Minister admits many UAE schools lack basic facilities

BACK TO SCHOOL: The education minister has pledged to improve facilities in many UAE public schools. (Getty Images)

The UAE Minister of Education has admitted that many public schools lack basic facilities like gymnasiums, canteens and shaded play areas.

Humaid al Qattami, the newly appointed minister, met school principals during an education forum on Wednesday and promised that he would remedy the situation.

“There is no doubt that the school environment, in terms of buildings and facilities that cater to student needs, is a key factor in achieving success in education,” al Qattami told The National.

“I am fully aware that out of more than 700 schools throughout the country, there are many that are still lacking in facilities.

“This will be dealt with.”

An education committee will be formed in the coming weeks to look at issues raised by school heads, including the building of libraries and science labs, he said.

Last week in Sharjah, the minister held a forum with the heads of 450 schools in Dubai and the five northern emirates to address similar complaints.

Figures are also due to be released detailing exactly how many of the country’s 722 public schools are lacking facilities.

The minister said it was likely that the necessary funding would come from a reworking of education budgets.

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