Sheikh Hamdan visits KHDA, praises Dubai’s future-ready education system
Over 150,000 students return safely to private schools
DUBAI – His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on Wednesday visited the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai, highlighting the UAE’s education system as a global model of excellence, resilience and future readiness.
He emphasised that the sector continues to evolve under the leadership of UAE President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
During the visit, Sheikh Hamdan underscored how education remains central to national development, fostering innovation, strengthening identity and preparing future generations for global leadership. He noted that the system has consistently demonstrated its ability to adapt and create opportunities under all circumstances, reinforcing Dubai’s broader development priorities.
During my visit to the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, I reviewed initiatives aligned with the Education 33 Strategy (E33) to further enhance education quality in Dubai, promote the Arabic language and Emirati culture, and reinforce partnerships between schools and… pic.twitter.com/pfUZkJYRdg
— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) April 22, 2026
Safe return
Accompanied by Abdulla Al Basti, Secretary General of The Executive Council of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan reviewed the return to in-person learning across the emirate’s private education sector. More than 150,000 students have resumed classes across over 450 institutions, all operating at a high level of institutional readiness.
The return has been supported by comprehensive health and safety measures, reflecting coordinated efforts between authorities, schools and the wider education community. The scale of the reopening highlights the sector’s operational strength and preparedness.
E33 progress
Sheikh Hamdan received a detailed briefing from Aisha Abdulla Miran on the progress of Dubai’s Education 33 (E33) Strategy, now in its second year of implementation. The strategy aims to build a future-ready, learner-centred ecosystem, ensuring a seamless educational journey from early childhood through to higher education and beyond.
A total of 20 initiatives are being rolled out under E33, focusing on redesigning the learner experience. These include strengthening Arabic language and Emirati culture, enhancing parental engagement, and equipping students with essential life skills.
Key programmes include ‘All Rise and Teach in Dubai’, designed to attract and develop high-quality educators, and the ‘Future Astrolabe’ initiative, which supports students in making informed career choices aligned with emerging global trends.
Voice of students
During the visit, Sheikh Hamdan also met members of the Dubai Students Council, engaging directly with students and listening to their perspectives on education. The discussions highlighted initiatives aimed at amplifying student voice and increasing their role in shaping learning environments.
He commended the contributions of educators, parents and stakeholders across the sector, noting that teachers continue to play a vital role in delivering high-quality learning experiences.