Collaboration with the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Culture has announced the launch of the National Framework for Emirati Cultural Activities in Schools. This framework includes a comprehensive range of policies, standards, and action plans aimed at integrating Emirati cultural activities into the academic curriculum, aligning with the existing educational system.
The framework’s goal is to strengthen the Emirati national identity, instil cultural values, and foster positive character traits in students, ensuring their preservation. It is designed to engage students of all age groups, from early childhood (kindergarten) to secondary school, in both public and private schools.
The initial phase of the framework, which took place between August 2023 and January 2024, involved numerous public and private schools. During this phase, over 1,300 teachers and approximately 2,000 students participated, with contributions from 107 cultural entities.
His Excellency Mubarak Al Nakhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture said: “We remain committed to embedding Emirati cultural values in future generations and reinforcing their deep sense of belonging to the nation, its leadership and society. Awareness of cultural heritage contributes to building a generation that understands its significance, is capable of preserving its identity and leads the nation towards the future, relying on knowledge, critical thinking and creativity".
Furthermore, H.E. Al Nakhi elaborated that the framework aims to strengthen students’ connection with their national identity and cultural heritage, encourage positive societal participation, enhance bonds between generations and solidify collaboration between cultural and educational entities. These objectives align with the ‘Year of Community,’ announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi. The initiative aims at strengthening community cohesion, enhancing prosperity and encouraging participation in national development.
H.E. Al Nakhi added: “This framework aligns with the vision of our wise leadership for sustainable education, which is a cornerstone of national development and progress. An ideal cultural environment fosters creativity and intellectual growth across all segments of society. We believe that this collaboration with the Ministry of Education supports the nation’s developmental goals and supports the National Strategy for Higher Education 2030, which seeks to equip students with technical and practical skills that contribute to economic growth in both public and private sectors. Furthermore, it aims to produce generations of professionals and specialists in key industries, strengthening the education-driven economy and fostering entrepreneurship and workforce participation”.
H.E. Eng. Mohammed Al Qassim, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education, emphasized that the National Framework for Emirati Cultural Activities in Schools represents a qualitative leap in strengthening Emirati national identity among students. This initiative involves carefully designed activities that are collaboratively organized by both students and educational staff.
He highlighted that the Ministry of Education has undertaken numerous initiatives to strengthen national identity among students, underscoring its renewed commitment to preparing generations that take pride in their culture, heritage and national identity. Additionally, the ministry aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to confidently navigate the future.
H.E. Al Qassim further explained that the ministry will implement the framework and its diverse range of activities and programs from early childhood education to the third cycle of schooling. He commended the framework for its inclusivity and flexibility, as it enables students to participate in cultural activities both inside and outside of school using innovative tools. These activities are integrated into the extracurricular programs available in public schools.
The program’s operational model is strategically designed to include various aspects of cultural engagement. In-school cultural engagement offers students innovative, hands-on experiences, as well as preparations for museum field trips that align with the program's core themes. Cultural engagement outside of school includes organizing field trips to cultural sites and libraries. The online cultural engagement component provides educational resources and activities that are seamlessly integrated across all courses, along with online guides for pre- and post-visit learning and teaching materials. Lastly, community cultural engagement fosters stronger connections between schools and local communities, encouraging sustainable involvement from families and reinforcing the program's focus themes.
