The Emirates College for Advanced Education (ECAE) is set to host the third edition of the Education First Forum on 28February 2025 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. Coinciding with the Emirati Day for Education on 28 February, this year’s forum, under the theme From Action to Impact, is dedicated to empowering educators with practical tools and strategies to achieve measurable outcomes in classrooms.
The event brings together the entire education ecosystem, including policymakers, educators, students, and parents, to discuss emerging insights and trends that will strengthen the UAE’s education system and global competitiveness. Through meaningful conversations, the forum supports national initiatives like UAE Centennial 2071, which prioritises investing in youth to secure the UAE’s position as a leading nation.
Since its launch, the Education First Forum has been a catalyst for impactful change in education. The inaugural 2023 edition, The Power of Educators, highlighted the pivotal role of educators in shaping learning environments and promoting student success. In 2024, From Ask to Action introduced ECAE’s strategy, A Future-Ready College of Education, and launched the Educators’ Competency Framework.
Building on this foundation, the 2025 forum evolves into an interactive experience, immersing educators in real-world applications of the Educators’ Competency Framework. Through hands-on engagement, participants will explore four key themes: Emirati Values, Character and Culture, Sustainability and Inclusion, and AI in Education, each addressing pressing educational priorities with actionable solutions.
Dr May Laith AlTaee, Vice Chancellor at ECAE, said: “From Action to Impact reflects the essential journey educators must take—moving from well-designed strategies to real, measurable progress in classrooms. Our focus is to integrate forward-thinking teaching methodologies and research-backed practices into the education system by applying the Educators’ Competency Framework in UAE schools. This ensures we are not only enhancing teaching and learning but also aligning with our leadership’s vision for the future of education while actively involving the wider community in shaping its direction.
“In this edition, we are working alongside our education ecosystem partners to turn carefully developed frameworks into impactful, real-world applications that elevate classroom learning. At ECAE, we remain committed to equipping educators with the tools, knowledge, and expertise they need to create lasting change. The Education First Forum serves as a catalyst for educators to lead with purpose, drive meaningful impact, and support transformative outcomes that benefit students and elevate the education system as a whole.”
Designed as an experiential journey, the forum invites attendees to engage with immersive activations that bring its themes to life. A large-scale interactive installation will set the stage for deeper exploration, offering a visual introduction to the forum’s key focus areas. Attendees will then witness the Educators’ Competency Framework in action, gaining firsthand insight into its impact on teaching, leadership, and curriculum development through real-world applications.
The experience continues with engaging activations that connect education to national priorities. Motion-activated digital displays will transport visitors through Emirati heritage, illustrating how language, traditions, and culture enrich modern teaching practices. A holographic tree will evolve as participants interact with sustainability concepts, demonstrating the connection between education, environmental responsibility, and social wellbeing. An inclusive education space will highlight adaptive teaching strategies that foster accessibility and equity in classrooms. An AI-powered hologram will also lead real-time discussions on the future of learning, offering insights into how emerging technologies are shaping the educational landscape.
The event will also feature the signing of strategic partnerships between ECAE and key institutions, reinforcing its commitment to advancing its four core themes. ECAE will showcase its research through exhibitions and discussions, highlighting its impact on classrooms and policy development.
