India’s Education Minister Embarks on a Diplomatic Mission to UAE to Strengthen Educational and Skill Development Partnerships
Union Minister for Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Dharmendra Pradhan, is set to embark on a significant three-day diplomatic mission to the United Arab Emirates from November 1 to 3, 2023. This visit holds the promise of playing a pivotal role in cementing the educational and skilling partnerships between India and the UAE.
The Minister’s journey commenced with a tour of the pioneering coding school, 42 Abu Dhabi, which is recognized as the first of its kind in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). 42 Abu Dhabi has disrupted traditional educational models by embracing a groundbreaking approach to prepare students for the future workforce in the UAE. The school’s emphasis on cutting-edge coding and technology skills aligns with the UAE’s vision for innovation and technological advancement.
Following the tour of 42 Abu Dhabi, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan engaged in a meaningful interaction with students of Abu Dhabi Indian School and faculty at India House. The interactive session was enriched by discussions about education, innovation, and the potential for closer collaboration between India and the UAE in the academic arena.
The primary objective of this visit, as articulated by the Ministry of Education, is to “foster synergy, collaboration, and partnership in the fields of Education & Skill Development.” The visit aims to create a platform for mutually beneficial opportunities in these vital sectors.
Minister Dharmendra Pradhan took to Twitter, stating, “Leaving for the UAE tonight. Look forward to the three-day visit where I will be meeting key Ministers and stakeholders from schools & skills to deepen engagements in education and skill development as well as to bolster the knowledge bridges between our two great countries. I am confident the visit will add more vibrancy to our cooperation in the knowledge vertical and also to -Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.”
On November 1, 2023, the Minister is scheduled to meet with esteemed dignitaries, including HE Ms. Sara Musallam, Minister of State for Early Education and Chairperson of Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), Education Minister of the UAE, H.E. Dr. Ahmad Al Falasi, and Foreign Minister of the UAE, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed.
In addition to these meetings, Minister Pradhan will visit the Interim Campus of IIT Delhi-Abu Dhabi and the 42 Abu Dhabi School for Disruptive Learning. He will also engage with the Odiya Community in the UAE at the Indian Embassy Auditorium.
On November 2, 2023, Minister Pradhan’s itinerary includes visits to Hub 71, a global tech ecosystem in Abu Dhabi, and BAPS Mandir. In Dubai, he will explore the training facilities of EFS, a facility management company. The Minister will also engage in discussions with H.E. Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Cabinet Member and Minister of Cabinet Affairs, meet with the principals of CBSE Schools, and interact with the IIT/IIM Alumni and Heads of educational institutions in Dubai.
The final day of the visit will see Dharmendra Pradhan meeting H.E. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman and CEO of DP World, and representatives of VFS in Dubai.
Minister Pradhan’s mission to the UAE is poised to strengthen the ties between India and the UAE in the crucial fields of education and skill development, setting the stage for enhanced cooperation and collaboration in the years to come. The visit represents a significant step in promoting innovation and knowledge sharing between the two nations and fosters a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that encompasses various domains of mutual interest.
