UAE students begin new school year
September 10, 2017, 10:50 am GMTOver one million students enroled in public and private schools across the UAE began the new school year on September 10.
UAE leaders, including His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces issued welcome messages for new students.
"Our student! Acquire knowledge, turn reading into a habit and always strive for excellence and make it your motto in life," Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed wrote on Twitter.
"We are entrusted with our children, whether as families, schools or society as a whole. We need to work together to make their lives better. Our students' knowledge & perseverance ensure the UAE's continued growth & development. I wish you all best of luck this year & beyond," he added.
Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood also released a statement marking the new academic year.
She said: "With the commencement of this school year, where the wise leadership has made significant decisions to standardise educational curricula in the country, both children and their parents must take advantage of the opportunities provided by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces."
Last week, the UAE Ministry of Education announced that all public schools overseen by the MOE and Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) will follow a standardised curriculum and education system.
Emirati students will also benefit from scholarships at UAE's top schools under the Mohammed Bin Rashid Distinguished Students programme.
More than 550 Emirati students applied for merit-based scholarships at Taaleem and GEMS Education schools rated Good or better. GEMS Education has offered places to more than 100 Emirati students at 10 schools during 2017/18.