His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, has received the inaugural Emirati Day for Education Award.
In line with the announcement from His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, that 28 February is to mark Emirati Day for Education, the award was presented by United Arab Emirates University (UAEU).
This award recognised his role in developing the education sector, empowering youth, and his exceptional efforts in supporting education in the UAE.
The recognition ceremony was held in the presence of His Excellency Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, Cultural Advisor to the UAE President and Chancellor of UAEU, along with senior officials, experts, and students, celebrating the importance of education and its crucial role in the development and growth of the UAE, as well as in shaping future generations.
It also marks the moment in 1982 when Founder Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his fellow leaders witnessed the graduation of the first cohort of teachers from UAEU.
His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, said: “It gives me immense pleasure to be here at the United Arab Emirates University, among brothers and colleagues. I am particularly delighted to accept this honour with the Emirati Day for Education Award, and I deeply appreciate the sincere meanings and kind feelings it embodies. I extend to you my sincere appreciation and profound gratitude, as this recognition, in essence, is a celebration of the esteemed position of education and human development in the blessed journey of progress and prosperity in our beloved country.”
The event agenda included a panel discussion titled Envisioning the Future of Education in the UAE, featuring His Excellency Prof Ahmed Ali Al Raeesi, Acting Vice Chancellor of UAEU, and Dr Ali Al Ahbabi, Director of the UAEU Center for Public Policy and Leadership, which was moderated by His Excellency Mohammed Al Kaabi, Executive Director of the Ajman Government Media Office. The session addressed strategic visions on developing the education system and the importance of enhancing creativity and critical thinking among future generations.
His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan said at the beginning of his speech during the celebration: “My presence with you evokes cherished memories and reinforces many meanings for me, the first of these meanings is that we meet tonight in a monument of civilisation, whose foundations were laid by the founder of the country, the late father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may Allah have mercy on him, with the power of determination and will, to achieve an ambition that guides the sons and daughters of the UAE on the path of knowledge and light, and to enable them to create a dignified life on this precious land, as well as to embody his strong conviction that sciences and knowledge are one of the foundations of a sound life and the cornerstone of the development of society.
“I stand before you, recalling the fragrant memory of the founder of the country and the founder of this university. I remember the strong and continuous support he provided to the university. He always told us that the university is a leading institution in the country, playing a fundamental role in shaping the present and future of the nation.”
His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan emphasised that his keen interest in the university was an expression of his complete dedication to developing the talents of the sons and daughters of the UAE, enabling them to seize their opportunities and achieve their ambitions in making a positive and active contribution to all aspects of life in society.
His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan said: “I would like to take this occasion to proudly and honourably remember this pivotal role of the founding father, the founder of the country, and the initiator of the nation's renaissance. Because of his efforts, this university was established, developed with his support, and grew and flourished with his care and guidance. I invite you tonight to always remember the vision of the founding leader and to exert every effort to ensure that the United Arab Emirates University, in all its plans, performance, and activities, faithfully and sincerely reflects that insightful vision and the strong will, continuous giving, and dedication to the development of the citizen and the advancement of the nation that he possessed, may he rest in peace.”
Regarding the second meaning in the celebration, His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan said: "It pertains to the blessed journey towards achieving the goal of the founding father, which continues on the right path under the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, may Allah protect him. His Highness is keen to ensure that this mother university is worthy of bearing the name of the country, both in word and deed, with confidence and merit. On this occasion, I express my deep gratitude to His Highness for his support and backing of the university. I specifically recall his generous initiative in establishing this magnificent university campus, with its modern buildings and facilities. His Highness always reminds us that quality education is the true tool for launching towards a bright future, where the UAE will indeed be an active and important element in global development achievements in all fields.”
As for the third meaning, His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan confirmed that it relates to the Emirati Education for Education, which came under the directives of His Highness the President of the UAE. His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan emphasised that His Highness’ wise and enlightened leadership always instils feelings of pride and honour in the nation’s citizens and that they live in a country that works with determination and resolve to prepare all its sons and daughters for a rich and productive life, enhancing their capabilities for good and effective citizenship. They are equipped with useful knowledge and skills, committed to high moral values and principles, always proud of their country, leaders, and identity, and contributing to the country’s tremendous achievements in all fields.
His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan said: “On the occasion of the Emirati Day for Education, I express my profound gratitude, utmost respect, and deep appreciation to His Highness the President of the UAE. We value His Highness's great interest in education and strive with diligence and commitment according to his continuous directives to prepare the sons and daughters of the country to be leaders and pioneers, capable of intelligently and wisely dealing with all developments and changes.”
Finally, regarding the fourth meaning of the celebration, His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan explained that it pertains to the pride and honour in the continuous achievements of UAEU and all colleges and universities of the nation, and the confidence that such achievements will continue for the benefit of the country and its citizens alike.
His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan concluded by saying: "Tonight, I feel especially grateful and deeply appreciative to everyone who played a role in the establishment and management of this mother university throughout its rich history: the senior administration members, faculty, and staff. I remember well how everyone was a cohesive family, bound by fruitful cooperation and genuine and sincere fellowship, stemming from a sense of belonging and dedication to achieving the university's mission. I pray to Allah Almighty to protect the UAE, a country of pride, dignity, and growth, and that this university always remains a source of goodness, a wellspring of giving, and a shining beacon of the high status of education in our beloved country, under the care and guidance of His Highness the President of the UAE, may Allah protect him.”
His Excellency Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh said: “The inclusion of this day in the national agenda of the UAE is a testament to our wise leadership’s belief in the value of education and its vital role in shaping future generations and the country’s development. Education is the foundation of nations and the main aspect of their flourishing; it opens the gates to the future. From this perspective, the UAE believes that education is the greatest investment any nation can make to form a solid and coherent society.”
The celebration concluded with the Beacon of Education operetta performance, which showcased the development journey of education in the UAE and its achievements. UAEU remains committed to supporting the UAE’s vision of achieving educational leadership and enhancing its status as a global hub for knowledge and innovation.
