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
  
  

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  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.
  
  
  

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  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.
    

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  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.

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  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.
  
  

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  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

  
  
  

  • Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) which provides training for the UAE nationals through a program of two to four year courses has a growing network. These include: Business Administration, Accounting, Chemical Engineering, and Health Sciences. Men's and women's colleges were established in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain in 1988, followed by colleges in Dubai in 1989 and Ras Al Khaimah in 1993.
    
    The number of students who have joined the Colleges have risen from 239 in 1988-89 to 6,800 students in 1996-97 of which 3,646 (53.6%) were females. New branches are scheduled to open in Sharjah and Fujairah in the near future. The HCT have developed affiliations with recognized tertiary education institutions in U.S.A., Canada, France, Australia, and the U K. The purpose of these affiliations is to maintain the HCT educational programs at international standards and to facilitate the transfer of its students to study abroad.
    
    The HCT’s Center of Excellence for Applied Research and Training (CERT) first opened in Abu Dhabi in 1994. Together with the recent addition of the Dubai branch, the Center provides educational programs in Telecommunications, Chemistry, Computer Science, and Aviation. On October 1, 1996, a partnership between CERT and the American MidEast Educational and Training Services (AMIDEAST) came into effect.
    
    AMIDEAST, was founded in 1951 and it is a non-profit educational services organization. The largest of its kind, AMIDEAST is specialized in providing information on American education especially higher education. It also arranges and administers educational programs for students from the Middle East and North Africa such as preparations for taking tests such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
    Establishing the CERT/AMIDEAST office is a part of the HCT’s aim to build a strong national work force by providing a variety of educational training opportunities for the citizens to the UAE.
    In addition to the University of the UAE and the HCT, there are about thirty three private higher education institutions. These institutions belong to one of three groups: 1- Institutions officially recognized by the UAE Authorities such as The Ajman University, The Itisalat College of Engineering, and Al Bayan University, 2- Institutions not recognized by the UAE Authorities such as College of pharmacy in Dubai and Sharjah College, and 3- Institutions which are still under construction or establishment.
    
    
  • The Etisalat College of Engineering, sponsored by the national telecommunications authority, was established in Sharjah with the aim of providing highly qualified national engineers to meet the increasing demands of the Itisalat Corporation, as well as of other industries in the fields of Electronics, Telecommunication, and Electrical Engineering.
    
    
  • The Ajman University of Science and Technology was established in Ajman and received its first intake of students on September 15, 1988. Another branch of the University was opened in Abu Dhabi in 1994. The University was officially recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, on May 3, 1994. It follows the academic points system, based on an academic year made up of two semesters, 16 weeks in duration.
    
    The University uses English as the principal medium of instruction except for courses in Education which are taught in Arabic. It offers degree courses in Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, Accounting, English, Translation, Medical Equipment Engineering, Marketing, Education and Dentistry. It also engages in a continuous study of the UAE labor market in order to remain updated about the different majors and specialization needed for its academic curriculum.
    
    The University has created a Vocational Training and Guidance Center (VTGC), in order to maximize opportunities for its students to train in the ministries and major companies of the UAE. The VTGC, enables students to gain hands on experiences throughout their academic years. Other educational services include an Information and Languages Center and an agency for employing graduates. According to the Principle of Ajman University, one of the University’s main aims is to create an academic link between the educational opportunities offered to the students at the University and the need for scientific growth and advancement throughout the country.

     

    • University of Sharjah, the first in the Emirate, opened its doors for students in August 1997. The university houses three faculties: Islamic Studies and Humanities, Engineering, and Economics and Commerce.
      
      This university is established under the guidance of H. H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of the Emirate of Sharjah. The University has two separate buildings, one for male and the other for female students.
      
      The University emphasizes the study of Arabic Language, Mathematics, Computer Sciences, and English Language. In two years, graduate courses will be offered and the students will be encouraged to use Scientific Research and Methodology in their studies.
      
      
    • The American University of Sharjah (AUS),                                                               which opened in October 1997, has several departments offering a wide range of courses in the arts and science. The university is fully-equipped with modern libraries, student accommodation and recreational facilities. The American University in Washington is participating as an independent body offering advice on the establishment of AUS which is a non-profit higher educational institution under the aegis of H.H Dr.Sheikh Mohammad bin Sultan Al Qassimi, the Ruler of Sharjah.
      which opened in October 1997, has several departments offering a wide range of courses in the arts and science. The university is fully-equipped with modern libraries, student accommodation and recreational facilities. The American University in Washington is participating as an independent body offering advice on the establishment of AUS which is a non-profit higher educational institution under the aegis of H.H Dr.Sheikh Mohammad bin Sultan Al Qassimi, the Ruler of Sharjah.
      
      The University has been receiving both administrative and academic advice from the American University of Beirut (AUB) advisors in accordance with a June 25, 1996 agreement signed between His Highness the Ruler of the Emirate of Sharjah and the Director of (AUB), Lebanon, Dr. Robert Haddad, represented by his Vice Director, Dr. Abdul Hamid Hallab to establish (AUS). The university follows the American system and covers an area of 42,000 square meters.
      
      
    • Al Bayan University, the first private university in Abu Dhabi opened in September, 1997. The University offer courses in different specialties. These include: Civil Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Business Administration, Accounting, Banking and Financial Management, Computer Science, Marketing, English Language, Translation, Computer Information Systems, and Primary Education.
      
      Evening courses are offered to students who work during the day. The language of instruction is English except for Education and Information where Arabic and Englishare the medium of instruction for some courses.
      
      Al Bayan University adopts the credit hours system for its academic year which is made up of two semesters separated by a two week Mid-Year vacation, followed by a summer semester.
      
      The credit hours system has proved its reliability throughout the world and is rated among the best with regard to its flexibility and academic evaluation.
      
      
    • The Dubai Aviation College (DAC) established in 1991-92 academic year receives continuous guidance from His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum contributing to its rapid and continuos improvement in academic development.
      
      DAC offers the best in educational programs to its rising number of students. DAC offers diplomas from 3 major departments:
      1- The Department of Engineering, which offers diplomas in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Aeronautical Engineering,
      2- The Department of Aeronautical Science, and
      3- The Department of Administration Science, which offers degrees in Business Administration, Travel and Tourism, Economics and Finance, Trade, and Nutrition.
      
      The DAC aims to attract and encourage the nationals of the UAE to specialize in aviation fields in order to meet the country’s growing demand for the latest in aviation skills and expertise, especially as the UAE is witnessing a rapidly growing tourist and economic sector with more than 80 aviation companies currently using the Dubai Airport.
      

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      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.
      

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      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.
      

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