Education
From The Report: Sharjah 2018
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As it works to build a knowledge-based economy, education has become an increasing priority for the UAE. The emirate of Sharjah is placing particular emphasis on innovation and quality as it positions itself as a centre for education within the federation and the wider region. This recognition of the centrality of education is not new, however, as Sharjah has a long history as a leader in this arena. Indeed, Sharjah was the site of the first modern school in the region, founded in 1930, as well as the first school for girls, established in 1955. It is now home to two of the Middle East’s highest-ranking universities, alongside a range of research, vocational and training institutes.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Top of the class: An emphasis on quality is leading to innovations across the board and a focus on research at the tertiary level
OBG
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As it works to build a knowledge-based economy, education has become an increasing priority for the UAE. The emirate of Sharjah is placing particular emphasis on innovation and quality as it positions itself as a centre for education within the federation and the wider region. This recognition of the centrality of education is not news, however, with Sharjah having a long-standing history as a leader in this arena. Indeed, Sharjah was the site of the first modern school in the region, founded…

Analysis

Ringing the changes: Efforts to standardise provision and outcomes across the federation are under way
OBG
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Across the UAE – including in Sharjah – the education system has developed from almost nothing to a system of universal schooling in a relatively short space of time. This achievement has also been made during a period of rapid technological advances, with students and teachers now required to constantly adapt to the changing needs of society and the workplace. Education planners have thus been looking at how to ensure the system keeps pace with changes – and with the UAE’s long-term…

Analysis

Aiming higher: Tertiary institutions focus on research and business links
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In keeping with the educationalist philosophy of Sharjah’s ruler, Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the emirate is home to two of the Gulf’s leading universities, as well as a cluster of research institutes and technical colleges. The largest and one of the oldest of these is the University of Sharjah (UOS), founded in 1997 by Sheikh Sultan himself. UOS has risen up the international rankings, with 2018 seeing it make the Times Higher Education Arab World University charts for the…