Mohammed bin Rashid allocates AED1.5 billion to build new generation of schools

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, today visited educational institutions in Fujairah and Kalbaa in Sharjah.

During the visit, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed announced the allocation of AED1.5 billion to build the first group of a ‘new generation’ of Emirati schools.

He also launched a plan to transform the Higher Colleges of Technology into economic zones and approved a AED 100-million fund to nurture student projects and support the career development of 65,000 students in the hospitality, retail, oil & gas and logistics sectors.

"Our aim is to introduce a range of new ideas in the next 50 years and foster the development of the new generation, which will accelerate our sustainable economic growth," His Highness said. "The new generation needs to adopt different approaches and tools for the future," His Highness said.

"When people have doubts due to economic volatility, we accelerate development, and when they are afraid of the future, we further raise our commitment to build it. We have created a vision for our nation’s development over the next 50 years," His Highness added.

Sheikh Mohammed’s remarks came as he visited a number of education facilities including government schools and the Higher Colleges of Technology and reviewed their development plans. Schools that His Highness visited included Al Furqaan Primary School for Boys and the Martyrs School 1 in Kalbaa.

His Highness was accompanied during his visit by Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and The Future; Nasser bin Thani Al Hamli, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation; Jameela Al Muheiri, Minister of State for Public Education; and Dr. Ahmad bin Abdullah Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of State for Higher Education and Advanced Skills.

During the tour, he revealed features of the new generation of schools including design and robotics labs as well as artificial intelligence facilities. These schools will also be equipped with healthcare and environmental labs along with sports facilities.

The new Fund created to support student projects is in line with the Fifty Year Charter launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed earlier this year. His Highness also issued directives to create specialised technical academies within colleges that support students who want to change their careers. This will help boost the country’s economy by enabling talented individuals to keep pace with technological developments. The academies will be open to both students and those who want to upgrade their professional skills in line with job market requirements.

H.H. Sheikh Mohammed also issued directives to implement fast track programmes in higher education institutes that enable exceptional students to get their graduate degrees in three years.

During the visit, His Highness was briefed by Dr. Abdullatif Al Shamsi, President of the Higher Colleges of Technology, about the post-employment plan created by the Higher Colleges of Technology’s as part of its strategy for 2017–2021. The plan creates a career roadmap for graduates after gaining employment.

The Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation said that the visit of Sheikh Mohammed to the Fujairah Higher Colleges of Technology reflects His Highness’s commitment to support the development of education in the UAE and his keenness to directly engage with citizens.

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.