International Day of Education : UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan shared powerful words about education on January 24, 2026, as the world celebrated International Day of Education. He explained how the UAE’s learning system helps young people become active partners in building the country’s future.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed on International Day of Education
On Saturday, January 24, 2026, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan marked International Day of Education by emphasizing the crucial role of learning in the Emirates.
What the UAE President said:
Education is fundamental: A key pillar of the UAE’s long-term strategic vision
Modern system focus: The country is advancing education that works for today’s world
Identity reinforcement: Learning strengthens Emirati identity and values
Youth empowerment: Education helps young people become active partners in development
National priorities: Supports what the UAE needs to grow and succeed
Progress driver: Pushes forward knowledge, technology, and innovation
This message shows how seriously the UAE takes education as a tool for building the nation’s future!
What Is International Day of Education?
Before we go further, let’s understand what International Day of Education actually is!
About this special day:
Date: January 24th every year
Started by: United Nations (UN)
First celebrated: 2019
Purpose: Highlight the importance of education worldwide
Why it matters: Education is a basic human right for every child
Global focus: Reminds countries to invest in learning
Theme varies: Each year focuses on different education challenges
Celebration: Countries share their education achievements and challenges
The United Nations created this day because education changes lives, lifts people out of poverty, and helps countries develop!
UAE Education as a Fundamental Pillar
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed described education as a “fundamental pillar” of the UAE’s vision. But what does this mean?
Understanding “fundamental pillar”:
Simple meaning: Something absolutely essential that holds everything else up
Like building pillars: Just like pillars hold up a building, education holds up the UAE’s future
Not optional: Means education is necessary, not just nice to have
Long-term vision: Part of planning for UAE’s future for decades ahead
Foundation: Everything else the country wants to achieve depends on good education
The UAE government sees education the same way you’d see the foundation of a house – without it, nothing else can be built properly!
How Education Reinforces UAE Identity and Values
The UAE President specifically mentioned that education “reinforces our identity and values.” This is very important!
What this means:
Emirati identity: Being Emirati includes language, culture, traditions, religion
Values: Respect, tolerance, innovation, ambition, family
How education helps:
- Arabic language classes preserve Emirati heritage
- Islamic studies maintain religious identity
- History lessons teach about UAE founders
- Culture programs keep traditions alive
- Ethics courses reinforce Emirati values
Modern balance:
- Learn global knowledge
- Keep Emirati identity strong
- Be connected to the world
- Stay rooted in UAE culture
The UAE education system wants students to become global citizens who are still proud Emiratis!
Education Supports National Development Priorities
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed explained that education “supports national development priorities.”
UAE’s development priorities include:
Economic diversification:
- Moving beyond oil economy
- Building knowledge-based economy
- Creating new industries
Technology leadership:
- Becoming a tech hub
- Leading in AI and space
- Digital transformation
Innovation culture:
- Encouraging creativity
- Supporting entrepreneurs
- Inventing solutions
Sustainability:
- Green energy
- Environmental protection
- Future-ready infrastructure
Global competitiveness:
- Attracting talent
- World-class services
- International reputation
How education supports these:
Students learning science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) become the engineers, scientists, and innovators who make these priorities happen!
Youth as Active Partners in Development
A key point in Sheikh Mohamed’s message was that education helps youth become “active partners” in development.
What “active partners” means:
Not just spectators: Young people don’t just watch UAE develop; they help build it
Contributing now: Students can make a difference even before graduation
Future leaders: Today’s students become tomorrow’s decision-makers
Innovation drivers: Young minds bring fresh ideas and solutions
Technology natives: Youth understand new technology naturally
How youth actively partner:
In knowledge:
- Research projects
- Academic competitions
- University innovations
- Scientific discoveries
In technology:
- Coding and programming
- App development
- Tech startups
- Digital solutions
In innovation:
- Problem-solving contests
- Entrepreneurship programs
- Creative projects
- New inventions
The UAE doesn’t want students to just learn passively – it wants them actively building the country’s future!
