Dubai is set to launch an innovative “Learning Passport” initiative for every newborn, aimed at tracking their educational journey from birth and helping parents make informed decisions. This initiative was announced by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) on Wednesday during the unveiling of the “Education Strategy 2033,” which aims to transform education in the emirate.
The Learning Passport will be developed in collaboration with the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and will ensure that all children in Dubai are registered and monitored as they reach mandatory school age, preventing any child from being left behind in the education system.
A Milestone for Education in Dubai
Aisha Miran, Director-General of KHDA, emphasized that the initiative seeks to secure the right to education for every child. “The Learning Passport aims to guarantee every child’s right to education. It will register children of mandatory school age and monitor them to ensure they enrol in schools, ensuring no child is deprived of education,” she said.
The passport will also provide valuable information to parents about early education options, such as nurseries, helping them make better decisions for their children. Miran pointed out that enrolment rates for Emirati children in early childhood centres are below the global average, which affects their development and future academic performance. “Scientific studies have proven that 90 per cent of a child’s brain develops from zero to five, making this a critical growth stage,” she added.
A Comprehensive Strategy for 2033
The “Education Strategy 2033” lays out several key objectives to strengthen Dubai’s education system. These include raising awareness among parents, developing teacher skills, and providing diverse educational pathways, including vocational education. Students will also benefit from early field training programs to prepare them for the labour market.
Additionally, the strategy aims to address significant challenges, such as the declining Arabic language skills among children, particularly in a society where English is often the dominant language. KHDA plans to enhance Arabic language education to preserve cultural identity while meeting the needs of a globalized community.
Other priorities include improving the academic performance of Emirati students, addressing rising school fees, and nationalizing the teaching profession by increasing the number of Emirati teachers by 10%, which would add around 3,000 Emirati educators.
A Collective Effort
Miran underscored the importance of collaboration, urging parents to become active partners in their children’s education. “Engaging parents as partners through awareness and empowerment programs is crucial for supporting their children’s educational journeys,” she said.
Since KHDA’s restructuring in 2005, Dubai’s education system has seen remarkable progress. The number of schools has risen from 136 in 2007 to over 220 today, serving more than 32,500 students in private education. “The Education Strategy 2033 aims to improve the quality of education to meet the needs of Dubai’s diverse community,” Miran concluded.
As the education landscape in Dubai continues to evolve, the Learning Passport is set to play a crucial role in ensuring that every child receives a high-quality education tailored to their needs and development.
