The current ruler, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid, holding the positions of vice president and prime minister of the Emirates, has announced February 28, 2025, a new national celebration day. On September 30, 2024, he declared that February 28 will be celebrated as the “Emirati Day of Education” every year in the UAE.
The education sector of the UAE has played a vital role in the country’s progress by diversifying the economy, preparing a competitive workforce, and increasing literacy rates. To honor the efforts of the professionals involved in the education sector in the country’s growth, the president took this significant step.
Now everyone is curious whether February 28 will be marked as a public holiday in the UAE from 2025 onward. In case you’re seeking an answer to this as well, you’ve landed at the right spot. This article will in detail provide all the information about this new national celebration day. So, let’s start with understanding what’s the significance of February 28.
The Significance of February 28 in the UAE:
February 28 holds great historical significance in the UAE as it commemorates the beginning of a new era in the country’s commitment to Emiratisation. The UAE government’s program of “Emiratisation” aims to expand the number of Emiratis working in the public and private sectors and their engagement in these sectors.
The first class of graduates from Emirates University graduated in 1982 and was observed by the creator of the United Arab Emirates. Taking into account this historical milestone, the current ruler chose this day to celebrate and recognize the role of the education sector in the country’s growth.
UAE Declares February 28, 2025, as New Public Holiday?
Everyone is curious to know whether or not February 28 would be observed as a public holiday after it was declared the Emiratis Day of Education. Though this will be an incredible day of celebration with great historical significance, the UAE won’t observe a public holiday on it.
Another announcement of Union Pledge Day that was made by the president on July 18 this year has also raised curiosity about making it a public holiday day. The current ruler declared that from 2025 onwards, 18 July will be celebrated to commemorate the beginning of the UAE’s great journey. However, the country’s citizens were not granted a national holiday for this day.
The Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of the UAE has given hope that the government authorities can consider the observance of public holidays for Emiratis on 28 February and 18 July.
The UAE Government Initiatives to Support and Grow the Education Sector:
Many initiatives by the UAE government support the education sector, which includes:
- Curriculum: The UAE government has updated its national curriculum to prepare students to compete in the global marketplace in the future. The updated curriculum focuses equally on meeting international standards and strengthening the nation’s identity.
- Emiristaiation: The UAE government has implemented its Emiratisation policy in the education sector. This aims to increase the number of Emirati teachers in public and private schools in the country. A significant increase of 51% in the number of local citizens as teachers in public schools has been observed in 2020-2021.
- Scholarships: The UAE government offers several online scholarships for Emirati students to help them move abroad to study. The Masar program from the MoF (Ministry of Finance), the MoFA scholarship program from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Study Abroad Scholarship Program (SASP) from the Ministry of Presidential Affairs are some of them.
- Federal Budget: The UAE government spends a total of 16% of its federal budget on the education sector. The government organizes field trips for school students to make them aware of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Also, every student in the UAE has access to a health database through the Al Manhal portal.
The UAE Government’s Aspiration of Emiratisation in the Education Sector:
The UAE government’s dedication to Emiratisation is evident in the education sector through its efforts and initiatives for national empowerment. The government policy of Emiratisation in education aims to:
- Connect Emiratis to Private Sectors:
The government, through Emiratisation, aims to reduce the dependence on foreign talents and connect Emiratis to the growing and diverse private sector of the country. The government also wants to ensure a reduction in the unemployment rate and an increase in the number of UAE nationals in the workforce.
- Preserve Identity:
The UAE government wants to ensure the perseverance of the country’s unique identity to promote a cohesive society and reinforce family and social cohesion. The culture, tradition, and values of the Emirates provide a sense of identity and community and strengthen the country’s social structure.
- Foster Economic Growth:
UAE is a free-market economy and welcomes foreign investment. By implementing Emiratisation values in the education sector, the government aims to create a diverse and successful economy and abundant opportunities for local citizens.
Bottom Line:
The current ruler of the UAE, Sheikh Mohammed’s announcement of February 28 as the Emirati Day of Education significantly showcases the value of the education sector in the country’s progress. This announcement presents its vision that the creation of a knowledge-based economy is highly essential for the country’s sustainable growth as a developed nation.