Three Key Areas: Knowledge, Technology, Innovation
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed specifically mentioned education drives progress in three areas:
1. Knowledge:
What it means: Information, understanding, learning
In UAE education:
- World-class universities
- Research centers
- Libraries and resources
- International partnerships
Why it matters:
- Knowledge economy replaces oil economy
- Smart decisions need good information
- Innovation comes from understanding
2. Technology:
What it means: Using tools, machines, and digital systems
In UAE education:
- Computer science programs
- Robotics classes
- AI curriculum
- Smart classrooms
Why it matters:
- Technology shapes the future
- UAE wants to lead, not follow
- Digital skills are essential
3. Innovation:
What it means: Creating new ideas and solutions
In UAE education:
- Creativity encouragement
- Problem-solving focus
- Entrepreneurship programs
- Innovation competitions
Why it matters:
- Innovation creates progress
- New solutions help UAE excel
- Future needs fresh thinking
These three areas work together to build the UAE’s modern economy!
UAE’s Modern Education System
When Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed talks about “advancing a modern system,” what does that look like?
Modern UAE education features:
Technology integration:
- Smart boards in classrooms
- Tablets and laptops for students
- Online learning platforms
- Virtual reality lessons
Global standards:
- International curriculum options
- British, American, IB systems
- High-quality teaching
- World-recognized qualifications
Bilingual approach:
- Arabic as foundation
- English for global communication
- Some schools teach third languages
STEM focus:
- Science, Technology, Engineering, Math emphasis
- Coding from young ages
- Robotics programs
- Space education
Skills-based learning:
- Critical thinking
- Problem-solving
- Creativity
- Communication
Future-ready:
- Prepares for jobs that don’t exist yet
- Adaptability skills
- Lifelong learning mindset
This modern UAE education system prepares students for a rapidly changing world!
Education as a Tool for Progress
The UAE President described education as a “tool” – let’s understand this comparison.
Education as a tool means:
Like a hammer builds houses: Education builds the country’s future
Like a key opens doors: Learning opens opportunities for youth
Like an engine drives cars: Knowledge drives national progress
Tools need good users: Students must use their education actively
Better tools, better results: Modern education creates better outcomes
Practical purpose: Education isn’t just theory – it’s for doing things
The UAE sees education as practical and purposeful, not just academic!
Why Education Matters for UAE’s Long-term Vision
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed connected education to the UAE’s long-term strategic vision. Let’s understand this vision.
UAE Vision 2071:
Goal: Make UAE the best country in the world by its 100th birthday (2071)
Time horizon: 45 years of planning ahead
Focus areas:
- World-class education
- Happiest people
- Best economy
- Leading innovation
- Sustainable development
Education’s role:
Preparing future generations: Today’s students will be UAE leaders in 2071
Building capabilities: Skills learned now create future achievements
Creating continuity: Each generation builds on the last
Ensuring competitiveness: Good education keeps UAE globally competitive
Sustaining success: Education maintains progress across decades
Without excellent education today, the UAE cannot achieve its 2071 vision!
How UAE Invests in Education
The UAE government doesn’t just talk about education – it invests heavily in it!
UAE education investments:
School infrastructure:
- Modern school buildings
- Advanced facilities
- Technology equipment
- Safe, comfortable environments
Teacher quality:
- Competitive salaries
- Professional development
- International recruitment
- Ongoing training
Higher education:
- World-class universities
- Research funding
- Scholarships for citizens
- International partnerships
Innovation programs:
- Science competitions
- Technology camps
- Entrepreneurship initiatives
- Innovation challenges
Special programs:
- Gifted student support
- Special needs education
- Vocational training
- Distance learning
These investments show education is truly a priority, not just words!
Emirati Students’ Opportunities
Young Emiratis growing up in the UAE education system have incredible opportunities.
Opportunities for Emirati students:
Quality schools:
- Public schools free for citizens
- Option to attend private schools
- Variety of curriculum choices
University scholarships:
- Government-funded higher education
- Studying abroad programs
- Prestigious university access
Specialized programs:
- Space program training
- AI and technology courses
- Leadership development
- Cultural preservation
Career support:
- Emiratization policies (jobs for citizens)
- Government career paths
- Entrepreneurship support
- International experience
Future roles:
- Scientists and engineers
- Business leaders
- Government officials
- Innovators and inventors
The UAE gives its youth the tools to succeed both nationally and globally!
