The UAE National Day is a special day commemorated with excitement and enthusiasm across the country. The streets are adorned with flags, pictures, banners, and decorations. But let’s not forget the real essence of National Day, which is the nation’s pride, union, and the people of the United Arab Emirates.
For a second year, we asked educators and students, “Why do you love the UAE?”. Read their awesome responses below on why they adore the country we call ‘home’.
In Video: Uma Oak, KG Supervisor
Emma Shanahan, Principal
“As a school community we are constantly seeking new and better ways of supporting our children’s learning- always striving to improve. I admire the way the UAE embraces change and seeks out new and innovative ways to develop communities; from hosting the Special Olympics to the focused drive towards sustainability, the UAE is an exciting and forward-thinking country to live and work.”
Sinead O’Neill, Teacher
“As a PE teacher I love the active sports community here in the UAE, and the high quality sports events that happen throughout the year. From Formula 1 to the Rugby Sevens and the Asia Cup, there’s something for everyone!”
Mia Mansbridge, Student, Year 6
“I love the UAE because of the beautiful desert and the animals that live there like the camel, houbara, gazelles, jerboa, and oryx. It is important to look after animals and their habitat so we mustn’t drop litter in the desert!”
Dr. Jake Madden, Executive Principal
“I love the Big Picture thinking that has driven the innovation and creativity mindset across the UAE. With education as a key focus, the country is in great hands.”
Dina Abou Taha, Teacher
“I’m happy to be living in this country which I call my second home. The UAE is blessed with leaders who believe that ‘anything is possible’.”
Hazza Bader Mohammed Ali Al Awadhi, Student, Year 5
“I love the UAE because the government makes good decisions and keeps us safe and protected. The UAE is a diverse country that is amazing and wonderful, with amazing sites (like the Burj Khalifa).”
Sheela Menon, Principal
“The pride of being in the UAE from the perspective of an educator is all the values that it stands for like tolerance, happiness, initiative of the nation towards inclusion, women empowerment, and acknowledging and supporting diversity. The UAE day fosters a strong bond between all, as they stand on a common platform, and a sense of belonging for each one of them as they participate in UAE’s rich culture, diversity, and future vision.”
Vibha Chatrath, Teacher
“I love the UAE for the vision of the rulers that has placed the country on the globaI map, guided by the basic humanitarian values. It is also a land that has welcomed a myriad of cultures to co-exist and contribute to the progress of the nation.”
Krish Nair, Student, Year 12
“The reason I love UAE is for the cultural mixing pot that it is and the educational and
innovation hub that it strives to be. The opportunities UAE offers to enhance our skill sets
prepares us for global citizenship.”
Wayne Howsen, Principal
“I love the UAE as I have the chance to work alongside and learn from children, staff, and families from all over the world.”
Amy Eastabrooke, Teacher
“I am so lucky to live in the UAE as children and families value education, and so I feel supported and respected in my profession.”
Amesha, Student, Year 6
“I love the UAE as me and my family feel welcome and safe.”
Dr. Kishor Pillai, Academic Director
“The reason I love the UAE is because it welcomes people of different religions and cultures and allows us to live together side by side as a shining example of tolerance and peace.”
Yasmeen Shoukry, Principal, Khalifa Branch
“The UAE is as dazzling as the skyline…
The country looks after their own, and makes room for all different cultures to live in harmony. UAE is a place where people learn from each other; a place where we learn about honesty and integrity; a place where we know how to spread love; a place where we learn what humanity is….”
Rahma Diab, Principal, Manaseer Branch
“My love to the UAE is over the words, UAE is the second home for 254 different nationalities, no matter where they come from, their religion, their origin or their beliefs. UAE gives us peace and security we can’t find in any other place in the world, the services that help every single citizen to make their life easier. The beautiful variety of cultures that allows us to make friends from different countries and enjoy our differences. The UAE is an idol for success and chance; in less than 50 years it turned the region from just dunes of sand to heaven on earth. We are proud of you UAE, THAT’S WHY WE LOVE YOU.”
