Inaugural Emirati Education Forum Charts Course for Educational Excellence
Distinguished gathering of ministers, policymakers and educators convenes at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi to advance the UAE's educational vision through integrated framework and collaborative dialogue
The inaugural Emirati Education Forum 2026 has commenced at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, drawing together an esteemed assembly of ministers, officials, policymakers, academics and educational leaders to contemplate the trajectory of learning throughout the Emirates. Orchestrated by the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research in partnership with national educational institutions, the forum has embraced the unifying theme of “Five Pillars of Education: Toward an Integrated Education Ecosystem”.
The comprehensive programme encompasses four dialogue sessions, two plenary sessions, eight parallel sessions and an engaging “In 7 Minutes” segment, all endeavouring to translate the objectives of the National Education Charter into meaningful educational practice. Central to these deliberations is the aspiration to strengthen cooperation amongst the multifaceted components of the education system, thereby enriching the learning experience of Emirati students and preparing them for the exigencies of an evolving future.
Dr. Sultan Mohammed Al-Nuaimi, Director-General of the ECSSR, articulated in his opening address a visionary perspective that transcends conventional educational frameworks, positioning the Five Pillars of Education at the forefront of systemic reform whilst maintaining students as the paramount focus of all endeavours. He characterised the forum as a vital national platform for fortifying collaboration, examining contemporary educational challenges and exploring prospective horizons.
Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri, Minister of Education, emphasised the imperative for educational systems to synchronise with technological progression and evolving labour market dynamics through fostering lifelong learning and cultivating students’ independent reasoning and analytical capabilities. Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Authority, addressed the multifaceted relationship between education and media, reflecting upon the profound influence of digital technologies and artificial intelligence upon younger generations.
Complementary sessions have addressed the integration of education with national service and labour market requirements, the foundational significance of Islamic education in promoting national values and tolerance, and the transformation of teachers’ roles from conventional knowledge transmission to transformational leadership. Dr. Ahmed Sultan Al Shuaibi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, underscored the delicate equilibrium between educational accessibility and qualitative excellence, advocating for the judicious application of intelligent technologies.
The forum’s eight parallel sessions have explored character development, family and institutional partnerships, alignment with future economic requirements, assessment methodologies within artificial intelligence contexts, and the establishment of national standards governing balanced digital technology utilisation in educational settings. Interactive exhibition spaces have showcased institutional initiatives advancing educational development, whilst the Emirati Education Hackathon has encouraged innovative solutions to educational challenges.
Collective discourse has underscored the paramount importance of multifaceted cooperation amongst educational institutions, families, communities and policymakers in advancing the nation’s endeavours to equip Emirati learners with requisite competencies for future success.
Source: WAM