We started last week a new phase of the continuous learning journey for our students across the UAE. The new phase is based on technology, smart learning and unique methods where roles, responsibilities and tasks are similar. As one of its distinguished features, the phase keeps pace with modern education and harnesses technology and educational, academic and electronic resources to serve our students away from any spatial or temporal obstacles dictated by the developments that may prevent the regular learning process from continuing inside classrooms.

The distance learning system is nothing but the fruit and outcome of years of work to achieve quantum leaps in the education system under the directives of the wise leadership. The bases, mechanisms and standards of the educational process have been firmly established and consolidated in this system, thanks to an educational vision for the Emirati School to be in the forefront. This is based on the fact that the Emirati School has diverse, distinctive and effective environments as well as modern practices that serve the elements of the educational process and provide our students with a fertile environment to continue lifelong learning.

Smart learning has become of great importance because it facilitates the learning process for students who may face certain difficulties. Furthermore, smart learning is a safety valve for continuing learning in the event of any developments as was the case with the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The Ministry of Education’s philosophy is based on achieving the UAE’s Future Agenda and the UAE Centennial 2071 and investing in the technological enablers, which have become a governmental and national approach to serving the society and achieving the desired development. These capabilities and resources have been employed in the educational process with a view to fulfilling our aspirations for enhancing the capabilities and outputs of the Emirati School in light of the accelerating global competition based on learning.

In terms of its missions, methodology and cognitive and moral value, the distance learning process is consistent with the education system in schools. It is a way through which we continue to achieve the UAE’s agenda for transforming into sustainable knowledge-based economy. To do so, education as well as its development and competencies should be placed at the top of priorities in order to continue the process of development and growth in all fields, irrespective of any emergency we may face. This was expressed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid when he said: “More than 1.2 million students were enrolled in our government schools, private sector schools and our national universities. Schools stopped and universities remained closed but education will not stop; Education, like health, will not stop in any circumstances”.

The innovative and forward thinking adopted by the UAE based on the directives of the wise leadership had a great effect on the way the current crisis was dealt with most efficiently and competently. This innovative and forward thinking helped reduce the negative effects of the coronavirus outbreak and enabled us to continue the ministry’s agenda and programs away from any concerns, thereby ensuring the safety of all elements of the educational community.

By H.E. Hussain Bin Ibrahim Al Hammadi

UAE Minister of Education