The UAE has launched a major initiative in Iraq to train 10,000 teachers in digital skills. This Digital Teachers Initiative aims to improve teaching quality and integrate technology across schools.
Under the program, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives Foundation partnered with the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Ministry of Education. Together, they designed a training program for both male and female educators.
Arizona State University in the United States supports the program, providing advanced digital teaching methodologies. Training will be conducted in Kurdish, Arabic, and English, ensuring accessibility for all participants.
The first phase of the initiative, supported by Dubai Cares, successfully certified 2,400 digital teachers. Building on this success, the program has expanded to reach 10,000 educators.
Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Economy, highlighted the importance of the program. He also noted that the initiative will produce teachers capable of combining technology, creativity, and critical thinking in classrooms.
The Digital Teachers Initiative forms part of the broader Digital School project, launched in November 2020. The project’s goal is to provide flexible digital learning options, including blended and remote education.
Digital School focuses on underprivileged communities, refugees, and displaced students. It offers modern curricula while ensuring students gain essential skills for the 21st-century digital economy.
Since its launch, Digital School has benefited over 750,000 students worldwide and trained more than 23,000 digital teachers. The program’s growth in Iraq marks a significant step in regional digital education transformation.
This initiative also emphasizes inclusion, innovation, and lifelong learning. Schools will now have teachers equipped to use interactive platforms, digital tools, and online resources effectively.
By investing in teacher training, the UAE and Kurdistan Regional Government aim to strengthen Iraq’s education system. The Digital Teachers Initiative highlights the power of technology to transform learning for thousands of students.
