The Adoption of UAE’s Vision 2021 and Vision 2071 into Strategic Plans of Private Schools in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Authors:   , Al Zarooni Khalid 
Published: April 2024

This research examines the impact of educational reforms in private schools’ strategic plans in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in alignment with the UAE's Vision 2021 and Vision 2071. The primary focus is on assessing whether private schools in Abu Dhabi have integrated these visions into their strategic plans and whether this integration has led to educational performance enhancements. The historical context of educational advancement in the United Arab Emirates is traced back to the early 1960s, with significant attention being given to education post the discovery of oil. The commitment to elevate the education system, particularly during the founder of UAE H.H Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan's tenure, paved the way for various initiatives aimed at nurturing a highly qualified generation. Accordingly, over the years, public and private schools have operated within certain structures and initiatives laid down by the government of the UAE, all of which have shaped the landscape of educational reform in the UAE. The dynamic nature of the professional world necessitates continuous adjustments to education systems. Technological integration, practical learning, cognitive skills, and other innovations have fueled the global education landscape's evolution. To this extent, the current study centrally recognizes that examining private schools' adoption and implementation of educational reforms enshrined in UAE’s Vision 2021 and Vision 2071 in their strategic plans, as well as increased awareness of private school staff of the visions and the reforms thereof, from senior executives to frontline staff, is pivotal for the successful realization of the UAE's Vision 2021 and Vision 2071 in the educational sector. Embedded in the core of UAE’s Vision 2021 and Vision 2071 is the idea of continuous learning and skill development. The study argues that educational leaders, in their interactions within and beyond private schools, play a crucial role in driving these visions and implementing positive change within private schools, literature reveals instances of successful adoption of these educational visions within the private schools’ sector, often tackling issues such as challenges in adoption and implementation. The research asserts that the concepts of these visions are not new to private schools, as they have been involved in the vision policy development, decision-making processes and various initiatives related to the proclamation of the visions. Yet, to truly integrate these visions into educational culture, private schools must play an active role, led by senior executives fostering internal reforms and embracing new adjustments. This study's significance lies in its exploration of the UAE's Vision 2021 and Vision 2071 within the context of private schools in emirate of Abu Dhabi, shedding light on the factors shaping their successful adoption. The subsequent sections detail the study's objectives, research questions, and methodology, emphasizing the importance of this inquiry within the broader landscape of educational transformation.