Dr. Saeed Mubarak bin Kharbash, Chief Executive Officer of the Policies, Research and Programs Sector at the Knowledge and Human Development Authority in Dubai, affirmed that the “Skills for Life” framework is the first integrated life skills framework in Dubai. He noted that it includes a wide range of skills that will be embedded into learning environments and educational curricula to meet the needs of students across different academic stages.
He explained that the framework focuses on developing a balanced learner personality, one that is able to respond to change and prepare for the requirements of the future through practical, personal, and social skills that help students deal more effectively with life, study, and work.
Bin Kharbash said the framework aims to empower all learners, regardless of their age or educational stage, to acquire the skills that strengthen their future readiness and improve their ability to meet the demands of daily life with confidence and independence, in line with the goals of Dubai Education Strategy 2033.
He added that the wise leadership views education as a continuous journey that does not end at school or university, but extends across all stages of life. Based on this vision, the “Skills for Life” framework was designed to make the acquisition of life skills part of everyday practice, enabling learners to build their experiences anytime and anywhere.
The framework includes several key areas, including promoting healthy lifestyles, developing the ability to manage daily life efficiently and independently, supporting financial literacy, and encouraging responsible consumer practices among learners.
It also focuses on developing psychological resilience and self-empowerment, alongside building social skills that help strengthen positive relationships among students and reinforce the values of cooperation, communication, and respect for others inside and outside the learning environment.
Bin Kharbash pointed out that digital life skills represent one of the main pillars of the framework. It seeks to enable students to use technology and digital tools safely, responsibly, and effectively, contributing to stronger digital citizenship and promoting responsible behavior in the digital space.
He also emphasized that the framework gives importance to sustainable behaviors by encouraging learners to adopt responsible decisions that contribute to protecting the environment and support the move toward a more sustainable future in Dubai.
Regarding the measurement of the framework’s impact, Bin Kharbash explained that monitoring outcomes will be an essential part of its implementation. This will be done by tracking the extent to which learners acquire the targeted skills and by measuring how these skills are reflected in their readiness for life and in achieving the pillars of Dubai Education Strategy 2033.
He added that the supporting programs linked to the framework will help create a sustainable long-term impact by turning life skills into daily practices that are reflected in students’ personal, academic, and professional lives.
He noted that the “Skills for Life” framework reflects Dubai’s commitment to strengthening partnerships among educational institutions, teachers, parents, business sectors, and the wider community, as preparing a confident, balanced generation capable of contributing to the future is a shared responsibility.
