Knowledge key to prosperity: Mohammed

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, met vice chancellors, presidents, deans and faculty officials representing national universities and colleges on Thursday.

The meeting at Al Bahr Palace in Dubai was held with the attendance of Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chief Executive of Emirates Group Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Cabinet Affairs Minister Mohammed Abdullah Al Gargawi, Education Minister Humaid Mohammed Al Qatami, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development and Acting Minister of Health Mohammed Abdul Rahman Al Owais, Director of Sheikh Mohammed's Office Lt. General Musabbah Rashid Al Fattan, Dubai Ruler's Advisor for Cultural and Humanitarian Affairs Ibrahim Mohammed Boumelha, Dubai Director of Protocol and Hospitality Khalifa Saeed Suleiman, senior officials leaders from the academic community in the UAE.

Greeting the education professionals, Sheikh Mohammed expressed pride in the nation's academics who are shaping the homeland for future generations and adding to the country's wealth in the process. He also stressed the importance of science and knowledge in bringing progress and prosperity to nations.

In further remarks Sheikh Mohammed hailed actions of the country's founder, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, in establishing UAE University in Al Ain during the early days of the union. The UAE's first institute for higher education is now listed among the top 500 universities in the world.

After calling on the country's sons and daughters to work hard to advance the development process in the UAE, Sheikh Mohammed advised that they avoid burdening themselves with doubt that could inhibit their purpose. His Highness also directed that educators instill a sense of loyalty and national solidarity in young students, describing them as the keys to the future.

Sheikh Mohammed paid tribute the efforts of Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak in his role as Minister for Higher Education and Scientific Research, praising the close attention that he gives to enriching the education of young people in the country. Sheikh Mohammed also heaped praise on the good work carried out by professors and teachers at educational institutions across the UAE.

During the reception Sheikh Mohammed was presented with the first edition of “Zayed Magazine”, a new periodical published by students at Zayed University.

The education professionals expressed their great pride about having the opportunity to meet and exchange ideas with Sheikh Mohammed, saying that his constructive feedback would benefit them in their careers.

Following the meeting Sheikh Mohammed and his guests enjoyed a luncheon banquet.

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