Dubai revamping education strategy

An updated strategy and implementation roadmap is being developed for the education sector in Dubai to ensure alignment with the emirate’s and UAE’s long-term economic and social developmental priorities. The government has initiated the project to overhaul the sector in line with the objectives of Dubai Strategic Plan 2015, of which education is a key pillar. The comprehensive project to tackle Dubai’s K-12 education system brings on board all parties concerned. As a joint mission, it is being coordinated by the General Secretariat of the Executive Council and overseen by a Steering Committee. The Steering Committee comprises the Executive Council Social Development Committee Chairperson, Major-General Mohammed Al Marri; the Dubai Executive Council Secretary-General, Abdulla Al Shaibani; Knowledge and the Human Development Authority Director-General Dr Abdullah Karam; and  Dubai Education Zone Director-General Dr Ahmad Eid Al Mansouri. The Committee is in regular contact with the UAE Minister of Education, Humaid Mohammed Al Qattami, who supports the project and is actively involved in to provide input to align Federal and emirate-level education policies. The approach and methodology to revamp the education strategy is designed by a team of in-house and outsourced experts. The methodology takes into account the multi-stakeholder, multi-dimensional and, inter-related social, cultural and economic nature and dynamics of the education sector of Dubai as whole. The methodology also seeks participation of all parties concerned, including parents, students, teachers, principals, as well as, investors, urban planning, finance and education authorities. Minister Al Qattami said that the high level of development witnessed in Dubai has created a number of challenges relating to Human Resource and its qualifications according to development requirements, therefore it was necessary to develop a supporting plan from the Federal Education Developmental Strategy, to help enhance the educational services in Dubai and contribute to higher educational attainment. He noted that the Ministry of Education will spare no effort in supporting the Executive Council, Dubai Educational Zone and Knowledge and Human Development Authority to reach the desired goals. Abdulla Al Shaibani underscored the social impact of education and the role it plays in the development of Emiratis who are to lead and ensure a sustainable future for Dubai and the UAE.  He said: “As a joint endeavor of all key actors, the revamp of Dubai education strategy will build on the success of what has been done by local authorities thus far and on the national strategy developed by the Government.  We are in full agreement with the Minister of Education that there is room for better alignment and a need for a clearer direction according to specific requirements of Dubai.  We are optimistic that when completed, the revamped K-12 education strategy of Dubai will meet expectations not only in regards to enhanced quality and governance, but also efficient fund and HR management.” It has been stated that Dubai education strategy revamp project will be completed in a short period of time in two phases of “State of Education” baseline analysis and Education Strategy development.