President Sheikh Mohamed hailed children as the “future of the nation” as more than 1.2 million pupils began to return to classrooms for the start of the new academic year on Monday.
The UAE leader delivered an audio message urging learners to seize “new opportunities” and to embrace advanced technologies to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
More than 1,180 public and private schools across the UAE reopen their doors from Monday.
The return to schools is being met with hope and anticipation after the previous academic year faced significant disruption due to the Iran war.
“I congratulate you, my children, on the new academic year, and I also extend my congratulations to teachers, administrators, and parents,” Sheikh Mohamed said, in a transcript of his audio message released by state news agency Wam.
“You, my sons and daughters, are the future of our nation. I therefore call on you to read, to pursue continuous learning, and to uphold our national identity.
“The world is changing, with new opportunities emerging every day. This requires a focus on acquiring the skills of the future and making positive use of artificial intelligence and technology.
“I also call on parents and teachers to work together, in a spirit of teamwork, to nurture creative and engaged generations who love their country.
“May God protect you and grant you success, and may you always remain a source of pride and honour for the UAE.”
Sheikh Mohamed had earlier hailed young people as the country's “true wealth” in an uplifting message on social media as pupils made their way back to school.
“With the start of the new academic year, I extend my congratulations to students, teachers, administrators, and parents, and wish them a successful year that continues to support our nation’s educational journey,” Sheikh Mohamed said.
“Our children are our true wealth, and I encourage them to embark on the new school year with optimism, ambition, and determination, making the most of every opportunity to gain knowledge and life skills.
“I also encourage continued co-operation between families and schools to foster a passion for lifelong learning, equip students with the skills of the future, and reinforce a strong sense of identity and values.”
A number of new schools have opened across the Emirates in time for the start of term, highlighting the strength of a growing education landscape.
Academic aspirations
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, said the start of a new school year would herald “new dreams” for pupils across the country.
“With the start of a new school year, a new energy flows through our society as well as a renewed movement, new dreams for our children and pupils for a better and more beautiful future,” Sheikh Mohammed wrote on X.
“I say to our pupils: from your classes, studies and knowledge, we build the future of our nation so rise to the levels of your ambitions.
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Pupils are given a unique welcome at the new Queen Elizabeth's School in Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National -
All smiles on the first day back at at Muna British Academy on Saadiyat Island. Victor Besa / The National -
Hiral Patel and his wife, Ekta, drop off their son, Avyaan, a Year 3 pupil at Queen Elizabeth's School, Dubai Sports City. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Ian Pugh, Principal at Muna British Academy, greets a pupil. Victor Besa / The National -
Hundreds of pupils enjoy their first day at the new Queen Elizabeth's School. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Pupils make their way to class at Muna British Academy. Victor Besa / The National -
Young pupils at Queen Elizabeth's School, Dubai Sports City. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Learners step off the school bus for the first day of lessons at Muna British Academy. Victor Besa / The National -
Pupils resume their education journey at Muna British Academy. Victor Besa / The National -
The opening of Queen Elizabeth's School, Dubai Sports City, was marked in style. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Teachers get settled in at Queen Elizabeth's School on the first day of term. Antonie Robertson / The National
“I say to our dedicated teachers: with your efforts, we spread knowledge and foster talents and instil confidence and plant great ideas in our generations so rise to that level of that trust.
“To our parents: you are the first partners in the journey of learning and you are the first school. With you we build the people of this country. God protect our generations and we wish them a successful school year filled with moments of learning and happiness.”
Nurturing next generation
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, emphasised the crucial role played by school staff in harnessing the potential of learners.
“To our teachers, supervisors and administrators, you are the foundation of our children's educational journey, and the impact you leave stays with them for years to come.
“Give them room to ask and explore and nurture their curiosity, ideas and ambitions.
'We value your dedication and we recognise your role in shaping an ambitious generation that will help build the nation's future.”
Greatest wealth
Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, said children were the nation's greatest wealth and central to the UAE's future.
She urged students to follow in the footsteps of their fathers and forefathers, remain committed to national values and identity, and use their knowledge, values and creativity to advance their country, reported the state news agency Wam on Monday.
Sheikha Fatima also urged children to see challenges as opportunities to learn and progress towards their dreams.
Championing Emirati values
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Education, Human Resources and Community Development Council, said education was crucial to bolstering national identity and promoting Emirati values.
“We congratulate our students, their families, teachers, and everyone across our education sector on the start of the new academic year, and wish them a year filled with learning, success, and achievement,” Sheikh Abdullah said.
“In the UAE, education is a holistic journey of human development. It extends beyond academic achievement to developing life and future skills, strengthening national identity and Emirati values, and fostering a sense of responsibility towards family, community, and country.
“Throughout this journey, families and schools remain essential partners, while teachers play a fundamental role in educating, guiding, and inspiring our students.
“We encourage our students to embrace every opportunity to learn and grow, to use knowledge and emerging technologies consciously and responsibly, and to think about their future pathways in ways that fulfil their aspirations and contribute to their country.”
