The minister said that she was surprised by how much interest there was in the direction of Estonia throughout the visit. "Estonia's education system is world-renowned. I was pleasantly surprised how many wanted to understand our experiences and vision for the future of education. I assured all interested parties that we are ready to share our experience and skills."
In addition to GITEX, the minister's visit also focused on intensifying cooperation between Estonia and the UAE in the education and technology sectors. Together with the accompanying delegation of education technology companies and universities, they visited the Emirate of Sharjah, which is the leading education and research center of the UAE.
On the sidelines of GITEX, the minister met bilaterally with the UAE Minister of State for artificial intelligence H.E. Omar Sultan Al Olama. Estonia and the UAE share many similar forward-looking attitudes, which open doors for mutual cooperation in several areas, including education and technology.
During the visit, a memorandum of cooperation was signed between Nortal, the University of Harrisburg and the Emirates Cyber Center, which is the basis for wider cooperation in cyber education and increasing cyber defense competencies in the UAE.
In the emirate of Sharjah, the minister visited the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Science and Innovation Park, as well as the innovative library-community center House of Wisdom. At the University of Sharjah, the minister was welcomed by Rector Prof. Hamid Al-Naimiy together with the academic management, the meeting was followed by a public lecture to the teaching staff of the university to introduce them to the Estonian education system.
The invitation to the minister to the GITEX Global conference and the great media interest there show belief in the Estonian state and testify to the high quality and innovation of our education and technology sector.
