UAE leaders hail schools and teachers on Emirati Day of Education

UAE leaders have praised the work of teachers and schools across the UAE as the nation celebrates its first Emirati Day of Education.

Posting on X President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said, "Emirati Day for Education is an opportunity to recognise the pivotal role of education and the importance of teachers, schools, families, and communities in driving our nation’s progress. As we continue the strategic transformation of education in the UAE, I encourage everyone to embrace knowledge and innovation, and to continually strive to learn and educate, as together we build generations equipped for the future."

Emirati Day for Education is an opportunity to recognise the pivotal role of education and the importance of teachers, schools, families, and communities in driving our nation’s progress. As we continue the strategic transformation of education in the UAE, I encourage everyone to…

— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) February 28, 2025

Emirati Day of Education was first announced by the UAE President in September 2024, with a social media post saying that February 28, 1982, was the day that the UAE's Founding Father witnessed the graduation of the first batch of teachers from UAE University. 

Also posting on X, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai marked the occasion saying: "Emirati Education Day reminds us to learn and educate every day. From one university in Sheikh Zayed’s time at the beginning of the union to over 80 today, plus 1,000 schools for 1.7 million students, education drives our progress. #EmiratiEducationDay"

Emirati Education Day reminds us to learn and educate every day. From one university in Sheikh Zayed’s time at the beginning of the union to over 80 today, plus 1,000 schools for 1.7 million students, education drives our progress. #EmiratiEducationDay

— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) February 28, 2025

Sheikh Mansoor also said praised the education sector in the UAE saying: "On the UAE Education Day, we affirm that investing in education is an investment in building the nation, its progress and its renaissance. On this occasion, we express our appreciation for the educational system and emphasize the role of the individual, family and society in achieving our aspirations in the field of education and its outcomes."

في اليوم الإماراتي للتعليم..نؤكد أن الاستثمار في التعليم هو استثمار في بناء الوطن وتقدمه ونهضته ..ونعبر في هذه المناسبة عن تقديرنا للمنظومة التعليمية ونشدد على دور الفرد والأسرة والمجتمع في تحقيق تطلعاتنا في مجال التعليم ومخرجاته.

— منصور بن زايد (@MansourBinZayed) February 28, 2025

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence,said education in the United Arab Emirates is the cornerstone for building a bright future and a fundamental pillar for achieving sustainable development.

In a statement, Sheikh Nahyan reaffirmed that education is a key driver in solidifying the UAE’s position among the world’s most advanced nations.

He noted that the decision by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to designate 28th February each year as the Emirati Day for Education reflects his visionary leadership and constant commitment to prioritising education in the country.

“This day not only celebrates the nation’s achievements in education but also affirms that investing in minds is the most effective way to ensure a prosperous and sustainable future for the UAE,” Sheikh Nahyan stated.

He emphasised that education is the vehicle through which a society’s aspirations, principles, values, and way of life are shaped.

Sheikh Nahyan also highlighted the UAE’s commitment to providing its citizens with world-class education, noting that the development of educational institutions across the country affirms the UAE’s dedication to creating future generations equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to national and global advancement.

The minister acknowledged the role of education in promoting tolerance, coexistence, and human fraternity, values that the UAE holds dear. He reiterated that the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence believes education is the foundation for nurturing a culture of tolerance among future generations, enabling them to serve as models for the world.