Indian Curriculum Schools set to expand in UAE: Dharmendra Pradhan

Digital Desk

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced a landmark initiative to expand Indian curriculum schools across the United Arab Emirates (UAE), aiming to bolster educational opportunities for the Indian diaspora and safeguard India’s educational and cultural heritage abroad.

The move comes amid growing demand for quality Indian curricula in Gulf countries, driven by expatriate families seeking continuity in academic standards and cultural values.

During a press briefing on Thursday, Minister Pradhan emphasized that strengthening Indian curriculum schools in UAE will provide seamless academic transitions for over 3 million Indian expatriate students. “We are committed to preserving India’s rich educational traditions while meeting the aspirations of Indian families in the UAE,” he stated. The expansion plan includes affiliating new schools under the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), as well as supporting existing institutions with enhanced training for teachers and modern infrastructure.

Key highlights of the expansion of Indian schools in UAE include:

- Establishment of ten new CBSE-affiliated campuses in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ajman by 2027.

- Collaboration with UAE educational authorities to streamline accreditation processes and facilitate joint cultural exchange programs.

- Digital learning initiatives integrating India’s National Education Policy 2020 framework to foster bilingual proficiency in English and Hindi.

- Professional development workshops for over 500 Indian teachers to adopt innovative teaching methodologies and technology-enabled instruction.

The initiative aligns with the broader strategic partnership between India and the UAE, focusing on people-to-people ties and knowledge exchange. Educational experts note that the expansion will not only serve the Indian community but also attract local and other expatriate students interested in India’s globally recognized academic standards and holistic value-based education.

By prioritizing the preservation of Indian cultural values and academic excellence, the Union Education Ministry aims to position Indian curriculum schools as leading centres of learning in the Gulf region. As the UAE continues to diversify its educational landscape, this expansion underscores India’s commitment to international educational collaboration and diaspora welfare.