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Education in the UAE: Past and Present

1. Overview of the UAE's Formation

• Foundation of the UAE: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) was officially formed in 1971 with the unity of six Emirates, later joined by a seventh in 1972.

• Key Figures: His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum played pivotal roles in this unification.

• Government Structure: The Supreme Council of the UAE, comprising rulers from all Emirates, elects the president and vice president every five years.

2. Language and Religion

• Official Status: Islam is the state religion, and Arabic is the official language.

• Expatriate Influence: The UAE hosts many expatriates who practice diverse religions and languages; English, Urdu, Hindi, and Tagalog are widely spoken.

3. Economic Transformation

• Oil Discovery: Transition to oil production has significantly elevated the nation's income, marking it among the richest globally.

• Ministry of Happiness: Recent initiatives, like the ministry established to enhance residents' well-being, signify a move towards prioritizing quality of life.

4. Historical Context of Education

4.1 Traditional Occupations Pre-Oil

• Early Livelihoods: Prior to oil discovery, activities included date palm cultivation, fishing, and pearl diving.

4.2 Evolution of Education Systems

• Early Education: Pre-1971 education focused on religious and cultural knowledge transmitted orally.

• Key Phases: Education developed through several stages:

  • Mutawa and Katateeb: Teaching focused on the Quran, basic Arabic, and math, using repetition as a primary method.

  • Educational Circles: Led by esteemed scholars; instruction was more formal and intensive.

  • Semi-organized Schools (1907-1953): Emerged due to cultural revivals, marked by increased emphasis on the Arabic language and math to support family businesses.

5. The Semi-formal Schooling System

• School Features:

  • Funded by local merchants and pearl traders.

  • Provided basic education in religion, Arabic, literature, math, and geography.

• First Schooling Efforts: Al-Qasimiah School established in 1930, adopting the Kuwaiti educational model.

6. Structured Education System Post-1971

6.1 Modernization and Federal Involvement

• Ministry of Education: Established in 1972, initially relied on foreign curricula, transitioning to a local curriculum by 1985.

6.2 Education Stages

• Kindergarten: Ages 4-5

• Primary Education: 6 years, ages 6-12

• Preparatory Education: 3 years, ages 12-15

• Secondary Education: 3 years, ages 15-18, leading to Secondary School Leaving Certificate.

7. Current Education System

7.1 Public vs. Private

• Public Schools: Serve mainly national students; operate primarily in Arabic with English as a second language.

• Private Sector Growth: Private schools cater to expatriates, with many Emiratis preferring them due to perceived better quality and teaching methods.

8. Preference for International Schools

• Statistics: Approximately 50% of students in international schools are Emiratis, reflecting lost confidence in public education.

• Factors Influencing Choice: Preference for English language instruction due to its necessity in higher education institutions.

9. Recent Reforms in Education

9.1 Curriculum Changes

• 2017 Developments: Introduction of Moral Education to enhance student well-being.

• Subject Additions: New English subjects include life skills and health sciences; increased emphasis on physical education and arts.

9.2 Transition to English

• Increased English Medium Instruction: New reforms emphasize English instruction, especially in secondary education.

10. Higher Education Landscape

10.1 Federal Universities

• Major Institutions: UAE University (1977), Zayed University, Higher Colleges of Technology; historically, instruction was Arabic but shifted to English in 2005.

10.2 Private Universities

• Growing Presence: Establishment of branches of prominent international universities in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, while Sharjah develops the University City as an education hub.