India Minister Of Education Visits UAE To Enhance Academic Partnerships And Cultural Ties

During his two-day trip to the UAE, Dharmendra Pradhan, India Minister of Education, emphasised the importance of bolstering academic partnerships. This visit underscores a mutual ambition to enhance educational and cultural exchanges, with a particular focus on innovation, collaboration, and inclusive learning opportunities between the two nations.

In a significant meeting, Minister Pradhan engaged with Sara Musallam, Chairperson of the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK). The discussion revolved around the ongoing support for Indian curriculum schools in the emirate, highlighting the dedication to quality education and cultural preservation for the Indian community in the UAE.

They delved into various educational advancements, including curriculum development, exchange programmes, and the mutual recognition of qualifications. Furthermore, the possibility of establishing more Indian curriculum-based schools in the UAE was explored.

Minister Pradhan extended an invitation to Sara Musallam to visit India, aiming to explore new avenues for cooperation in STEM education, early childhood development, and teacher training, aligning with ADEK's strategic goals.

The Minister's visit to the BAPS Hindu Temple was another highlight, where he lauded the UAE’s dedication to fostering religious harmony and peace. He praised the temple as a symbol of unity and shared humanity, mirroring the values of diversity upheld by both India and the UAE.

This was followed by a visit to the Dubai Campus of Symbiosis University, celebrating its first year of successful operations in the UAE, further showcasing the deepening educational ties between the two countries.

A notable part of the Minister's itinerary was his tour of the IIT Delhi-Abu Dhabi campus, marking the inauguration of the first-ever overseas Atal Innovation Centre. Additionally, he launched a Ph.D. programme in Energy and Sustainability along with a B.Tech in Chemical Engineering. His interaction with the students and staff underscored the commendable efforts of the IIT team in realising this landmark project.

Looking ahead, Minister Pradhan is set to engage in a series of important discussions and inaugurations. A Round Table Conference with Indian Higher Education institutions in the UAE is on the agenda, followed by a meeting with his UAE counterpart, Abdulrahman Al Awar, to deliberate on the ongoing educational collaboration between the two countries.

The inauguration of the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, Dubai Campus, by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is eagerly anticipated. Additionally, meetings with principals of CBSE schools in the UAE and virtual interactions with those in other GCC countries, as well as engagements with the Indian Diaspora, are planned.