EDUCATION
"""Education is like a lantern which lights
your way in a dark alley."
Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al
Nahyan
Introduction
At a Glance
School System
Private Education
Higher Education
Vocational/ Tehnical Education
Adult Education
INTRODUCTION
"Education
is like a lantern which lights your way in a dark alley".
Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al
Nahyan
In 1953, the first school was established
in Sharjah followed by another one in Khorfakkan in 1955. The first schools in
Dubai and Abu Dhabi in 1956 and 1958, respectively. During the 1950s, several
schools were established including schools for girls.
By 1967, the number of schools in the UAE had increased to 36 and the total
number of pupils reached 10,549. By June 29, 1972, under a ruling of the
Federal Council, primary education was made available to every citizen and
compulsory in the primary stage for all children starting at age six and
education is free for all at all stages.
In the mid 1970s , primary schools were
operating in all seven Emirates, and secondary education was available in the
Emirate of Sharjah, Dubai, Ras Al-Khaimah and Ajman. During the 1996-97 school
year, there were 639 public schools throughout the Emirates with 300,337
students benefiting from high quality education, 388 private schools with
195,586 students, 139 schools for adult education with 18,255 students, and 4
Defense schools with 567 students.
SUMMARY OF EDUCATION IN
THE UAE FOR
THE SCHOOL YEAR 1996-97
| Schools | Classes | Personnel | Students | |
| Ministry of Education | 639 | 1,566 | 25,966 | 300,337 |
| Adult Education | 139 | 1,109 | 2,985 | 18,255 |
| Defense Schools | 4 | 31 | 166 | 567 |
| Private Schools | 388 | 9,307 | 14,443 | 195,586 |
| Total | 1,170 | 22,013 | 43,590 | 514,745 |
SUMMARY OF EDUCATION IN THE UAE FOR
THE SCHOOL YEAR 1995-96
| Schools | Classes | Personnel | Students | |
| Ministry of Education | 615 | 11,259 | 25,189 | 295,333 |
| Adult Education | 138 | 1,122 | 3,029 | 23,863 |
| Defense Schools | 4 | 84 | 348 | 1,386 |
| Private Schools | 375 | 9,761 | 14,151 | 209,674 |
| Total | 1,132 | 22,226 | 42,817 | 530,256 |
However, recent statistics from the Ministry of Education indicate an increase
in the number of schools, students, and personnel of public schools in the
United Arab Emirates during the 1996-1997 school year. The number of students,
schools, and personnel in that year increased by 1.7%, 3.8%, and 3.1%,
respectively.
Education has always been one of the highest priorities of the UAE government
as it is realized that the future development of the country depends largely
on the rate at which national citizens become qualified to assume their
responsibilities in government, administration, teaching, medicine,
engineering, industry, and all other aspects of life.
Spending on public education accounted for Dh 3,190,415,000 of the total
National budget during the fiscal year 1997 with an increase of 13.7% compared
to 1996. This figure is considered to be among the highest in the GCC
countries.
EDUCATION AT A GLANCE
- In 1953, the first school of the UAE was established in Sharjah.
- In 1996-97 school year, 1,170 schools were in operation and serving 514,745 students.
- Spending on education increased by 13.7% compared to 1995-96 school year.
- In 1994 - 95 school year, the Student/Teacher ratio for kindergarten, primary, and preparatory and secondary stages were: (18:1), (16:1), and (13:1), respectively.
- Class/Teacher ratio for kindergarten, primary, and preparatory and secondary stages were: (1:1.4), (1:1.7), and (1:2.2), respectively.
- Education is provided free of charge to all UAE citizens at government schools and at the UAE University as well as at the Higher Colleges of Technology.
- In the UAE, there are 6 Universities and colleges that are recognized by the UAE Authorities.
- There are 33 private universities and colleges in the UAE.
- The UAE students comprise 10% of enrollment in universities and colleges.
- The first University of the UAE located in Al Ain was established in 1977.
- Enrollment at the University of the UAE in 1994-95 academic year was 11,576 students. In the same year, 1,403 of them graduated.
- The Higher Colleges of Technology were established in 1988 with 239 students.
- Enrollment at the HCT in 1996-97 academic year rose to 6,800 students in which 54% were females.
- The UAE illiteracy rate dropped from 79% in 1968 to 16.8% in 1993.
- The illiteracy centers rose from 54 in 1972 to 139 in 1997 and the number of adult learners rose from 4,912 to 18,255 in the same period.
- During the school year 1996-97, there were 7 schools in vocational/Technical training with 98 classes and 1,925 students, in which 1,806 (93.82%) are UAE students.
There were 198 classes of special education comprising a total of 1,306 students, in which 80.8% are UAE students.
SCHOOL SYSTEM
The Ministry of Education is responsible
for supervising the educational system in all public schools in which the same
curriculum is taught throughout the United Arab Emirates. The educational
stages comprise the following:
1- Kindergarten:
This stage covers two years of education and is for children aged between 4-5
year old.
