Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, and Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, both received Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of Education, on Wednesday.
The minister was praised by Sheikh Dr Sultan for “the hard efforts of the ministry's staff in helping schools, teachers, and students, highlighting that education is essential for developing skills and talents, which are crucial for building a better future”, reported state news agency Wam.
Sheikh Dr Sultan emphasised the need to use the best global practices in education and learning. He highlighted the importance of ensuring that these practices respect and preserve the unique identity of the nation, while also honouring Islamic and Arab values.
The National revealed last week how Ms Al Amiri had said Arabic tests starting from first grade were to be introduced in government schools to gauge pupils’ abilities as part of a nationwide push to preserve the language and encourage its wider use.
“The focus this year is on refining students’ abilities and skills, national identity and an increased emphasis on language,” Ms Al Amiri said at a press conference last week, ahead of the start of the new academic on Monday.
“Abilities in Arabic will be measured from Grade 1 and improvement plans will be implemented if needed.”
The Education Minister was also received by Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, who praised the ministry for “advancing the educational process and raising its standards”.
He also emphasised the pivotal role of teachers and educational and administrative staff play, adding their combined efforts are central to ensuring the success of the new school year.
Ms Al Amiri expressed her gratitude to Sheikh Saud for his commitment and close attention to the education sector.
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Hertha Berlin v Union Berlin (10.30pm)
Saturday
Freiburg v Werder Bremen (5.30pm)
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Borussia Monchengladbach v Bayer Leverkusen (5.30pm)
Bayern Munich v Eintracht Frankfurt (5.30pm)
Sunday
Schalke v Augsburg (3.30pm)
Mainz v RB Leipzig (5.30pm)
Cologne v Fortuna Dusseldorf (8pm)
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Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
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The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.
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- Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
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