Hanaa Loufti, Head Coordinator & Principal
“I have been living in the UAE for 15 years. I spent many years in many countries but coming to UAE was the best decision ever. UAE is a blessing; it follows the motto “live and let others live”. UAE gives you what is most needed for a good life, peace, contentment, respect, and happiness. It gives you reason to hope and believe that where you find happiness and peace will be your home. and that’s what the UAE is to me.”
IN VIDEOS: Marco Longmore, Headmaster; Alesha Dublin, FS Teacher; Year 9 Pupils
IN VIDEO: Lisa Ripperger, Principal; Tye Johnson, Learning Innovation Coordinator; Clarion students
IN VIDEO: Janecke Aarnaes, Head of School; Motasem Al Hourani, Arabic & Islamic Studies Teacher; Year 7 student
Amelia Brown, Principal
“Children are privileged to grow up in the UAE with visionary leaders declaring that anything is a possibility and not being exposed to phrases like “It cannot be done because of the political situation, or because it has not been invented yet, or because it would be too difficult for us to do it given the circumstances, or because it has never been done that way” which is incredibly freeing to a child. Children here grow up believing that anything is possible and the leadership has their best interests at heart and that is why I love the UAE.”
Rachel Heyne, Teacher
“I love the UAE for the diversity of cultures and how welcoming people are when you come into the country.I love the warm weather, the beaches, the relaxed and friendly lifestyle, that people are willing to help you when you need it, how everyone talks to each other even when they do not know the person and how people are willing to say good morning to a stranger.”
Millie (Child)
“I love the mosque. It’s pretty with the lights at night. I love going swimming and going on the yellow bus to see the horses.”
Kate Fuller, Principal
“I love the UAE because of its rich cultural heritage and its diverse population. Educating children here in the UAE is a privilege. They grow up in a country that values its history greatly while also embracing citizens from a huge variety of backgrounds. I believe the UAE truly demonstrates an inclusive society.”
Amie Begley, Teacher
“I love the UAE as it is extremely forward thinking; inspiring and educating children with its cutting edge initiatives. Within our school we have over 39 different nationalities, proving what a dynamic and vibrant culture the UAE is. This is why I love working in the UAE.”
Lilia Palmer-Jones, Student, Year 6
“I love the UAE because of its culture. It is great to be in this country; to try its food, visit historical places, and learn about how the country was in olden times.”
IN PHOTO: Kate Fuller, Principal
Monica Valrani, Director
“I love the UAE for His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s vision and inclusive community spirit. For my family and me, he embodies everything that is right about the human race.”
Kajal Misra, Teacher
“I love the UAE because it is led by a perfect example of true and visionary leadership by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. My family and I have grown up in this land of peace and opportunity that is truly a multicultural melting point.”
In video: Masterminds Nursery Students
Dr. Cody Paris, Deputy Director
“As an educator in Dubai, every day I get to experience first-hand the transformational energy of the UAE by supporting passionate and enthusiastic students along their transformational learning journeys.”
Pallavi Kishore, Campus Programme Coordinator, Accounting and Finance
“I love the UAE because of its genuine inclusivity, not just tolerance, of all religions and cultures. I also love the conscious focus on happiness and all the efforts to ensure joy in every aspect of our lives!”
IN VIDEO: Jane Whitby, Principal; Gloria Dedecker, FS 2 Teacher; Isabelle Julie Roger, Year 7 Student
Ron Hodkinson, Principal
“The UAE is a culturally rich place to live. It is truly progressive in its vision, being an innovation leader on the world stage yet staying true to its origin, identity, and culture.”
Jaspal Schreter, Student Success Coordinator
“The UAE is an open minded and welcoming nation where you learn about one another’s cultures, traditions, and get to experience everything the world has to offer, all in one place. Once you enter the warm arms of the UAE, it is difficult to leave and live anywhere else.”
