Education Council Welcomes Hajer Al Thehli as New Secretary General
In a significant move for the UAE’s education sector, Hajer Al Thehli has been appointed to lead the Education and Human Development Council. This appointment marks a pivotal moment in the country’s ongoing efforts to enhance its educational landscape and foster human capital development. Al Thehli’s selection for this crucial role underscores the UAE’s commitment to bringing fresh perspectives and expertise to its educational institutions.
Al Thehli brings a wealth of experience and academic credentials to her new position. She holds a Master of Business Administration from London Business School and has studied Economics and Politics at Indiana University. Her background in both business and education makes her well-suited to guide the council’s strategic initiatives. As Secretary General, Al Thehli is set to play a key part in shaping policies that will impact the future of education in the UAE, including potential collaborations with institutions like Mohamed Bin Zayed University.
Hajer Al Thehli’s Appointment and Role
His Highness Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has appointed Hajer Ahmed Al Thehli as Secretary-General of the Education and Human Resources Council (EHRC). This appointment follows her previous role as deputy Secretary-General of the council, where she served after her tenure as Director of Projects Management & Council Affairs.
Al Thehli’s responsibilities encompass policy and research management work. Her extensive background includes serving as the Director of Strategic Affairs at the Government Communication Department and Policy and Research at the Abu Dhabi Media Office. Additionally, she has experience in government performance management at the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.
This appointment highlights the UAE’s commitment to enhancing its educational landscape and fostering human capital development. Al Thehli’s diverse experience in strategic affairs, policy research, and government performance management positions her well to guide the council’s initiatives and shape policies that will impact the future of education in the UAE.
Al Thehli’s Professional Background
Hajer Ahmed Al Thehli has an impressive career trajectory in the UAE’s public sector. Her previous positions include serving as the Director of Projects Management & Council Affairs and later as the deputy Secretary-General of the Education and Human Resources Council. Al Thehli also held the role of Director of Strategic Affairs at the Government Communication Department and worked in Policy and Research at the Abu Dhabi Media Office. Her experience extends to government performance management at the Abu Dhabi Executive Council. Al Thehli’s key achievements include her appointment as Secretary-General of the Education and Human Resources Council (EHRC) by His Highness Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Her relevant experience encompasses policy and research management work, strategic affairs, and government communication. Academically, Al Thehli holds a Master of Business Administration from London Business School and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Politics from Indiana University, USA.
Implications for UAE’s Education Sector
Expected Changes
Al Thehli’s appointment comes at a critical time for the UAE’s education sector. The country faces a growing demand for teachers, with projections indicating a need for up to 30,000 more educators by 2030. This shortage has led to increased recruitment efforts, particularly for English teachers from the UK and other countries. The integration of AI in education is expected to complement teachers’ roles, potentially reducing workload and enhancing lesson planning efficiency.
Challenges Ahead
The sector currently grapples with a 4% decline in skilled education professionals, coupled with rising hiring demands. Addressing teacher wellbeing and mental health in the workplace has become a priority. Schools lack strong benefit offerings, which impacts workplace attractiveness. Additionally, there’s a notable absence of flexibility in the education sector, with only 3% of state-funded schools in England publishing flexible working policies on their websites.
Stakeholder Reactions
Educators and policymakers are exploring innovative solutions to these challenges. There’s growing interest among UK teachers in working abroad, with 15% of primary cohorts planning international careers. Stakeholders emphasize the need for improved benefits, workload management, and the implementation of flexible working policies to attract and retain quality educators in the UAE.
Hajer Al Thehli’s appointment as Secretary-General of the Education and Human Resources Council marks a turning point for the UAE’s education sector. Her diverse background in strategic affairs, policy research, and government performance management puts her in a strong position to guide the council’s initiatives. This appointment shows the UAE’s commitment to bring fresh ideas and know-how to its educational institutions, potentially leading to big changes in how the country approaches learning and development.
The challenges ahead for Al Thehli and the council are significant, including a growing need for teachers and the integration of AI in classrooms. To tackle these issues, there’s a need to improve benefits, manage workloads better, and introduce flexible working policies to attract and keep top-notch educators. As the UAE continues to invest in its education system, Al Thehli’s leadership will play a key role in shaping policies that will impact the future of learning in the country.
