Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan will visit the United Arab Emirates (UAE) this week with the aim of strengthening education partnerships between the two countries. The visit is expected to focus on collaboration in higher education, research, skill development, and student exchange programmes, opening new opportunities for Indian institutions to connect globally.
I decided to write on this because education is no longer limited by borders, and partnerships like these hold real meaning for students, parents, and universities alike. India and the UAE already share close economic and cultural bonds, and extending this relationship to education can give Indian students wider exposure and career opportunities. For policymakers and educators, this visit shows how global partnerships can complement India’s National Education Policy 2020 goals, especially in the areas of internationalisation and skilling. It is important for readers to know that such diplomatic visits are not just symbolic—they can directly impact future educational choices and career pathways for Indian students.
Key Focus Areas of the Visit
- Strengthening higher education partnerships between Indian and UAE universities
- Exploring joint research opportunities in emerging fields like AI, renewable energy, and healthcare
- Promoting skill-based education in line with the needs of global industries
- Setting up exchange programmes to give students global exposure
Why UAE Matters for Indian Education
The UAE has a large Indian diaspora, and many Indian curriculum schools already operate there. By expanding formal partnerships, Indian universities can create branch campuses, attract international faculty, and build stronger ties in research and innovation. For students, this could mean more scholarships, better placements, and a smoother pathway to global careers.
Building on NEP 2020 Goals
The National Education Policy 2020 encourages international collaboration, and this visit aligns with that vision. With India targeting to increase Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) and global presence of its universities, partnerships with countries like the UAE will play a critical role.
