We must teach our youth the history of our country

We want everyone who studies here to have the opportunity to learn about the history of the Emirates, of the Arab world and of Islam, writes Mohammed Khalifa Al Mubarak

Students will benefit from learning about the history and culture of the UAE as well as the region. (Supplied by Aldar Academy)

At Aldar Academies, we strive to bring to the capital world-class education that can compete with the best anywhere in the world.

This has included providing students and parents with some of the most renowned academic curriculms available. With these effective internationally-focused curriculums in place, it is also important for us to remember that we call the UAE home.

We live in a safe, vibrant country, rich in history and culture. It is essential that, as educators, we enrich our students’ learning with knowledge and understanding of their home here in the UAE.

We have welcomed Adec’s new Arabic and Islamic studies requirements, as well as the “My Identity” programme, as we understand the importance and value of these aims. These initiatives ensure that students who come here from all over the world receive a valuable education in the history and culture of the UAE, as well as the region at large.

Moreover, it makes sure that Emirati students who enjoy the dynamic, multicultural environment of private schools still receive vital education in their own culture, values and language. We know that guaranteeing this across all the private schools in Abu Dhabi has been difficult, but this is an important step in the right direction. Some schools have been diligent about national identity and Arabic language, particularly around National Day; but it is essential that these topics are engaged consistently, and not episodically, with students. At all of our schools, we offer augmented and enhanced Arabic and Islamic studies as part of our curriculum for all ages. We believe that for children living in the UAE – and the Middle East in general – it is an indispensable part of their education.

For Emirati students, it is vital that they remain in touch with their own heritage and culture. The virtues of an international, multicultural education are endless; local students will leave their studies with internationally recognised qualifications, not to mention cross-cultural communications skills and a broad, analytical worldview.

Equally important here, though, is that they also maintain a strong sense of their Emirati identity and thorough knowledge of the customs and traditions of their nation. For this reason, Aldar Academies fully embraces Adec’s new programmes and indeed seeks to add to them through the development of initiatives such as UAE history courses – something not yet offered in private schools in Abu Dhabi.

At the same time, the high volume of expatriate students from Europe, North America, Asia and Africa demands a programme of active engagement with their adopted home. Students who come to the UAE from abroad have an extraordinary opportunity to explore the cultures and language of the Arab world.

From a purely educational standpoint – the Middle East has been called the cradle of civilisation – it would be a terrible waste to teach young minds and not take advantage of exactly that surrounding.

It offers these expatriate learners an opportunity to acquire skills using one of the world’s most important and useful languages – Arabic – as well as to explore and understand Islam, one of the world’s major religions. When these students leave Abu Dhabi, we want them to leave as ambassadors of the UAE.

As it is National Day, it is important that we in the pedagogical field recognise the importance and the value of doing what we do, here in the UAE. Aldar Academies is committed to providing all of its students – local and expatriate – with a comprehensive education in the culture and heritage of the UAE, impressing upon them the importance of the vibrant, dynamic country within which they live.

Adec’s new initiatives are an important guiding hand in this endeavour for all the private schools in Abu Dhabi and we look forward to seeing our students’ expanded knowledge of the UAE, as well as Arab and Islamic culture, history and language, on display.

Mohammed Khalifa Al Mubarak is the chairman of Aldar Academies