Union Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan met H.E. Ms. Sara Musallam, Chairperson of the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), to discuss ways of deepening education ties between India and the UAE. The talks focused on expanding Indian curriculum-based schools in Abu Dhabi, promoting cultural and academic exchanges between students, and building long-term cooperation in the education sector.
I am writing about this because India and the UAE share strong ties not only in trade and culture but also in education. With nearly 3.5 million Indians living in the UAE, quality schooling for their children has always been a priority. Many Indian families prefer CBSE or Indian curriculum schools so that their children can easily continue studies back in India or pursue global opportunities. This meeting is important because it shows how both nations are actively working to support this demand and create new opportunities for students and teachers. Understanding these developments helps parents, educators, and students plan better for the future while also appreciating how international collaboration can shape education.
Key areas of discussion
During the meeting, the two leaders spoke about:
- Setting up more Indian curriculum-based schools in Abu Dhabi to meet growing demand.
- Promoting school-level exchanges so that Indian and Emirati students can learn about each other’s cultures.
- Exploring teacher training partnerships to improve quality of education.
- Strengthening higher education collaboration, particularly in skill-based courses and research.
Why more Indian schools are needed in UAE
The UAE has one of the largest Indian diaspora populations in the world. Many parents seek schools that follow CBSE or other Indian curricula, as it allows children to remain connected to their roots and ensures smooth academic transitions. With limited seats available in existing Indian schools, expanding infrastructure has become a pressing need.
Strengthening people-to-people ties
The meeting also emphasised that education is not only about academics but also about cultural connection. School exchange programmes and joint projects will give students exposure to diverse perspectives, preparing them to thrive in a global environment while preserving strong India–UAE bonds.
Government-to-government cooperation
India and the UAE have been steadily increasing cooperation in education through policy-level support. Initiatives like student scholarships, faculty exchange, and joint research centres are already underway. This meeting is expected to give further momentum to such projects, ensuring that both Indian and Emirati students benefit equally.
