Description

The education system in the UAE is relatively new. In 1952, formal schools were scarce, but a school building program in the 1960s and 1970s expanded the system. Today, primary and secondary education is universal, with about 1,080,000 students enrolled in 1,219 public and private schools during the 2017-2018 academic year.

Education reform focuses on better preparation, accountability, higher standards, and improved professionalism. Interactive learning methods and integrated English-language instruction in subjects like math and science are being emphasized. While the Ministry of Education sets general strategies, individual emirates have councils, such as the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC), Dubai Education Council (DEC), and Sharjah Education Council, to implement government policies. These councils aim to reform education while preserving the UAE's cultural identity and traditions.

Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan (1948–2022), the UAE's second president and ruler of Abu Dhabi from November 2004 to May 2022, was the eldest son of the UAE's first president, Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He took on a significant role in the late 1990s due to his father's health issues and officially became Abu Dhabi's leader in 2004. His tenure saw cultural and academic growth, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Etihad Airways. Under his leadership, the UAE became a major economic power. Known for his pro-Western stance, he strengthened ties with the US and Israel.