Wathab Tawfik, Student, Year 9
“I love the United Arab Emirates because it has amazing people that care and would like to share their perspectives with us. It is a diverse country that also has diverse people that are amazing and love the UAE to bits.”
Raina Tomwing, Student, Year 8
“I love the UAE because it is such a diverse country and allows us to meet people from different parts of the world. It welcomes people with open arms and takes good care of its people.”
L-R: Rebecca Serhan (Gr 9 teacher), Jaspal Schreter (Students Success Coordinator), Raina Tomwing (Gr 8 student), Wathab Tawfik (Gr 9 student), Ron Hodkinson (Principal)
Roy Strik, Head of Business Development, Pearson Professional
“I love the UAE for its constant changes and improvements. It is admirable to see the importance professionals place on upskilling themselves and staying current in this dynamic environment. The UAE always strives to set high expectations to exemplify continuous growth and development to motivate its residents to follow this notion of continuous improvement.”
Ibtehal Hamed, Regional Marketing Manager – Middle East Hub, Pearson Education
“I love how the UAE puts people first! Be it an individual, a couple, or a family; you are always supported and encouraged to do your best and to contribute to the collective welfare of the country. Living here with my family and being supported as a family unit by the UAE gives me the mental and physiological safety to focus on what I am passionate about – which includes ensuring world-class solutions are readily available to learners of all ages”.
Dalia Leil, Head of the Higher Education Portfolio Strategy, Pearson Education
“I love the UAE because of its passionate leaders who strive towards equipping our youth with the right skills for the future.”
Tasnim Al Terkait, Academic Director
“Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed once said “Many leaders promise, we deliver”. This is what I love about the UAE! It is all about action, not just about setting a vision, but also about executing that vision to the highest standards.”
Reshel Shah Kapoor, Independent Film Director and Senior Film Lecturer
“I love the UAE for so many reasons! Firstly, because of the number of people I have met and the friends I have made, who are pretty much now my family. I moved to the UAE nine years ago and wanted to pursue work in the film industry. Nine years later I am now an award-winning documentary film Director and senior film lecturer at SAE Dubai. The UAE has given me more opportunities than I could have ever imagined while letting me grow my skills in my profession. And finally, the other reason I love the UAE so much is because I met my husband here and soon, we will be celebrating our fifth wedding anniversary!”
Regina Suhareva, Part-time student and Social Media Marketing Assistant
“Born on the same day, but 24 years after the independence of the United Arab Emirates on 2nd December 1971, I called the UAE my home. This is where I belong and where my heart yearns to be whenever I am away. I am so proud of the achievements of my adopted country and its wonderful people. It is the safest of countries and just like the arms of a loving parent it embraces all those lucky enough to seek, and for whatever reason, shelter in its golden land. For a nation to have a visionary leader who is compassionate and charitable, is not only a blessing but a rarity in itself. Imagine our good fortune that the sons of the great late Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed carry forth his teachings and wisdom to this very day. Should I be called upon to enumerate why I love this country, it would take forever and a day. I am very lucky. Thank you, and God bless the UAE.”
IN VIDEO: Sesame Street Private Nursery Students
IN VIDEO: Amina El Difrawy, Head of Early Years; Sabah Rashid, Head of Primary; Brian Nolan, Deputy Head Primary Years; Grade 5 Students
Chris Taylor, Head of Student Recruitment and Marketing
“I love the UAE because I have a wonderful quality of life here; beaches, iconic views, outstanding food, fun packed weekends, and entertainment I cannot keep up with.”
Professor Glyn Watson, Provost
“I love the UAE for variety and diversity it offers; its sense of energy and excitement; its spirit of optimism and adventure; and for the way in which it opens its arms to make people, from all around the world, feel welcome.”
Mei-Na Liao, Programme Director, MSc International Business in Dubai
“I love the UAE because it has a positive take on everything and it is a dynamic place. There is such an energy in making things better and a ‘can do’ attitude in general. The services are amazing, people are very friendly, and there are so many different activities to suit all tastes.”
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