Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
For teachers, every day in the classroom is a chance to make a difference, and they proudly embrace this mission. On World Teachers’ Day, they express gratitude for the recognition of their hard work and reflect on the fulfillment that comes from playing a key role in shaping the future generation.
Mohamed Alzaabi, a retired school principal in the UAE, described teaching as a noble mission dedicated to serving the nation.
“This profession is a mission carried out by a teacher to serve their country, helping advance [its development] by educating generations. Countries only advance through education,” Alzaabi told Aletihad.
Retired chemistry teacher Mona Al Naqbi noted how educators can enlighten minds, making them a “fundamental pillar of society”.
“Every doctor, engineer, and scientist was once a student of a dedicated teacher. Knowledge is light, and the teacher is the torch that illuminates this path,” Al Naqbi said.
For her, World Teachers’ Day is an acknowledgment of that noble calling, highlighting teachers as “mentors and makers of the future”.
Tahira Al Najjar, a school principal in the country, encouraged her fellow teachers to “be proud of the difference they make every day”.
“Beyond teaching academic knowledge, teachers inspire values, nurture creativity, and guide students to become responsible, confident, and compassionate individuals who contribute positively to their communities and the nation,” she said.
Al Najjar also reminded students and their parents to always value and support educators who devote their careers to shaping lives and “planting seeds of knowledge that will continue to grow for years to come”.
Khawla Al Ketbi shared a similar outlook, describing teachers as a “creator of hope and builder of the future”.
Al Ketbi expressed immense pride in belonging to a profession that the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, deeply valued.
She drew inspiration from the words of Sheikh Zayed, who once said, “A country's greatest investment lies in building generations of educated and knowledgeable youth”.
“Our true pride lies in the trust we bear in instilling values and knowledge in the souls of our children, so that together we may continue the journey of giving begun by Sheikh Zayed and our wise leadership,” Al Ketbi said.
Amera Mohammed Zedan, a computer science teacher at Applied Technology Schools in UAQ, knew by heart that her day-to-day task goes beyond explaining programming languages and algorithms.
“My role does not end with delivering knowledge to the students — it also includes a mission to inspire, motivate, and guide them to develop critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills,” Zedan said.
She hoped her colleagues approached their duty in the same way. “You are not just teachers, you are mentors and inspirations to your students. Keep inspiring, motivating, and influencing the next generation,” she said.
Mirna Alam Eddine agreed that teaching has become “a motivational calling” that involves forming a deep connection with students to foster their growth.
“Teachers, your patience and passion inspire every student to grow and succeed. Keep shining and making a difference,” she said in a message for the occasion.
Teaching is about making a lifelong impact, said Ashraf Milhim, Lead of the Computer Science Department at Applied Technology Schools – UAQ.
“A teacher’s role goes beyond delivering lessons; it is about shaping character and nurturing growth. Teachers foster values such as responsibility, cooperation, and respect, while developing students’ life and scientific skills to help them think critically and solve problems confidently,” he said.
