be among the most prominent and prestigious international educational events and conferences. and the Ministry also aspires to make them a favourite destination for educational experts and the largest companies operating in the field of education technology, noting that they represent a great opportunity for our schools, educational leaders, teachers, and all those interested in education to attend and benefit from what is provided. They also provide an opportunity for our students and teachers to display their products and inventions.
In conclusion of his speech, the Minister of Education, in his own capacity and on behalf of the Ministry, expressed his sincere gratitude to H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, for his gracious patronage of this event and his continuous support of education. He also commended the Ministry of Education’s strategic partner “Fairs & Exhibitions” for their exceptional organization, and the tremendous efforts exerted by all those involved in the event.
550 Education Technology Companies
In the same context, H.E Hussain Al Hammadi, accompanied by Ministers, visitors of the State, and senior educational officials from inside and outside the country, inaugurated the Global Education Supplies & Solutions Exhibition, which includes over 550 prominent and leading companies in the field of education technology.
His Excellency inspected the Ministry of Education wing and participated in a discussion highlighting the importance of developing education. He also attended a series of workshops which are part of the Forum, and expressed his interest in the subjects addressed within these workshops, which are relevant to the main theme of the Forum.
14/03/2017