Dubai has unveiled its groundbreaking ‘Education 33’ (E33) strategy, a bold initiative designed to reshape the Emirate’s education landscape and solidify its reputation as a global education hub. Spearheaded by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), the E33 strategy aims to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and values necessary to excel in an ever-evolving global environment.
A Vision for Future-Ready Education
At a press conference organized by the Government of Dubai Media Office, Aisha Miran, Director General of KHDA, shared insights into E33’s transformative goals. “Education 33 embodies the forward-thinking vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai,” said Miran. “This strategy will empower future generations to lead in a dynamic global context, while strengthening Dubai’s role as a hub for education and innovation.”
First announced by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council, the E33 strategy is a pivotal part of Dubai’s mission to develop a future-ready education system. With a focus on high international standards, E33 seeks to offer a world-class education to every student in Dubai, while preserving the Emirate’s cultural heritage and embracing its multicultural diversity.
Shifting to a Learner-Centered Approach
E33 is aligned with both the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the Dubai Social Agenda 33, marking a shift from traditional institution-based education models to a modern, learner-centered ecosystem. The strategy spans early childhood education through higher education and lifelong learning, preparing students to meet the demands of an ever-changing global job market.
With five strategic goals and 28 supporting initiatives, E33 sets ambitious targets for 2033. These include expanding affordable school seat capacity by 49,000, achieving a 90% satisfaction rate among parents, and integrating 3,000 Emirati teachers into the workforce. Another significant goal is to increase education tourism tenfold, attracting prestigious global universities to Dubai.
Endorsed by Dubai’s leadership, E33 aligns with the broader goal of the Dubai Social Agenda to position the city among the top 10 global education destinations by 2033. “We are not just preparing students for the future—we are enabling them to lead it,” said Miran.
Strategic Pillars of the E33 Strategy
The five strategic pillars of E33 include:
- Empowering Emirati Students: Ensuring access to high-quality education that meets international standards.
- Equitable Education for All: Offering accessible education that is both inclusive and equitable.
- Promoting Lifelong Learning: Engaging educators and parents in creating a culture of continuous learning.
- Positioning Dubai as a Global Education Hub: Attracting international students and educational institutions to Dubai.
- Fostering Innovation in Education: Building an ecosystem driven by research, technology, and innovation.
A Comprehensive Roadmap for Transformation
The 28 initiatives under E33 are set to be ‘game changers’ in the education sector. They include initiatives like embedding Emirati culture in school curricula, promoting Arabic as a key language, personalizing learning experiences, growing the number of Emirati educators, and elevating the standards of vocational training.
The strategy was developed through extensive consultations with more than 290 educational institutions and over 700 participants, including educators, parents, and students. This collaborative effort has resulted in a comprehensive framework that will shape the future of education in Dubai for years to come.
