Sheikh Hamdan Launches KHDA’s ‘Skills for Life’ Initiative to Equip Dubai Learners for Future Challenges
Starting in the 2026–27 academic year, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has unveiled the ‘Skills for Life’ initiative, aimed at enhancing the skill sets of learners across Dubai. This initiative, directed by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, seeks to address the evolving needs of learners and the future workforce.
The ‘Skills for Life’ initiative is rooted in the belief that education is a lifelong journey, extending beyond traditional classroom settings. It aims to support learners from early childhood through adulthood, equipping them with essential practical, personal, and social skills necessary for success in various aspects of life, aligning with the objectives of the Education 33 Strategy.
Launched during the Year of the Family in the UAE, ‘Skills for Life’ is in harmony with the National Education Charter, introduced by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and the Dubai Education 33 Strategy (E33). The program is designed to provide learners with the knowledge, skills, mindsets, and values required to thrive in an increasingly complex and fast-paced world.
Broad Range of Skills
The initiative encompasses a comprehensive array of life skills that will be integrated into educational environments and curricula. Key focus areas include healthy lifestyles, nutrition, financial literacy, social skills, mental resilience, digital competencies, sustainability, and daily life management.
‘Skills for Life’ addresses the realities of a world that is becoming more interconnected and technology-driven. As advancements in technology reshape daily living, learners will develop the confidence and adaptability necessary to navigate change and seize new opportunities.
This initiative complements Dubai’s quality assurance standards and the emirate’s Academic and Career Guidance Policy, ensuring high-quality educational experiences at every stage. It also empowers learners to make informed decisions regarding their educational and career paths, equipping them with the necessary knowledge and experiences for effective future planning.
Future Readiness
The ‘Skills for Life’ initiative emphasizes the significance of well-being, sustainability, global citizenship, and future readiness. It supports learners in making informed choices, fostering meaningful relationships, and positively contributing to their communities.
Recognizing that learning occurs in various settings, ‘Skills for Life’ promotes collaboration among educational institutions, educators, parents, employers, and the broader community. This collaborative approach aims to create enriching learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom, supporting learners throughout their lives.
Local and International Partnerships
‘Skills for Life’ is aligned with several key Game Changer initiatives under E33, designed to cultivate future-ready skills. These initiatives include Future Astrolabe, which enhances academic and career guidance in educational institutions; City of Students, aimed at enriching educational experiences for all learners in Dubai; Life Camps, focused on developing essential life skills; Learn Anywhere, which seeks to elevate educational quality across all phases in accordance with international best practices; and Skills for Tomorrow, which continuously identifies the skills learners will need in the future.
The initiative is bolstered by both local and international partnerships, aimed at strengthening youth leadership skills and expanding access to recognized non-formal learning pathways outside traditional academic frameworks.
As reported by www.emirates247.com.
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Published on 2026-07-04 12:01:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk