Mohammed marks start of new academic year

UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum marked the start of the new academic year 2012-2013 today by visiting a number of schools at different educational districts in the northern emirates.

Accompanied by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Deputy Ruler Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Minister of Education Humaid Mohammed Obeid Al Qattami, Sheikh Mohammed attended the morning assembly at Al Watan School in the emirate of Umm Al Quwain.

After the rendition of the UAE National Anthem, the Headmistress of Al Watan School delivered a speech welcoming His Highness to the school premises and considered the visit a unique motivation for students and the teaching faculty to excel in fulfilling their duties.

Sheikh Mohammed spoke with students, school faculty staff and parents who accompanied their children on the first day of the new academic year. His Highness encouraged students to excel in their early pursuit of knowledge highlighting their important role in shaping the future of their beloved homeland.

Continuing his tour, Sheikh Mohammed visited Al Ameer Secondary School where he was welcomed by the headmaster and the teaching faculty where he was briefed on the sports education curriculum.

Afterwards, Sheikh Mohammed attended part of the sports education class at the school and spoke with students and wished them a successful academic year.

The next stop in Sheikh Mohammed's tour was the emirate of Ajman where he paid a visit to Sheikha bint Saeed Model School for Girls and met with the headmistress and parents. His Highness exchanged views on making the best of the current academic year for the students.

Sheikh Mohammed toured a number of class rooms at the school and attended part of classes and stood for a group photo with the young students.

Umm Ammar Basic School in Ajman was the next stop on Sheikh Mohammed's schedule where he was briefed on the progress in implementing the 'Smart Learning Initiative' and making the best use of technology in advancing the education march in the UAE.

Considering education as the 'cornerstone for development,' Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the unbreakable link between advanced education and the future of our beloved homeland. Sheikh Mohammed went on to explain how well-structured education curriculums produce a competent workforce that sustains progress and development of the nation.

Sheikh Mohammed commended the efforts exerted by the Ministry of Education to guarantee the advancement of education and raise the bar in this critical field, stressing the importance of the 'Smart Learning Initiative' in placing the UAE as a model for putting technology to its best use.

His Highness also thanked the Ministry of Education, its departments and staff for their hard work to secure the availability of school books to all students in the country by following a well-planned process that begins from printing books until they are delivered to students.

Al Qattami expressed appreciation for Sheikh Mohammed's field visit to a number of schools marking the start of the new academic year, which reflects the keenness of the wise leadership of the UAE to develop education and educational institutions.

Accompanying Sheikh Mohammed on his morning tour were Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Deputy Ruler Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Minister of Education Humaid Mohammed Obeid Al Qattami, Director of Dubai Ruler's Office Lt. General Musabbah Rashid Al Fattan, Director General of the Government of Dubai Media Office Ahmed Abdullah Al Shaikh and Dubai Director of Protocol and Hospitality Khalifa Saeed Suleiman.