Education
From The Report: Ras Al Khaimah 2012
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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.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Steps forward: Reforming with an eye towards a stronger economy
OBG
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As the government of Ras Al Khaimah 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. Many of the firms that are today moving into RAK or that the government hopes to attract are in need of employees with specialised skill sets. To maximise the benefits of the growing economy and to encourage the new businesses to hire local employees, RAK is working to ensure that its…

Analysis

Aim high: Tertiary education is set to receive greater attention
OBG
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The importance of education to today’s knowledge- and skills-based economies cannot be overstated, and as a result, tertiary schools shoulder much of the burden in effectively preparing tomorrow’s job seekers. “Companies need recent graduates who do not require additional training before they can add value on the job,” explained Raj Nambiar, director of administration at the University of Bolton’s Ras Al Khaimah campus. “It is the role of proactive universities in the region to mitigate…