In the presence of Her Highness Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice Chairperson of the Education, Human Resources and Community Development Council, the Emirates College for Advanced Education (ECAE) held the 3rd edition of the Education First Forum (Education First Forum 2025), which gathered more than 360 decision-makers, strategic partners, students, parents, experts, educators and stakeholders, to shape the future of education in the UAE.
Education First Forum 2025, organised under the theme From Action to Impact, focused on transforming educational strategies into sustainable, measurable outcomes, aligning with the Educators’ Competency Framework, a model developed by ECAE emphasising values, knowledge, and skills to guide the professional growth of educators.
Aligned with Emirati Day for Education, and the theme Education by Everyone, for Everyone, the 2025 forum highlighted the crucial role of education in shaping the future. It focused on four strategic pillars, where participants examined the Educators’ Competency Framework in action and explored innovative educational strategies to enhance learning. The first pillar, Threads of Our Roots, explored Emirati values, culture and the Arabic language, highlighting their role in shaping present-day education. The second activation, Threads of Tomorrow, used holographic technology to explore the impact of education on sustainability.
Threads of Connection, the third pillar, emphasised integration and inclusivity in education, showcasing innovative tools and methods for creating all-inclusive educational environment in schools. And the fourth, Threads of Empowerment, demonstrated AI’s role in supporting personalised learning, and empowering educators with future tools.
Her Excellency Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri, Minister of Education and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of ECAE, said: “In the UAE, we have clear goals and strategies to enhance our education system – studying the present, analysing challenges, and preparing for the future. Through collaboration with educators, communities, and the education sector in general, we aim to advance national development priorities that drive comprehensive and sustainable progress.
“With the constant support of our wise leadership, we are committed to creating an innovative educational future. Our focus is on empowering educators and teachers to create lasting impact and tangible results, unlocking the full potential of our education system. This journey propels us towards new heights of excellence and leadership – nationally, regionally, and globally.”
Dr May Laith Al Taee, Vice Chancellor at ECAE, said: “The forum provided a dynamic platform for decision-makers, educators, families and experts in the country’s educational system to collaborate. It aimed to align the professional performance of educators and influential stakeholders with improved results and a positive impact on society. The forum established practical applications for classrooms based on the Educators’ Competency Framework, reinforcing national values and identity. It also enhanced the use of artificial intelligence technologies to personalize learning, and played a key role in promoting sustainability, integration, and inclusivity for students in the UAE.”
The session Educator’s Future Vision featured Fatima AlKaabi, the youngest Emirati inventor, who shared her journey and highlighted the vital role educators play in nurturing creativity and innovation.
In a video titled Beyond the Impact, participants experienced the future of classrooms through the perspective of Ahmed, a virtual character. The simulation presented a vision of innovation and education that aligns with UAE’s aspirations, sparking curiosity, inspiration and imagination among attendees.
The forum recognised 160 school mentors for their contributions to the ECAE Mentorship Support Model, which in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, guides aspiring teachers towards growth, excellence and innovation.
Another session titled Voice of the Community, held in line with the Year of Community, featured discussions on the role of technology, youth participation, inclusion of People of Determination, and community involvement in shaping education policies. The discussion also highlighted the impact of outstanding, award-winning teachers in creating inclusive learning environments. It explored opportunities for collaboration between educators, the government and community to enhance education, while emphasising the role of education in broadening horizons, developing skills and shaping character.
Speakers included Dr Abdullah Al Shimmari, Executive Director of the National Workforce Enablement Sector at the Department of Government Enablement– Abu Dhabi (DGE); Abdul Latif Abdulla Musabbah Alseyabi, Best Teacher Award Winner and ECAE Awarded Graduate; His Excellency Sulaiman Al Kaabi, Assistant Undersecretary for Professional Development Sector; Farah Al Quissieh, Managing Director, Speech Care Center; Mariam Alaryani, parent; and Ghaya Alahbabi, also known as Green Ghaya, Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi Ambassador, social media environmental activist, and leader of the Green Shoots environmental team.
Her Excellency Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri witnessed the signing of a agreement between ECAE and the Ministry of Education. The agreement was signed by His Excellency Sulaiman Al Kaabi, Assistant Undersecretary for Professional Development Sector at the Ministry of Education; and Dr May Laith Al Taee, Vice Chancellor at ECAE, with the aim of enhancing cooperation in educational professional development.
The forum celebrated the winners of the Innovation Challenge, launched last year by ECAE during Innovation Month. Three schools were awarded for their innovative educational practices.
Since its inception, the Education First Forum has driven meaningful change in education inspired by visionary leadership committed to involving all community members in shaping the future of education in the UAE.
The inaugural 2023 edition, The Power of Educators, highlighted the pivotal role of educators in shaping learning environments and promoting student success.
The 2024 edition, From Ask to Action, introduced ECAE’s renewed 2024-2026 strategy, A Future-Ready College of Education, along with its new corporate identity. One of its key outcomes was the introduction of the Educators’ Competency Framework, linking professional growth for educators with the college’s academic programmes and lifelong learning initiatives. Throughout its three editions, the forum featured a range of educational, cultural and awareness activities and discussions that emphasised the essential role of education in shaping future generations, and driving progress and growth.
