KHDA News

Dr Abdullah Karam
Chairman of the Board of Directors, Knowledge and Human Development Authority

Dr Abdullah Karam, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), speaks to Gulf News about the education system’s development.
“As we celebrate our 39th year as a nation, it is a good time to look back and think about how far we have come in those years.
“In the 1970s, as the UAE was being formed, our education system was small. Look at how it has grown, providing a service to the many nationalities who have made Dubai their home, being taught in 13 different curricula.
“This is what makes the UAE, and Dubai, unique, as the Ministry of Education and local authorities work together tirelessly to improve the quality of the education our young people receive. In the years to come, we would like to see the quality constantly improving, and the curricula being taught being refined so children know they are getting the best education they can.
“The global financial downturn is not the only crisis that we have experienced in recent years. We have had many crises in the past, but education has always come out on top. When times get difficult, people turn to education and value it. National Day, of all days in our year, is a time to be positive and confident when we look ahead, and that is how we feel about the future of education in the UAE and Dubai. Look at what is happening here.
“This year, one outcome of our recent school inspections means that schools
are taking a fresh look at their duty to
teach Arabic and Islamic Studies. This is a very powerful means of explaining our culture and understanding each other, a true building of bridges. This is something to be excited about at this time of celebration for our nation.
“We hope that in the future our young people will be able to look back and be proud of their school days and proud of themselves. Perhaps above all, we hope they will make us all proud of the contribution they are making to the United Arab Emirates.”