Abdullah bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council, emphasised the contributions of teachers to the UAE’s progress during a World Teachers’ Day event. The Emirates News Agency reported that he described how teachers have played an enduring role in the UAE’s journey, leaving an impact that carries from one generation to the next while instilling the value of knowledge and learning. Abdullah bin Zayed added that the occasion provides an opportunity to renew appreciation for every teacher whose dedication has contributed to preparing generations who carry forward the nation’s ambitions and shape its future. He framed the recognition as part of a broader commitment to the education sector that has driven national advancement for decades.
Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed, Vice-Chairperson of the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council, outlined education’s foundational place in human development. In statements carried by the Emirates News Agency, she explained that education enables every student to discover their strengths, realise their potential, and grow into confident, capable, and active contributors to society. Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed noted that teachers play a transformative role in this journey, nurturing not only knowledge and skills but also character, values, curiosity, resilience, and a sense of responsibility towards others. She concluded that the day allows celebration of the lasting impact of teachers in shaping generations who are grounded in their identity, equipped to navigate a changing world, and inspired to contribute to their communities and to the continued progress and prosperity of the UAE.
Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri, Minister of Education, joined the tributes by describing teachers as key partners in sustainable development. The Emirates News Agency quoted her as saying that World Teachers’ Day embodies a shared expression of appreciation for a noble mission that shapes minds and broadens the horizons of societies. Al Amiri highlighted how educators instil confidence, values and a passion for knowledge in students, aligning their work with national goals for a knowledge-based economy. Her comments came as part of coordinated observances across government bodies on October 5.
A report issued by the GCC Statistical Centre documented rapid growth in the education sector across member states, with the total number of teachers in general education reaching approximately 940,100 in the 2023-2024 academic year. The centre’s figures show an increase of about 169,000 teachers since 2018-2019, corresponding to an average annual growth rate of 4 percent, while female teachers accounted for 63.8 percent of the workforce. Within the UAE, World Bank data places the number of primary education teachers at 39,700 in 2024, marking a 6.3 percent rise from the prior year and continuing an upward trend observed over the past decade. These expansions reflect sustained investment in human capital that complements the leaders’ emphasis on educators’ societal contributions.
On the same day, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan shared a personal tribute to one of his own teachers from 1971, according to The National. The president posted a throwback photograph accompanied by a handwritten note expressing gratitude, which he dedicated to teacher Ahmad Ibrahim Mandi as a memento with thanks. Sheikh Mohamed stated that World Teachers’ Day serves as an opportunity for all to recognise teachers and thank them for the lasting impact they have had on lives, extending appreciation to educators across the country for their role in achieving the goals of the national education vision. The message reinforced the themes highlighted by Abdullah bin Zayed and Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed.
UNESCO, which organises the annual observance, established World Teachers’ Day in 1994 to honour educators and address challenges facing the profession globally. The occasion this year focused on supporting teachers to unlock their full potential amid evolving educational demands, a priority echoed in UAE policy initiatives. Ministry of Education open data further illustrates the scale of the sector, tracking distributions of teachers by subject, gender, nationality and emirate over multiple academic years to inform planning and resource allocation.
