On the occasion of World Teachers’ Day, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, may God protect him, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, may God preserve him, expressed their profound appreciation for the invaluable contributions of teachers. They described teaching as the noblest profession and a foundation for building enlightened generations and vibrant societies.
Through official posts on their respective accounts on the social platform X (formerly Twitter), Their Highnesses shared messages underscoring the pivotal role of educators in the country’s development journey.
The Noblest Mission
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, may God protect him, stated:
“The teacher carries a noble educational and moral mission and plays a central role in the renaissance of societies and the building of future generations. On World Teachers’ Day, I salute the teachers of the UAE and express my gratitude for their sincere efforts in instilling values, ethics, and achieving educational goals — all of which lie at the heart of our developmental vision for both the present and the future.”
His words reflect the leadership’s deep acknowledgment of teachers’ long-term role in national progress.
The Greatest Profession Known to Humanity
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, may God preserve him, wrote:
“The greatest job known to mankind… is to be a teacher. A mother is great because she is a school. A leader cannot be a true leader unless he is also a teacher. And prophets were the first teachers, guiding people to goodness.”
He continued:
“Teachers wrote the letters of our lives… they scripted the rise of our nation… and the future of our generations. Thank you to those who carry the noblest message and the greatest mission. Thank you to every teacher — on World Teachers’ Day and every day.”
Carrying Forward the Vision of Sheikh Zayed
His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Head of the Presidential Court, also honored teachers across the UAE, praising their dedication in continuing the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul.
“On this occasion, we recall the words of the founding father Sheikh Zayed, may God rest his soul: ‘The true wealth of any advanced nation lies in its educated people.’ We extend our gratitude and pride to UAE teachers who have carried forward his message of human development and strengthened the nation’s global standing.”
Celebrating World Teachers’ Day in the UAE
The UAE joins nations around the world each year in celebrating World Teachers’ Day on October 5, recognizing the vital role educators play in fostering creativity, innovation, and societal development.
In addition, the UAE marks Emirati Education Day on February 28 every year, honoring the importance of education and expressing appreciation to all those working in the educational sector.
Empowering and Honoring Educators
The country’s commitment to education is reflected in several key initiatives:
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The Mohamed bin Zayed Award for Best Teacher, launched in 2017, is part of the nation’s philanthropic legacy and aims to spotlight exceptional educators regardless of location. In August, a new leadership development program, “Educational Excellence Executive Leaders”, was launched in collaboration with the Emirates College for Advanced Education, to equip award-winning teachers with global skills and tools to lead educational transformation.
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The Khalifa Award for Education, now in its 19th edition (2025–2026), supports innovation in education across local, regional, and international levels. With 17 award categories across 10 fields, it promotes educational excellence and continuous professional development.
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The Hamdan–UNESCO Prize for Teachers affirms the UAE’s global leadership in supporting educators. Jointly administered by the Hamdan Foundation and UNESCO, the award seeks to enhance the performance of teachers worldwide and foster global networks to advance education. Winners are chosen by an international jury and honored biennially at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, with the next ceremony scheduled for October 5, 2026.
Policy-Driven Support for Educators
Since 2019, the UAE has introduced a series of initiatives through its annual government meetings aimed at empowering teachers and recognizing their central role in national development. These include career development programs, enhanced specialization training, and platforms for direct involvement in educational reform.
One such initiative is the Educational Councils launched in 2022 by the Emirates School Establishment, which invites school leaders and teachers to contribute directly to decision-making processes, ensuring policies reflect the realities and needs of the classroom.
Looking Ahead: A Nation Built by Educators
From honoring teachers with prestigious awards to investing in their professional growth, the UAE continues to treat educators as strategic partners in the nation’s long-term success. The messages from the country’s leadership serve not only as expressions of gratitude but as affirmations of the central role that teachers play in shaping a knowledge-driven, future-ready society.
