Lieutenant General His Highness Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, attended the 11th edition of the Education Interface Exhibition and Conference, convened under the theme “Education and Community,” in alignment with the wise leadership’s vision to designate the year 2025 as the Year of Community.
The exhibition was inaugurated earlier today by His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence.
His Highness toured the exhibition grounds, where he was briefed on the developments showcased by participating educational institutions, authorities, and universities. These included advanced curricula, academic programs, and a range of training and qualification initiatives designed to enhance the capabilities and competencies of youth.
The exhibition is being held at Marina Hall within the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) and will run for two days, with the participation of more than (500) local, regional, and international entities, universities, and academic institutions. It offers educational bodies a dynamic platform to present their academic offerings, scholarship opportunities, and related educational services through both on-site and virtual means.
The opening ceremony was attended by Her Excellency Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of Education; His Excellency Dr. Abdul Rahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research; His Excellency Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development in Abu Dhabi; Her Excellency Hessa Bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority in Dubai; Her Excellency Sarah Awad Issa Musallam, Chairman of the Department of Education and Knowledge in Abu Dhabi; His Excellency Abdul Hamid Mohammed Saeed, Chairman of the Awqaf and Minors Affairs Authority; His Excellency Major General Khalifa Hareb Al Khaili, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior; His Excellency Faraj bin Hamouda Al Dhaheri; His Excellency Abdullah Al Ameri, Director General of the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an; His Excellency Fahad Abdul Qader Al Qassim, Director General of the Awqaf and Minors Affairs Authority; His Excellency Rashid Lahej Al Mansouri, Director General of Abu Dhabi Customs; His Excellency Abdullah Abdul Ali Al Humaidan, Secretary General of the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination; His Excellency Shihab Issa Abu Shihab Al Suwaidi, Director General of the Advanced Technology Research Council; His Excellency Hamad Al Shorafa Al Hammadi, Deputy CEO of Abu Dhabi Holding Group; Her Excellency Dr. Mouza Saeed Al Badi, Chairperson of the Education Interface Exhibition Board of Directors; in addition to a broad gathering of dignitaries, invited guests, and media representatives.
Nahyan bin Mubarak: The UAE has placed utmost importance on education since its founding.
The discussion sessions began on the same day, inaugurated by His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, with a keynote speech titled: Education and Community: Fundamental Pillars for Building Peace and Establishing Tolerance.
His Excellency said, “I am pleased to be with you today at this conference, organized by the Education Interface Foundation and sponsored by Lt. General His Highness Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior.”
HE highlighted His Highness’s support and commitment to all initiatives aimed at affirming the capabilities of this beloved nation to successfully address the demands of the present and confront the challenges of the future.
HE said: “The discussion at this conference about education is a discussion about the future of the entire nation, and about strengthening society’s capacity to effectively address the successive issues and challenges of this era: economic challenges, societal transformation challenges, environmental and climate change, the future of energy, the growing role of science, knowledge, and technology in the development of society and the world.
HE added : These are also the challenges of preserving national identity so that it remains strong and sustainable, in addition to the issues of human, social, and economic development, in their comprehensive sense, and what all of this requires in terms of the need to develop an integrated personality, the capacity for initiative and innovation, and the desire for continuous learning among all the nation’s sons and daughters.”
His Excellency emphasized that the UAE’s great interest in education, and its role in shaping the present and facing future prospects, is a natural extension of the tremendous achievements made and continue to be made in the country’s education sector. These achievements began and continued thanks to the historic leadership of the great founder of the state, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God bless his soul. We thank God greatly that His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
His Excellency expressed his deepest thanks, appreciation and respect to His Highness the President of the State – may God protect and preserve him. We pledge to His Highness that we will always live up to his hopes and aspirations: we will exert all our efforts and energy so that all the sons and daughters of the Emirates are fully capable of taking the initiative and working productively to achieve good for themselves and for their country within a framework of pride in national identity and keenness on high values and noble moral principles. We pledge to His Highness that all institutions of society will work together so that education in the country will be a broad field for conveying the important message that the Emirati community wants the new generation to adhere to. This message is that society expects its sons and daughters to prepare themselves to bear responsibility in serving the nation and to fully contribute to its progress. This message also includes society’s expectations that the new generations will play their designated role in preserving our Arab and Islamic heritage and adhering to the values and principles upon which the nation’s progress is based. Rather, it also expects that the sons and daughters of the nation will follow in the footsteps of their fathers in giving and achieving and in Spreading development and prosperity, and promoting the principles of tolerance and peace – whether within the country, in the region, or in the entire world.
His Excellency pointed out that: “This conference and the accompanying educational exhibition confirm that the education we seek and strive for in this beloved country requires the collective work and cooperation of all sectors of society, with everyone coming together and joining forces to provide effective education that utilizes the latest technologies and practices. This education focuses on developing knowledge, equipping students with sound thinking, acquiring leadership and innovation skills, and fostering good morals and upright behavior. All of this is within a framework that provides academic, psychological, and professional support for students, helps them define their educational goals, provides them with opportunities for personal and independent learning, and relies on clear standards for measuring performance and continuous improvement.”
HE expressed his hope that this conference would be an opportune occasion to emphasize the role of all sectors of society in contributing to shaping the country’s education system, and to establish a clear vision of the expected role of every participant or official in the educational process, leading, God willing, to the establishment of clear rules that are adhered to on the ground. Here, we must not forget that educational issues are now intertwined across the world. We must be open to all successful experiences and practices around the world, and we must continually strive to ensure that all educational institutions in our countries are world-class by all standards. This is the surest path for our schools, colleges, and universities to truly become a tool for society to achieve its rightful place in the movement of development and progress across the world.
