On World Teachers Day, UAE President highlights importance of quality education for UAE

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has affirmed the vital role that quality education and dedicated teachers will play in the UAE’s future progress, noting that investing in education and graduating distinguished cadres is based primarily on preparing a distinguished teacher.

His comments came in an address to education professionals from across the country on the occasion of World Teachers Day.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed highlighted the importance of teachers’ influence in guiding students along the right path towards developing themselves and their ideas, especially in the early stages of their schooling.

His Highness spoke of the great responsibility teachers hold in shaping young minds and shielding children from influences that could disrupt their future and their contribution to society.

The President reiterated the UAE’s ongoing commitment to investing in the education sector to ensure that future generations will be equipped to continue the UAE’s progress.

His Highness referred to his own experience during his military training and spoke of his pride from that time as he saw people from his generation graduating and serving their country.

Sheikh Mohamed also recalled a meeting he had with Lee Kuan Yew, the former Prime Minister and founder of modern Singapore. When asked about his five-year plans, Lee Kuan said they focused on building a strong educational system over 25 years. He stressed the importance of education as a base for the country’s future progress and development.

His Highness said that during the next 20 years, education will determine the extent to which countries advance in terms of their development and civilisation.

He called for investment in children's education because they have no limits, and it was important to develop and guide them in the right direction.

His Highness said that countries establishing a solid base for quality education would safeguard their future because they are helping prepare generations who think along the right lines, plan their future and spearhead the growth of their nations.

The Qasr Al Bahr Majlis was attended by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region; H.H. Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region; H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council; H.H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation; H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior; H.H. Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council; H.H. Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination (ZHO); and H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Office and member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.