2- General Education:
This stage is comprised of primary, preparatory (intermediate), and secondary
stages.
The primary education stage
is 6 years for the age group (6-11).
The preparatory
(Intermediate) education stage is 3 years and covers the age
group (12-14) and qualifies its students for secondary or technical
education.
The secondary education
stage lasts for 3 years and covers the age group (15-17). At the end of
the secondary stage, the Ministry of Education issues the certificate of
General Secondary Education (GSE). This certificate is given to students
who finish the final year of the secondary stage successfully.
GROWTH OF THE NUMBER OF
STUDENTS, EDUCATIONAL
PERSONNEL AND SCHOOLS OF PUBLIC EDUCATION
1974-75 TO 1996-97
|
Number/Year |
1974-75 |
1990-91 |
1995-96 |
1996-97 |
|
Number of Students |
44,272 |
257,773 |
295,333 |
300,337 |
|
Educational Personnel |
2,957 |
20,074 |
25,189 |
25,996 |
|
Number of Schools |
148 |
499 |
615 |
639 |
The educational system in the UAE offers special education to two groups: the
gifted and students with special needs.
For the gifted students, Special Education Department has launched a project
which aims to cater for talented and gifted students. This project allows
those students the highest degree of mental growth as well as social and
psychological development. It tries to satisfy the needs and requirements of
growth needed for a deeper and wider scope of learning and educational
experiences. The project follows a methodology of grouping students
homogeneously, enriching of the content of the curriculum, and promoting
students from one stage to another depending on their ability and learning.
For students in special education, the Ministry has set up classes in general
secondary schools as well as adult education centers. These students are not
regarded as being handicapped but simply as students required to participate
in the development of their country according to their capabilities. The
number of special education classes in the school year 1994-95 was 162, and in
1995-96, this figure has increased to184 accommodating 1,316 students.
All subjects taught at government schools use Arabic Language as a medium of
instruction. In technical education, English is used for technical and
specialized subjects and the rest of the subjects are taught in Arabic.
NUMBER OF STUDENTS AND CLASSES IN
SPECIAL EDUCATION 1996-97
|
Number of Classes |
Number of Students |
|
|
Females |
97 |
618 |
|
Males |
101 |
688 |
|
Total |
198 |
1,306 |
In 1994-95 the Student/Teacher ratio was (18:1) for kindergarten, (16:1) for
primary, and (13:1) for preparatory and secondary stages. Calss/Teacher ratio
was: (1:1.4) for kindergarten, (1:1.7) for primary, and (1:2.2) for both
preparatory and secondary. In 1970, 22% of students enrolled in secondary
schools and by 1990 this figure had risen to 67% and it is continuing to rise.
The national school population in the third year of secondary school is
growing at an estimated rate of 10% per year.
PRIVATE EDUCATION
Children of expatriates from various
countries are sent to their choice of private schools which follow the
curricula and syllabi of their mother homeland. These private schools were
licensed by the Ministry of Education and operate under its supervision.
By law, these schools are obliged to teach the following subjects according to
the Ministry’s syllabus: Islamic Education, Social Studies,
and Arabic as a basic subject for Arab students and as an additional
subject for non-Arab students.
However, if the number of Arab students is less than 20% of the total
enrollment, then the subjects of Islamic Education and Social Studies will be
taught in English using textbooks prepared in English by the Ministry.
QUANTITATIVE GROWTH IN
PRIVATE
SCHOOLS 1990-91 - 1996-97
|
School Year |
Students |
Teachers & Administrators |
Classes |
Schools |
|
1990-91 |
126,137 |
8,076 |
5,354 |
270 |
|
1993-94 |
173,544 |
11,628 |
7,661 |
359 |
|
1995-96 |
209,674 |
14,151 |
9,761 |
375 |
|
1996-97 |
195,586 |
14,443 |
9,307 |
388 |
The Ministry of Education supervises private schools and institutes and
supplies those that follow the national syllabus with textbooks. The Ministry
also sends inspectors to supervise teachers who are encouraged to attend
training courses held for their peers in government schools. In the school
year 1996-97, the number of private schools comprised 33% of the schools in
the UAE and about 38% of the total number of students enrolled in them.
HIGHER EDUCATION
Higher education, like primary and
secondary education, is provided free to all UAE citizens.
The first University
of the United Arab Emirates was established
by the Federal Law No. (4) in 1976 and officially opened its doors in
November 1977 in Al Ain with four faculties. In addition to providing
general education, the University also hosts several professional
faculties. It has now produced over 15,000 graduates, including its second
batch of medical graduates. Enrollment in 1994-95 was 11,576 students. In
1995, there were 1,403 graduates in which 382 (27%) were males and 1,021
(73%) were females. In 1996-97, the University has welcomed back a total
of 15,400 students in which 3,900 (25%) of them were first year students.
