Education

As the government of RAK makes the necessary changes to drive growth forward and transition to a knowledge-based economy, one thing is clear: education and educational reform are of prime importance. One important measure will be the establishment of a council by RAK’s ruler, Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, which will regulate and monitor institutions of higher education in the emirate. Furthermore, several programmes have been introduced to improve the quality of teaching, including a teacher exchange that allows educators to observe different pedagogical methods. More specifically, the government plans to address three key issues in the higher education system: low English-language proficiency; students opting for careers in the public sector rather than the private; and overall quality standards. Given the correlation between education and a strong economy, the government’s and other actors’ reforms should have a strong impact on growth in the emirate in the long run. This chapter includes an interview with Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nayhan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research.