In a significant announcement, President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan declared February 28 as the Emirati Day for Education, a day dedicated to honoring all individuals working in the education sector.
This decision was shared in a post on X, reflecting the nation's commitment to recognizing the essential contributions of educators to the UAE's development and growth.
The date holds historical significance, marking the anniversary of a pivotal moment in the UAE's educational journey. On February 28, 1982, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE's Founding Father, witnessed the graduation of the first batch of teachers from UAE University. This event is recognized as a "historic step" in the nation's progress, symbolizing the foundational role of education in shaping the country's future.
President Sheikh Mohamed emphasized that the UAE has always placed a high value on education, making it central to its development plans. He stated that education is not merely a necessity but a driving force behind the nation's progress and cultural advancement.
Established in 1976 by Sheikh Zayed, UAE University is the oldest university in the country and a flagship academic institution. The UAE leadership continues to prioritize educational development, with recent initiatives aimed at enhancing the country's standing in global education.
One such initiative is the launch of Dubai National University, announced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. This ambitious project, which involves an initial investment of Dh4.5 billion, aims to position the university among the top 50 young universities worldwide within the next decade.
UAE universities have consistently ranked highly on the global stage. In the 2023 Times Higher Education (THE) Young University Rankings, UAE University was recognized as the top institution in the UAE, second in the GCC, and 38th globally. Furthermore, the American University of Sharjah (AUS) has been acknowledged among the top 22% of ranked institutions worldwide in the QS World Rankings 2025, securing a prominent place among the top three universities in the UAE. The American University of Ras Al Khaimah also achieved recognition, ranking 485th in the 2025 QS World University Rankings.
News Source: Khaleej Times