The University offers courses in Agricultural Sciences, Business
Administration, Education, Engineering, Humanities and Social Sciences,
Medicine and Health Sciences, and Sharia and Law.
NUMBER OF STUDENTS DURING
THE ACADEMIC YEAR 1995-96
|
HIGHER DIPLOMA |
CERTIFICATE DIPLOMA |
TOTAL | |
| MALE |
1,188 |
652 |
1,840 |
| FEMALE |
1,523 |
813 |
2,336 |
| TOTAL |
2,711 |
1,465 |
4,176 |
VOCATIONAL/TECHNICAL EDUCATION
Hundreds of other students who
leave schools before finishing their secondary education are taking
courses in institutions such as the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company's
Career Development Center, whose aim is to train them for technical
positions within the oil industry.
The Emirates Institute for Banking and Financial Studies focuses on
providing training for personnel within the financial sector. The
Higher Colleges of Technology are also involved in the provision of
vocational education.
In 1995, the certificate and diploma programs were introduced, whereby
secondary school graduates can be trained in technical skills. Other
institutions, such as the Dubai Aviation College, are also engaged in
providing a trained work force for the country.
QUANTITATIVE GROWTH
IN TECHNICAL
EDUCATION 1993-94 - 1996-97
|
School Year |
Students |
Teachers & Administrators |
Classes |
Schools |
|
1993-94 |
1,143 |
202 |
58 |
5 |
|
1994-95 |
1,214 |
222 |
61 |
6 |
|
1995-96 |
1,554 |
267 |
80 |
7 |
|
1996-97 |
1,925 |
286 |
98 |
7 |
Vocational training is also provided within the framework of the
school system. The government runs a number of vocational schools, to
which admission is gained after completion of primary education.
In May 1996, the German Agency for Technical Cooperation, a non-profit
governmental organization, signed an agreement with the UAE’s
Ministry of Information at the German Embassy in Abu Dhabi to open a
new school. The new school is part of the strategy to strengthen the
current technical education, through providing technical training in a
number of areas.
In a study conducted by a team of German experts on the UAE’s labor
market and infrastructure, assessments were made about the types of
technical specialization needed by the UAE citizens in order to help
in the growth and development of the country. The program will start
in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Fujairah, and Al-Ain and will be conducted by
German experts. In a Ministerial speech, The Minister of Education,
urged the students to join the vocational training courses in order to
meet the growing labor market demand in the country.
ADULT EDUCATION
In addition to educational
facilities for children and adolescents, there are also classes for
adults who did not had the advantage the opportunity to receive
adequate education in their youth. The UAE leaders realized the
importance of a literate population and a major literacy campaign was
established on the instructions of H. H. Sheikh Zayed, The President
of the UAE.
The drive to rectify the situation has met a considerable success, in
particular. The illiteracy rate for women dropping more sharply than
that for men. In 1993, the overall illiteracy rate had been reduced to
16.8% compared to a high of 79% in 1968. Evening classes are provided
for adults who wish to continue their secondary education. The adult
education administration aims to eradicate illiteracy by the year
2000.
QUANTITATIVE GROWTH
IN LITERACY AND ADULT
EDUCATION CLASSES 1993-94 - 1996-97
|
DETAILS SCHOOL YEAR |
STUDENTS |
TEACHERS & ADMINISTRATORS |
CLASSES |
SCHOOLS |
|
1993-94 |
17,756 |
3,011 |
1,127 |
143 |
|
1994-95 |
18,887 |
3,074 |
1,160 |
140 |
|
1995-96 |
23,863 |
3,029 |
1,122 |
138 |
|
1996-1997 |
18,255 |
2,985 |
1,109 |
139 |
The UAE ministry of Education in cooperation with the United Nations
Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the Arab
League’s Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ALESCO),
the Islamic Educational and Scientific Organization (IESO) and other
Arab organizations has played a major role in the illiteracy
eradication program.
Within a quarter of a century, the number of centers has risen from 54
in the school year 1971-72 to 140 in the school year 1995-96
comprising 1,160 classes. The number of learners has increased from
4,912 to 23,863 in the same period. Adult Education and Literacy
Centers are located in government schools throughout the country. This
makes it easier for daily contact, supervision and provision of all
human and material resources. Study at these centers has two branches:
1- Curricula for two-year literacy programs. 2- Curricula for the next stage start from the fifth primary up to the end of the secondary stages. The syllabus is the same as that being taught at morning schools.
The Ministry of Education, in cooperation
with experts from the University of the UAE, has recently enhanced the
adult education program through adding a variety of topics to its
curriculum. In addition to the basic studies of Arabic Reading,
Writing, and Mathematics, new subjects such as Islamic Heritage,
Primary Maintenance Work, Business Administration, Computer Studies,
English and Family Education will be offered.
According to the Ministry of Education, the new curriculum aims at
raising the students’ awareness of economics and the relationship
between production and development, as well as making adult students
more environmentally conscious.