H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council, chaired the meeting of the Council held via video conference in the presence of Vice Chairperson H.H. Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to evaluate the progress of the transition to a new structure and discuss strategic plans to integrate sector files and maintain operational continuity.
The leadership has implemented a new governance model for education that prioritises human and community development. The success of this model hinges on ongoing collaboration between key stakeholders, known as change ambassadors, within the sector.
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed opened the meeting by reviewing the educational progress in classrooms as the new academic year commenced, emphasising the importance of support from teachers and parents. He encouraged them to help students create effective study plans tailored to their academic levels, abilities, interests, and aspirations, with the goal of achieving excellence through diligence and hard work.
Speaking about the new transition in the sector, Sheikh Abdullah said, “The shift to the new model aligns with the leadership’s vision of creating a sustainable system that prioritizes community members’ education and development throughout their lives, ensuring continued prosperity and success for generations to come.”
He added, “We seek to guide an integrated system that oversees the implementation of the change plans with strategic principles that have a localised impact, ensuring effective communication and cooperation between education, society and the labour market.
“In the next phase, we aim to establish an integrated system that aligns change plans with strategic principles, ensuring their local relevance and impact. This system will facilitate effective communication, collaboration, and cooperation between education, society, and the labor market.”
Sheikh Abdullah emphasised the importance of elevating educational standards, strengthening development initiatives, measuring the sector’s effectiveness, monitoring progress, and achieving targeted results for the entire population.
H.H. Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan commended the dedication of school leaders, teachers, and parents in fostering stability for the new academic year. She also acknowledged the efforts of authorities to equip schools with the necessary resources for a seamless educational experience.
Sheikha Mariam emphasised the need for united efforts to drive change, addressing key gaps with strategic innovation for real societal impact. She highlighted education as the foundation for a sustainable future, inspired by a visionary approach to progress.
She stressed that with the new structure reflecting the vision of the wise leadership, the focus is on building a model that prioritises human well-being. “This approach aims to create a society rooted in Emirati values and principles, ensuring that people remain at the heart of its development.”
“The model also seeks to empower every individual by addressing their needs, abilities, and talents. It promotes lifelong learning beyond the classroom, encouraging continuous growth and development for all members of society.”
The meeting was held in the presence of Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Community Development; Dr. Abdul Rahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research; Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri, Minister of Education; and Hajer AlThehli, Secretary-General of the Education and Human Resources Council.
At the beginning of the meeting, Hajer AlThehli reviewed the developments of the transitional period to the new structure, which includes activating the role of the Council in its new scope and supporting entities in reaching the desired goals of the new model in the governance of the sector.
She pointed out that the plans and programmes for managing the transition to a new model emphasise efficiency, flexibility, cooperation, and innovation. These plans, she explained, are designed to create strategic solutions that are tailored to the local community, addressing its specific needs and reflecting its unique identity. They will also align with the evolving demands of the job market and future trends, she added.
Sarah Al Amiri outlined the Ministry of Education’s transition plan under the new structure of the country’s education sector. This plan included the merger of the Emirates Schools Establishment with the Ministry, aiming to streamline operations and strengthen the educational framework.
“The plan focuses on aligning with national education priorities, addressing the needs of society, and fostering greater collaboration among all relevant sectors. Its goal is to advance the country’s ambitious vision for education and ensure that the system meets future demands.”
During the meeting, Dr. Al Awar reviewed the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research’s roadmap for the next phase, that aims to improve the level of higher education in the country in line with national priorities and the vision of the country’s leadership.
In addition, Al Awar discussed the updates on student admissions to higher education institutions for the first semester of the academic year as part of the registration and admission system overseen by the Ministry.
He mentioned that more than 16,000 students have been admitted, continuing their university studies in the first semester, as part of the Ministry’s efforts to enhance opportunities in higher education for UAE nationals.