Education First Forum Returns to Abu Dhabi with Focus on Integrated Learning Ecosystems
The fourth edition of the prestigious Education First Forum will convene in October 2026, bringing together national leaders, educators and policymakers to advance the UAE's educational transformation through strategic alignment and collective vision.
The Emirates College for Advanced Education (ECAE) will host the 4th Education First Forum on 5 October 2026 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, Hall 5, under the theme From Impact to Ecosystem. Held in conjunction with World Teachers’ Day, the forum will bring approximately 500 participants and delegates to discuss the future of education and the integral role of teachers in shaping the nation’s learning landscape.
This year’s edition advances the conversation initiated in previous forums by emphasising how genuine educational transformation requires an integrated ecosystem in which all elements—education, artificial intelligence, human capital and societal wellbeing—work in purposeful harmony. The forum’s timing aligns with the UAE Year of Family, underscoring the belief that the learning journey begins within the home and extends through schools and the wider community.
A Structured Framework for Educational Transformation
The forum is organised around five interconnected themes representing distinct spheres of influence surrounding the child. The Rhythm of Home addresses early learning within the family environment, whilst the Rhythm of Guidance explores the role of educators and institutions in nurturing development. The Rhythm of Belonging connects children to their communities and social experiences, the Rhythm of Direction reflects national policies and ambitions, and the Rhythm of Harmony unifies all elements into a cohesive, aligned ecosystem.
Dr. May Laith Al Taee, Vice Chancellor of ECAE, articulated the forum’s philosophical foundation: “Genuine change cannot be achieved through individual initiatives, but through strategic alignment that integrates education, artificial intelligence, human capital, and societal wellbeing.” She emphasised that the college views the forum as a platform for evidence-based dialogue that supports the development of education policies capable of meeting future demands.
Building on Educational Progress
The Education First Forum has established itself as a catalyst for positive progress in the UAE’s education sector since its inception in 2023. The inaugural forum highlighted the central role of educators and stakeholders in creating effective learning environments. The 2024 edition marked the unveiling of ECAE’s 2024-2026 Strategy and the introduction of the Integrated Educator Competency Matrix, designed to support professional development across the sector. Last year’s forum, held under the theme From Action to Impact, reinforced the ecosystem’s commitment to transforming initiatives into measurable outcomes aligned with national ambitions for enhanced educational quality.
Convening Leaders and Innovators
The forthcoming forum will feature interactive experiences and forward-looking insights from emerging educators, alongside high-level discussions bringing together experts, policymakers, national leaders, researchers and community enablers. The programme will recognise graduates of the Comprehensive Capacity Building for Educational Leadership programme, delivered by ECAE’s Continuing Education Center, and will showcase initiatives designed to enhance the readiness of the education ecosystem.
Through its strategic partnerships with the Ministry of Education, the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, and numerous international academic institutions, ECAE serves as a catalyst for educational transformation anchored in evidence, innovation and national priorities. The forum represents a commitment to advance the UAE’s educational competitiveness and contribute to the nation’s broader vision embodied in UAE Centennial 2071.
Source: Abu Dhabi Media Office