UNESCO welcomes Fujairah to global learning network of 425 cities
New membership advances the emirate’s education, culture and innovation priorities
FUJAIRAH – The Emirate of Fujairah has been granted membership in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC), joining 72 newly admitted cities from 46 countries in the organisation’s latest expansion.
The designation recognises cities that demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing lifelong learning for residents of all ages.
With this addition, the GNLC now includes 425 member cities from 91 nations, collectively supporting continuous learning opportunities for nearly 500 million people. Established in 2013, the network promotes education as a foundation for sustainable development and social well-being.
National commitment
Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, UAE Minister of Culture, said Fujairah’s inclusion reflects the country’s enduring investment in education, culture and human development.
He noted that the emirate’s membership affirms its long-term strategy to expand lifelong learning pathways and build a sustainable, knowledge-based economy. He added that the achievement demonstrates the UAE leadership’s continued dedication to strengthening communities through education excellence, innovation and sustainability.
The Ministry of Culture supported Fujairah’s candidacy through the National Commission for Education, Culture and Science to ensure alignment with UNESCO’s priorities. According to the minister, Fujairah’s participation will deepen international cooperation, promote the exchange of global practices, and reinforce the UAE’s role in fostering cultural dialogue and shaping knowledge-driven futures.
UNESCO recognition
Mohammed Al Dhanhani, Director of the Fujairah Emiri Court, said the emirate earned GNLC membership due to sustained efforts to expand educational infrastructure, boost digital skills and enhance community learning environments.
He said Fujairah’s long-term education plans, guided by His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Fujairah, and H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, are aligned with UAE Vision 2031 and the National Strategy for Education 2030.
He added that the UNESCO recognition will strengthen ongoing learning initiatives across the emirate and contribute to sustainable economic and social growth.
Learning Cities
In a statement, Stefania Giannini, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Education, said the 72 new Learning Cities are expanding the global definition of learning. She described them as places where streets, libraries, workplaces, museums and homes serve as spaces for knowledge, creativity and innovation.
Giannini said prioritising lifelong learning from early childhood into adulthood enables cities to empower individuals and unlock wider opportunities for their communities.
72 new cities are joining the @UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities, now spanning 425 cities in 91 countries!
— UNESCO ????️ #Education #Sciences #Culture ???????? (@UNESCO) December 4, 2025
In #LearningCities, learning thrives at the heart of communities – in libraries, community centres, and homes.
Discover the new members: https://t.co/zOoXy87jxL pic.twitter.com/nTjEboPD2f
Fujairah’s Learning City Project outlines a clear framework for the next decade. In the medium term, over the next three to five years, the emirate aims to upgrade educational infrastructure, advance digital literacy, encourage community-led learning, support local artistic talent and create a tailored Learning City Strategy.
The long-term outlook over five to ten years includes establishing Fujairah as a regional learning leader, promoting educational equity, developing an adaptable workforce, expanding international partnerships and adopting systems to measure learning outcomes. The strategy is founded on cultural identity, sustainability and innovation to build a resilient society capable of meeting future challenges.
Education hubs
Several initiatives under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, play a central role in shaping the emirate’s learning landscape.
The Majlis Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi acts as a platform for cultural and innovation-focused dialogue, enhancing civic engagement and supporting intergenerational and intercultural learning.
Fujairah’s Young Techpreneurs initiative, launched in 2025 with Hamdan bin Mohammed Smart University, targets children aged 7 to 15 with training in programming, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. Meanwhile, the Fujairah Children’s Book Fair, established in 2024, provides workshops, storytelling sessions and inclusive programmes for children with diverse learning needs.
Sustainability drive
The emirate also advances environmental learning through the Wadi Wurayah Protected Area Education Programme, which immerses students in biodiversity and conservation studies. Its Together We Move campaign brings free fitness classes and wellness workshops to public parks, supporting community health education.
Inclusion efforts
Fujairah promotes equity in education through initiatives such as the Year of Tolerance activities in schools, which strengthen intercultural understanding. Vocational training is offered to individuals with disabilities and low-income families through the Majlis Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi.
Additional support reaches migrant workers, senior residents and rural communities through community centres and digital learning platforms.
Skills and employment
To link education with the labour market, the Fujairah Chamber of Commerce runs a Business Incubation Programme focused on essential skills training. The Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi Leadership Programme enhances public-sector capabilities, while school-based entrepreneurial clubs encourage youth to develop business planning skills. These initiatives aim to ensure that technical and vocational education matches the needs of the local economy.
Gender equality
Fujairah also prioritises equal access to learning opportunities for women and men. Programmes by the Fujairah Businesswomen Council and the Fujairah Research Center support women’s participation in professional development and lifelong learning, contributing to balanced progress in the emirate’s evolving knowledge ecosystem.