President Sheikh Mohamed has urged educators to focus on promoting the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) and technology in their classrooms.
He shared the message on social media to mark the International Day of Education, which falls on January 24.
"On International Day of Education, we renew our commitment to the ongoing enhancement of education in the UAE," Sheikh Mohamed wrote.
"By fostering lifelong learning, promoting our values and identity, and leveraging the responsible use of AI and technology, we aim to build a stronger, more innovative future for our nation and our people."
The day was designated by the UN in 2018 to raise awareness about access to education and its significance for everyone. It also celebrates the role of education in promoting peace and development.
This year, the day is being celebrated under the theme “AI and education: Preserving human agency in a world of automation”.
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, also took to social media to highlight the power of education.
"Education is the foundation of progress and our best investment is in the future of our students," he wrote.
"On the International Day of Education, we celebrate building a generation armed with the skills of the future and affirm our duty towards our society to continue the path of development and adopt a sustainable and responsible educational approach that reflects our values and adopts artificial intelligence tools that serve our needs and ambitions."
Emirati Day for Education
President Sheikh Mohamed in September announced that the UAE will mark Emirati Day for Education on February 28 annually.
“On this day in 1982, our Founding Father the late Sheikh Zayed witnessed the graduation of the first batch of teachers from UAE University, marking a historic step on the UAE’s journey of development and growth,” Sheikh Mohamed said on X.
He added that the day is a recognition of the vital role education plays in the nation’s progress and to honour those working in the profession.
Sheikh Abdullah said the move would contribute “to enhancing the role of education as a vital and fundamental pillar for comprehensive and sustainable development”, calling it the “driving force behind progress and one of the key criteria for measuring the success and competitiveness of nations”.