Education for Expatriate Students in UAE
While Sheikh Mohamed’s message focused on Emirati identity, the UAE education system also serves the large expatriate community.
Education for expat children:
School variety:
- Indian curriculum schools
- British system schools
- American curriculum
- International Baccalaureate
- Many other options
Quality standards:
- KHDA regulation in Dubai
- ADEK oversight in Abu Dhabi
- Quality assurance everywhere
Cultural respect:
- Students maintain home culture
- Learn about UAE culture too
- Tolerance and diversity valued
Benefits:
- World-class education quality
- Safe learning environment
- International exposure
- Future opportunities
This inclusive approach strengthens the UAE while respecting diversity!
The Role of Parents and Families
While Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed talked about the education system, parents and families play crucial roles too!
Family’s role in education:
Supporting learning:
- Helping with homework
- Encouraging curiosity
- Providing resources
- Creating study environment
Reinforcing values:
- Teaching respect
- Maintaining culture
- Modeling behavior
- Emphasizing ethics
Partnering with schools:
- Attending parent meetings
- Communicating with teachers
- Participating in activities
- Supporting school initiatives
Future planning:
- Discussing career options
- Exploring opportunities
- Setting goals together
- Encouraging ambitions
Education works best when government, schools, AND families work together!
Global Education Challenges
On International Day of Education, it’s worth noting that many countries face serious education challenges that the UAE has addressed.
Challenges other countries face:
Access problems:
- Children unable to attend school
- Gender discrimination
- Poverty barriers
- Geographic isolation
Quality issues:
- Poorly trained teachers
- Lack of resources
- Outdated curriculum
- Insufficient funding
Inequality:
- Rich vs poor schools
- Urban vs rural gaps
- Gender disparities
- Ethnic discrimination
UAE’s advantages:
Universal access: Free education for citizens, accessible private schools for others
High quality: International standards, modern facilities, qualified teachers
Equality focus: Education for all regardless of gender, equal opportunities
Generous funding: Government prioritizes education spending
The UAE has solved problems that many countries still struggle with!
How UAE Students Can Be Active Partners
Based on Sheikh Mohamed’s message about youth being “active partners,” what can UAE students actually do?
Ways to be active partners:
Excel academically:
- Study hard
- Participate in class
- Join competitions
- Pursue excellence
Develop skills:
- Learn coding
- Practice creativity
- Build leadership
- Master languages
Contribute to community:
- Volunteer work
- Help others
- Community projects
- Social responsibility
Innovate and create:
- Enter competitions
- Start projects
- Solve problems
- Think creatively
Preserve culture:
- Learn Arabic well
- Understand traditions
- Respect heritage
- Share UAE culture
Think globally:
- Learn about world
- Connect internationally
- Appreciate diversity
- Think big
Every UAE student can contribute to the country’s development in their own way!
Conclusion: Education Builds UAE’s Future
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s message on International Day of Education made clear that learning is not just about individual success – it’s about building the entire nation’s future.
Key points to remember:
- Fundamental pillar: Education is essential to UAE’s long-term vision
- Identity reinforcement: Learning strengthens Emirati culture and values
- Modern system: UAE advances education that meets today’s needs
- National priorities: Education supports what UAE needs to develop
- Active partners: Youth contribute to development, not just watch
- Three areas: Knowledge, technology, and innovation are key focuses
- Long-term vision: Education today creates UAE’s success in 2071
- Investment: UAE puts significant resources into education
- Opportunities: Emirati students have incredible chances to succeed
- Shared responsibility: Government, schools, families all play roles
As the world celebrated International Day of Education on January 24, 2026, the UAE demonstrated through its President’s words that the nation truly understands education’s power to transform individuals, communities, and entire countries.
By making education a fundamental pillar and empowering youth to be active partners, the UAE is building a future where knowledge, technology, and innovation drive progress while maintaining the identity and values that make the Emirates special.
Read More : Uae business magazine
Reference By : khaleejtimes.com