His Excellency also said: “The role of education in emphasizing the principles of tolerance, coexistence, and human fraternity, and the reciprocal relationship between success in establishing an effective education system and adherence to noble human values and principles, cannot occur without the other. Successful education is one that reflects the values of society and prides itself on its identity. In fact, I would say that the success of schools, colleges, and universities in fulfilling their mission requires them to always be fully adapted to the circumstances of their society, committed to preserving its identity, values, principles, and heritage.”
His Excellency also expressed his hope that this important relationship between education and the development of human values would be evident during this event, which will discuss the reality of education in the country and work together to ensure that the country’s education system becomes an effective platform for disseminating the pioneering model of tolerance, coexistence, and human fraternity that characterizes our beloved country.
His Excellency pointed out that the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence currently has joint initiatives with schools, colleges, and universities. We hope, God willing, that these initiatives will grow and expand as an expression of the nation and an affirmation of its commitment to achieving all its goals and aspirations.
HE added that such community partnerships in the field of education are important means of instilling the spirit of achievement and joint work among partners. Community partnerships in the field of education are effective tools for making the most of available potential to achieve the good of society and humanity.
On the first day, Her Excellency Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority in Dubai, spoke on the topic of empowering youth in volunteer work. His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation, addressed the topic of sustainability in knowledge. Dr. Wadeema Ghanem bin Hamooda Al Dhaheri, a member of the Bin Hamoodah Group and a faculty member at the Mohammed bin Zayed University for Humanities, spoke about the role of social responsibility in the private sector and the experience of the Bin Hamoodah Group. Noura Al Rayasi, Head of Talent Development, Institutional Development, and Emiratization at First Abu Dhabi Bank, the official partner and sponsor of the event, delivered a speech.
Advanced Platforms and Technical Topics
The exhibition includes 3D display platforms that offer live student experiences and innovative educational and interactive technology, in addition to workshops, seminars, discussion panels, competitions, and a communication and media hall, making it the largest edition in its history since its launch in 2014.
The exhibition and its accompanying conference will address vital topics and academic and educational themes in adaptive learning technologies, virtual classrooms and their integration, artificial intelligence in career guidance, and ethical considerations for using artificial intelligence in education. They will also discuss topics related to the general community, social responsibility, and volunteering.
The Ministry of Interior is participating with initiatives for Emirati youth and job seekers by showcasing the “Nucleus of the Future” national leadership program, in cooperation with several government agencies. This program aims to empower and enhance the capabilities of job seekers through an intensive program that prepares them for work in the security and police sectors.
The Ministry of Interior is also participating through its pavilion at the exhibition, showcasing the academic programs offered by the Police College, the General Directorate of Competency Development, the Ministry of Interior Youth Council, and the General Directorate of Human Resources. These programs will showcase job opportunities and career development in the police sector. The Ministry of Interior Youth Council will organize a discussion session to enhance the empowerment of Emirati youth.
Moza Al Badi: We will continue to support the wise leadership and in line with its vision.
Her Excellency Dr. Moza Saeed Al Badi, Chairperson of the Education Interface Exhibition Board of Directors, expressed her gratitude and appreciation to the platform for the patronage and support of Lt. General H.H. Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior. She noted the platform’s commitment to ensuring this edition achieves exceptional success, with the active presence of local and international universities, the large number of visitors and beneficiaries of this event, and the fact that its theme and themes align with the directives of the wise leadership, under the name “Education and Society.”
She added, “This edition launches with a forward-looking vision as a national event that promotes youth empowerment and innovation. The true connection between education and the labor market continues to achieve success, contributing to the empowerment of Emirati youth and providing support and advice on future career paths.”
Private Sector Participation and Support
The list of private sector partners provides extensive and significant contributions to the exhibition and Emirati youth, through the grants, initiatives, and opportunities offered by these institutions for education, professional development, and career advancement. The Bin Hamoodah Group continues to expand its community base through the exhibition by supporting and sponsoring talented students through ongoing scholarships. First Abu Dhabi Bank also provides opportunities for professional development and training, and continues its ongoing sponsorship of the event and the empowerment of Emirati youth.
The exhibition witnessed the launch of the First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), in collaboration with the Education Interface Platform, the Finance Pioneers Program (FAB-NYFP). This strategic youth development initiative targets high school students in the UAE and aims to prepare future leaders in finance and banking by providing them with early exposure to key concepts in economics, accounting, management, and financial literacy. As a founding partner, First Abu Dhabi Bank plays a pivotal role by offering specialized training modules, mentoring sessions, and professional development workshops, helping students build the technical and skills essential for success in the banking sector. The initiative aligns with national priorities to empower UAE youth, support their growth, and bridge the gap between education and employment.
Innovative Projects by Students from the Ministry of Education
Projects by Emirati students, including people of determination, were also announced as part of the Ministry of Education’s initiatives. These students presented innovative and futuristic projects in various fields. These projects are being showcased at the Ministry of Education’s platform, as part of the Education Interface Exhibition. These projects include projects in community safety, projects that enhance traffic safety, a smart application to assist in agriculture and rainwater harvesting for a sustainable green future, and a community-based project that promotes authentic Emirati values and traditions and works to instill them among young people. These projects also include a project to predict natural disasters, and an innovative wheelchair that promotes community integration and facilitates mobility and flexibility.
