How does education in the UAE change the lives and prospects of expatriates?

General overview

In recent years, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has shown impressive growth and significantly changed its status from a developing country to one of the prominent countries on the world stage. This transformational process began since independence in the early 1970s and has been supported by wise strategic investments as well as revenues from hydrocarbon exports.

Thanks to this, such spheres as industry, construction, economy, tourism and, especially, the education system have been significantly developed.

Attracting foreign specialists and students

The country attracts a huge number of foreign professionals and students. This is due to the active use of English along with Arabic, which makes the UAE an attractive study destination for people from all over the world.

Over the past four decades, the Emirati government has been persistently implementing strategies to support and improve the educational sector. As a result, more than a hundred universities have been opened in the country, including a significant number of branches of renowned European and American universities. Thus,UAE education has become a very popular choice for studentsas a dynamic economy requires highly qualified personnel.

Preschool education

As for the preschool education system, it is entirely based on private initiatives. The first stage of education begins with the so-callednurseryThese facilities can be likened to nurseries and can operate both in the morning and throughout the day, 5-6 days a week. These facilities can be likened to nurseries and can operate both in the morning and all day long, 5-6 days a week.

Cost of services

• Fees vary depending on the quality of services provided, length of stay, and the location of the facility itself.
• For example, Sharjah may have lower fares than Dubai.

Work schedule of institutions

Children may attend such facilities from September through June, but during the summer months, some nurseries change their hours of operation tosummer campwhile others continue to operate non-stop.

Typically, private nurseries offer only basic childcare, including no meals or extra classes, and are open until 2pm.The cost of such services can start from AED 500(which is approximately $140) per month.

More expensive alternatives

At the same time, there are also more expensive facilities where children are offered:

• Full-fledged menus;
• A variety of classes;
• Walking in the fresh air.

Prices for these services can go up to $450-$700 per month, and in some cases reach much higher amounts, depending on the quality and scope of services offered.

Preparatory class

The next level of education iskindergarten, representing a preparatory class for children in age 4-5 years. This stage of education is designed to prepare children for further education and to promote their harmonious development.

Kindergartens in the UAE

In the United Arab Emirates, kindergartens are usually attached to educational institutions and located in separate buildings of school complexes. This makes it easier for children to settle into the school environment, as the daily routine in preschools is similar to that of schooling. This style of learning greatly simplifies the transition from preschool to full-time education.

In most cases, kindergartens start at 8-9 a.m. and continue until noon, giving children the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities that help prepare them for the school program. The educational programs have a serious approach, including compulsory homework. The second phase of preschool usually lasts two years, during which time children reach the ages of 5 to 6.

Although attendance at kindergartens is not compulsory for school enrollment, it provides an excellent base, especially for those schools where the child stays all day. Kindergarten prices range from AED 1,500 to 2,500 (approximately $400-700) monthly, and in some cases can be higher.

• Many private kindergartens teach in English, which is a great advantage for foreign nationals planning further studies at English-speaking colleges.
• There are also two Russian-speaking preschools in the UAE: the full-day, full-feeding Little Flower Nursery in Sharjah and a kindergarten at the Russian Private School in Dubai.

Secondary education in the UAE

With regard to secondary education, UAE nationals attend public schools free of charge, while foreigners pay a fee. This system has been in place since 2006. Education in the UAE is compulsory up to grade 9, although the strictness of this rule may vary. From grade 7 onwards, most public and some private schools separate boys and girls.

About half of all schoolchildren in the UAE are nationals, while the other half are foreign children. Parents often choose to send their children to private schools with a variety of teaching systems, the most famous of which is the British system.

Languages of instruction

The main languages used in educational institutions are Arabic and English.

UAE education system

All educational institutions in the United Arab Emirates offer a minimum of three languages. English and Arabic are considered to be the main languages, and one foreign language is offered, which may include French, German, Spanish or Chinese.

In the education system OAE begins to function a new student - middle school that covers three years and completes 12-year educational cycle. These educational institutions employ not only local teachers of Arab origin but also highly qualified specialists from abroad, which greatly enriches the learning process and brings diversity to educational methods.

Examinations and certificate

After completing high school, students take exams in core subjects such as:

• language
• mathematics
• curriculum subjects

Successful completion of these examinations is compulsory for obtaining a secondary school certificate.

Diversity of schools

Due to the diversity of ethnic groups and diasporas, there are many educational institutions in the UAE that provide instruction in the native language. Families from Russia and other CIS countries can choose a Russian-language program for their children, which is approved by the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation.

At the moment, there is only one Russian school in the United Arab Emirates - it is a private institution in Dubai. But many Russian citizens prefer to send their children to schools that teach in English, following one of the three main educational systems prevalent in the country:

• British
• American
• Australian

The cost of tuition at such institutions varies from2,000 to 20,000 dollars a year.

Technical education

With a high school diploma, young people can get a good job and continue their studies at technical schools, which last six years. At the end of this course, graduates receive a diploma in technical education, which opens the door to many career opportunities in various industries.

Colleges are available in the UAE that specialize in:

• technical and industrial directions
• agriculture
• commercial specialties
• educational sciences

Higher education

Higher education in the UAE offers a wide range of opportunities: many universities, colleges and institutes provide quality education in a variety of specialties.

Emirati citizens can study free of charge at several public higher education institutions and are also entitled to discounts and privileges at a number of private educational institutions. Foreign students, in turn, may enroll in these institutions of higher education, but on a fee basis.

Private universities accept both local nationals and international students. Moreover, several prestigious global universities from countries such as the UK, USA, France and Germany have opened their offices in the UAE.

Some of the most famous and sought-after educational institutions include:

• Amity University Dubai
• American University in Dubai
• Canadian University Dubai
• The British University in Dubai
• University of Dubai
• Heriot-Watt University Dubai
• Middlesex University Dubai
• University of Wollongong in Dubai

This clearly demonstrates the high standard of education in the United Arab Emirates.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our review provides insight into how the United Arab Emirates has rapidly transformed into one of the leading educational powers in the world. Over the past four decades, the country has made significant strides in developing its education system, starting from quality preschool education to several hundred universities offering a diverse range of programs. The development of the emirates has been supported by smart investments and the expansion of high-quality educational institutions, made possible by the active export of oil and gas.

Preschool education

The preschool education system, starting from nursery and ending with kindergarten, offers parents a wide range of institutions, allowing them to choose suitable conditions for their children based on their budget and needs. The high fees for quality services in kindergartens are justified by the professional training of educators and the variety of programs offered. Thus, parents are given the opportunity to provide their children with education that meets international standards.

Secondary education

Secondary education in the UAE also deserves special attention. With free public schools for citizens and paid private institutions for foreigners, the system allows students to receive high-quality education in English. The educational process is organized in such a way as to effectively prepare children for further studies in high school and, subsequently, in universities.

Advantages of studying in the UAE

With each passing year, the UAE is becoming an increasingly attractive place for education for both locals and international students. This creates a unique multicultural environment that fosters the exchange of knowledge and experience. As a result, a new generation of specialists is emerging, ready to implement new technologies and financial instruments, which serves as the foundation for the country's further growth and development.

Conclusion

Thus, education in the UAE is not just a necessity, butstrategic investment in the futurethat will enable all citizens and residents of the country to keep pace with global changes and challenges. I am convinced that the Emirates' desire to create an effective educational system aimed at meeting the needs of modern society will only grow in the future, continuing to inspire new generations to succeed and overcome boundaries.