SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Education has been at the heart of the UAE's development vision since the Union's founding.
Over the past five decades, as the country evolved, so did its education system, transforming to keep pace with a fast-growing economy and advance a vision for a knowledge-driven future.
In the UAE Constitution, education is recognised as a fundamental right. Federal policies, such as the Compulsory Education Law, Wadeema's Law, and legislation supporting inclusive education, guarantee that every child goes to school.
From early childhood through university, the UAE empowers every learner, including people of determination, to lead, innovate, and contribute to national development
Holistic development is a key focus from the early years, and entities such as the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA) work to ensure young kids receive the guidance they need to thrive.
The ECA also oversees child protection, family support, and the quality of nurseries and day-care centres, guaranteeing that children receive nurturing care in safe environments.
As students grow, learning opportunities expand through the UAE's robust Technical and Vocational Education and Training sector. This helps young Emiratis acquire practical skills aligned with emerging industries, while programmes like EmiratesSkills raise youth competencies to global standards.
Inclusive education frameworks provide full support to people of determination. Qualified teachers, assistive technologies, and support centres nationwide help them achieve their full potential.
The UAE also promotes continuous upskilling through initiatives such as the Professional and Practical Training Programme, and supports e-learning platforms like Madrasa and the Digital School.
These initiatives fall under the umbrella of clearly defined national plans.
The National Strategy for Higher Education 2030 equips graduates with technical, practical, and research skills, while the Advanced Skills Strategy promotes lifelong learning across society.
The National Employment Strategy 2031 strengthens the UAE's knowledge economy by enhancing productivity. It expands future-skills training and positions Emiratis in high-value sectors such as AI, technology, space, energy, and advanced sciences.
The UAE Strategy for Talent Attraction and Retention ensures the country ranks among the top 10 globally in talent competitiveness, strengthening the country's appeal as an ideal destination to live, work, and innovate. Meanwhile, the National Literacy Strategy, launched in the Year of Reading 2016, fosters lifelong readers.
The country has built a safe and supportive education ecosystem that prioritises student wellbeing and future-focused learning. This prepares a generation that can drive sustainable growth and lead a competitive, knowledge-based UAE.