DUBAI, 17th May, 2023 (WAM) — The UAE Ministry of Education announced a collaboration agreement with its counterpart in the Sultanate of Oman, during an official visit by Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Education and the Ministry’s delegation to Oman.
This agreement aims to enhance collaboration and the exchange of expertise in the field of education between the two ministries.
Dr. Al Falasi signed the agreement on behalf of the UAE, while Dr. Madiha bint Ahmed Al Shaibaniyah, Minister of Education of Oman, signed on behalf of Oman.
Present during the signing were Dr. Muhammad bin Ibrahim Al-Mualla, MoE's Undersecretary for Academic Affairs; Dr. Hamad Al Yahyai, Assistant Undersecretary of Curriculum and Assessment Sector; and Saif Rashed Al Mazroui, Advisor to the Minister of Education; Dr. Abdullah Ambusaidi, Undersecretary of the Oman Ministry of Education; as well as senior officials from both parties.
Ahmad Al Falasi said, “The UAE-Oman robust historical relations are built on social and cultural interdependence between the peoples of both nations, and these relations are fueled by joint cooperation in all fields. The visit of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to the Sultanate of Oman last year and his meeting with His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, the Sultan of Oman, in addition to the subsequent signing of several memoranda of joint cooperation, reflect the desire of both countries to work closely and develop various aspects of their bilateral relations.”
He added, “This agreement with Oman prioritises cooperation in several key areas. These include educational planning and evaluation, policy development, regulation and law formulation within the sector, enhancing the capabilities of teachers and educational practitioners, collaboration in data management and key performance indicators, examination systems and qualifications, continuing education, special education, vocational and technical education, innovation, and governance.. The agreement also focuses on the launch of joint educational initiatives that will contribute to building an educational system that nurtures students’ talents, and equips them with the right skills that will help them meet future market requirements.”
Dr. Al Falasi emphasised the keenness of the UAE Ministry of Education to forge partnerships with educational institutions and entities at the regional and international levels. These partnerships come within the ministry’s endeavours to develop a cutting-edge, integrated, and competitive educational system that enhances students' competencies and empowers them to contribute to building knowledge-based societies and a more prosperous and sustainable future.
For her part, Dr. Al Shaibaniyah mentioned that the Oman-UAE relations are based on historical ties between generations of the two brotherly peoples. She affirmed that the visit of the Emirati delegation to the Sultanate of Oman and the cooperation agreement between both parties will contribute to the advancement of education in both counties. She also lauded the UAE’s educational sector for its rich expertise and experiences, which benefits the students in both nations.
Dr. Al Falasi received an official invitation from Dr. Madiha Al Shaibaniyah to meet with senior officials from education and higher education in Oman, most notably, Sayyid Dr Fahad bin Al Julanda Al Said, President of Sultan Qaboos University and Professor Rahma bint Ibrahim Al Mahrooqi, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation. In the meeting, he was briefed on the education process in Oman. He also visited Al Mahamid School for Basic Education and Sultan Qaboos University where he met with the administrative and teaching staff, as well as the students.