UNESCO grants the Emirate of Fujairah membership in its global network of learning cities
Fujairah, 6 December / WAM / The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) granted membership in its Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC) to the Emirate of Fujairah as part of its recent expansion, bringing Fujairah to 72 cities from 46 countries, which were recognized for their commitment to realizing the right to education for all individuals of different ages at the local level.
Launched in 2013, with this update, the Global Network of Learning Cities includes a total of 425 cities from 91 countries, together supporting lifelong learning opportunities for nearly 500 million people.
His Excellency Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of Culture, stressed that the Emirate of Fujairah’s accession to the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities reflects the UAE’s firm commitment to the development of education, culture, and human development, and constitutes evidence of its strategic vision in expanding lifelong learning opportunities and building a sustainable knowledge economy. It also highlights the UAE leadership’s keenness to empower communities by advancing education, promoting innovation, and consolidating the principles of sustainability.
He said that the Ministry of Culture supported the Emirate of Fujairah’s nomination file for membership in the Global Network of Learning Cities through the National Committee for Education, Culture and Science, in line with UNESCO’s priorities, and enhances the role of the UAE as an effective party in supporting global learning and promoting cultural exchange.
He added that Fujairah’s accession to the Global Network of Learning Cities will contribute to enhancing international cooperation, facilitating the exchange of global best practices, consolidating the UAE’s leadership in supporting cultural dialogue, and shaping a future based on knowledge and creativity.
For his part, His Excellency Mohammed Al Dhanhani, Director of the Emiri Diwan in Fujairah, said that the emirate’s acquisition of membership in the Learning Cities Network came as a result of its strategic efforts to expand and develop the educational infrastructure, promote digital culture, and establish community learning centers that keep pace with the requirements of the times, indicating that the long-term vision of His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Fujairah, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, aims to consolidate the emirate’s position in the education and economic sector. Knowledge-based, in line with the UAE Vision 2031 and the National Education Strategy 2030.
His Excellency stressed that this achievement contributes to strengthening existing educational initiatives and supporting sustainable growth in the emirate.
Her Excellency Stefania Giannini, Assistant Director-General of UNESCO for Education, explained in a press release issued by the organization that the 72 new cities joining the Learning Cities Network are redefining the concept of learning, as they transform every street, library, workplace, museum and home into a space for knowledge and innovation, and by making education a priority from early childhood until adulthood, it works to empower individuals and open horizons for everyone.
The “Fujairah Learning City Project” looks forward to a future in which lifelong learning is the focus of sustainable development. In the medium term (3-5 years), it aims to strengthen the educational infrastructure, consolidate digital skills, support community learning, develop local artistic talent, and develop a local learning city strategy. Its long-term goals (5-10 years) include consolidating Fujairah’s position as a regional leader in lifelong learning, achieving educational justice, developing a skilled workforce, and expanding partnerships. International, and developing systems to measure the impact of educational initiatives. This vision is based on cultural identity, sustainability and innovation, which contributes to building a society capable of facing the challenges of the future.
The various educational and cultural initiatives in Fujairah, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, such as the Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi Council, the “Fujairah Youth Technology Pioneers” initiative, and the Fujairah Children’s Book Fair, contribute to supporting lifelong learning initiatives and developing a sustainable knowledge economy in the emirate. The Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi Council is a comprehensive platform for dialogue on culture, innovation, and community priorities, which enhances community participation, contributes to influencing local policies, and promotes intergenerational and intercultural learning.
The “Fujairah Youth Technology Pioneers” initiative, which was launched in 2025 in cooperation with Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University, aims to provide young people from 7 to 15 years of age with programming, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity skills, while the “Fujairah Children’s Book Fair”, which was launched in 2024, includes workshops and story-telling sessions, including sessions dedicated to children with different educational needs, seeks to promote reading and creativity and build partnerships with writers. and publishers to improve access to knowledge and cultural education.
Fujairah also promotes sustainability and health through initiatives such as the Wadi Wurayah Learning Program, which engages students in biodiversity studies and environmental conservation efforts, and the Together We Move campaign, which provides free fitness classes and health workshops in public parks.
The city supports the principles of equity and inclusion through programs such as the “Year of Tolerance” in schools to promote intercultural dialogue, in addition to providing vocational training for individuals of determination and low-income families through the Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi Council. Additional services are also provided to migrant workers, the elderly and residents of rural areas through community centers and digital platforms.
To link education to the labor market, the Fujairah Chamber of Commerce and Industry runs a business incubator program that focuses on developing basic skills, while the Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi Leadership Program aims to develop the capabilities of workers in the government sector. Entrepreneurial clubs in schools also encourage students to prepare business plans, ensuring that technical education is aligned with the needs of the local labor market.
Fujairah attaches great importance to promoting gender equality in lifelong learning, by ensuring equal opportunities for education and professional development for both women and men, through the initiatives of the Fujairah Businesswomen Council and the Fujairah Research Center.
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