UAE and Finland Explore New Educational Cooperation

A delegation from the UAE Ministry of Education (MoE), led by Tariq Al Hashimi, Assistant Undersecretary for the School Operations Sector in Dubai and Northern Emirates, carried out an official visit to the Republic of Finland. The purpose of the visit was to explore new opportunities for cooperation between the two nations and to learn from Finland’s globally recognized education system. The visit reflects the UAE’s continuing efforts to build a strong and competitive national education model that meets global standards.

The visit formed part of MoE’s broader initiative to enhance the UAE’s educational framework through international collaboration. The discussions and site visits aimed to identify areas of partnership that could bring Finnish educational excellence to UAE classrooms. The delegation focused on strengthening the educational relationship between the UAE and Finland by learning from the Scandinavian nation’s innovative and inclusive educational policies.

During the meetings, the UAE delegation explored Finland’s well-known practices in teacher education, curriculum design, and the promotion of innovation within schools. They studied how Finland integrates creativity and problem-solving into classroom learning. The delegation examined Finland’s emphasis on inclusivity, equal learning opportunities, and the use of modern technology to make learning more interactive and engaging.

Throughout the visit, the UAE delegation met with several senior Finnish officials, including Anders Adlercreutz, Finland’s Minister of Education, and Tuula Haatainen, Chair of the Education and Culture Committee in the Finnish Parliament. These discussions centered on areas of mutual interest, particularly the development of teaching systems that promote lifelong learning and sustainable educational excellence.

The delegation also held productive meetings with major Finnish educational institutions, such as the Finnish National Agency for Education, the Department of Education at the University of Helsinki, the Finnish Education Evaluation Centre, and several education companies. These engagements allowed for the exchange of ideas on improving educational policies, assessments, and innovation-driven strategies that can help shape future generations of learners.

As part of their learning experience, the delegation visited key educational landmarks, including Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, the Oodi Helsinki Central Library, and several model schools. These visits gave delegates firsthand insight into Finland’s successful educational environment, where technology, creativity, and student well-being form the foundation of learning.

The insights gained from Finland’s education model are expected to support several strategic projects under the UAE Ministry of Education. By adapting Finnish methods in teacher preparation, digital learning, and student-centered teaching, the UAE aims to raise educational quality across public and private schools and to develop an education system capable of meeting future challenges.

The visit is part of the UAE’s long-term vision to position itself as a regional and global hub for innovation and educational excellence. Through such collaborations, the Ministry of Education hopes to enrich expertise, encourage international partnerships, and bring global best practices into UAE classrooms. The delegation’s engagement with Finnish educators and institutions reflects the UAE’s strong commitment to continuously improving its education sector.

By exploring Finland’s education success story, the UAE reaffirms its dedication to creating an education system that nurtures creativity, innovation, and lifelong learning. This partnership is not only about sharing expertise but also about building a sustainable educational future that benefits students, teachers, and society as a whole.