The Middle East Education

The government in Oman is channelling extra funding into education as part of a broader bid to provide its younger generations with the skills and qualifications needed to work in the modern economy. However, although the additional resources are a welcome step toward tackling key issues, such as improving students’ English language skills, it will take time for the benefits to trickle down into the economy.

The emirate’s education system is in the midst of a major overhaul, one aimed at making the school system more responsive to the needs of students in a changing community. The new system will reflect evolving social, economic and cultural trends, with English coming to share the platform with Arabic as the language of learning.

News that the government is seeking a transaction advisor for a new public-private partnership (PPP) schools project signals further opportunities for investors in Kuwait’s education sector.

With an eye on developing an Emirati labour force that can meet the requirements of local employers, the Executive Council (EC) of Abu Dhabi recently announced two new programmes that will boost the provision of education and professional training to UAE nationals. The government’s plans include the expansion of a scholarship fund for university students, as well as the establishment of additional vocational schools at the secondary level.

Looking to boost information and communications technology (ICT) usage across the board, but particularly in education, Dubai has committed to embracing ICT in all facets of the teaching and learning process.

RAK has seen a number of important developments in its education sector in recent years as the emirate continues its drive to become a knowledge-based economy. Most significant among these has been the decision to create a council to oversee and regulate the emirate’s growing number of colleges and universities.