UAE to celebrate Emirati Day for Education on February 28 every year

Annual celebration emphasises commitment to enhancing educational standards across the nation

President Sheikh Mohamed wants the UAE to honour the vital role of education in the country's framework. UAE Presidential Court

President Sheikh Mohamed has announced that the UAE will mark Emirati Day for Education on February 28 every year.

“On this day in 1982, our Founding Father the late Sheikh Zayed witnessed the graduation of the first batch of teachers from UAE University, marking a historic step on the UAE’s journey of development and growth,” Sheikh Mohamed wrote on X.

He said the day is a recognition of the vital role education plays in the nation’s progress and to honour those working in the profession.

To mark the occasion, state news agency Wam released images of the historic 1982 graduation ceremony.

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, said the introduction of the day underlined the UAE's commitment to "establishing education as a fundamental pillar of development and progress", in a message shared on X.

He said knowledge was key to achieving sustainable development and "building a prosperous future for future generations" and that education remained the country's path to achieving its ambitions in all fields.

Emirati Day for Education will be observed on February 28 to commemorate the day when UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, witnessed the graduation of the first batch of teachers from UAE University in 1982. All photos: Wam

Sheikh Zayed was present along with the rulers of the other six Emirates during the graduation ceremony

The Emirati Day for Education underscores the "vision of our founder late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who emphasised education as a national priority for building the future,” highlighted Sheikh Abdullah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs

It comes under the national agenda of the UAE and highlights the wise leadership's belief in the value of education

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, said the move will contribute “to enhancing the role of education as a vital and fundamental pillar for comprehensive and sustainable development”, calling it the “driving force behind progress and one of the key criteria for measuring the success and competitiveness of nations”.

It is in line with the “vision of our founder, who emphasised education as a national priority for building the future,” Sheikh Abdullah, who is Chairman of the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council, added.

“Today, we are witnessing tangible changes since the establishment of the union in 1971, which have significantly impacted the quality of education.”

Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed, Vice Chairperson of the Education and Human Resources Council, said it “marks a special message of appreciation for all those working in the (education) sector”.

She highlighted how education will “transform challenges into opportunities, help the youth acquire skills” and empower the society to build a “sustainable future that reflects our identity, enriches our culture and enhances our values in the UAE”.

Students are the real wealth of nation

During his official visit to the US last week, Sheikh Mohamed reiterated that the youth of the UAE are its real wealth.

At a reception for university students and Emirati astronauts Nora Al Matrooshi and Mohammed Al Mulla at the UAE embassy in Washington, Sheikh Mohamed said the UAE was going through a phase that required qualified Emiratis capable of taking on responsibilities, and that the country depended on them.

“You and UAE youth are the real wealth of the country. We always want you to excel because we bet on quality. Today, we invest in you and this is the best investment for the future,” he said.

Sheikh Mohamed said that the students should consider themselves ambassadors of the UAE and hold on to their identity and values while pursuing new skills and expertise.