Education policies and national identity in the Emirates

January 13, 2026 by Bela

Assignment Instructions: Report Writing on Education policies and national identity in the Emirates Assignment 13 Academic Scope, Weighting, and Conditions of Submission This assessment represents the complete evaluative component for the module and is reviewed as a single, integrated academic work. The expected length of the submission is 2,000 to 2,500 words, a range that allows for conceptual depth without encouraging unnecessary expansion. Submissions that fall notably outside this range rarely demonstrate the balance of analysis and focus expected at this level. All work must be submitted through the university’s Turnitin system. Alternative submission methods are not recognised within institutional assessment procedures. Your paper must remain anonymous and should include only your Student Reference Number (SRN). Any personal identifiers compromise the integrity of the marking process. Assessment decisions are based on a 100-mark scale, with 50% required to achieve a pass. All academic and policy sources must be acknowledged using the Harvard Referencing System. Any use of published material without proper attribution will be treated as a breach of academic conduct. Digital tools may be used after drafting to improve clarity, structure, or language accuracy. They may not be used to generate ideas, arguments, or analysis. The academic judgement demonstrated in the work must be entirely your own. Intellectual Direction of the Assignment Education in the United Arab Emirates serves multiple purposes simultaneously: academic development, workforce preparation, cultural continuity, and national cohesion. Education policies in the Emirates are therefore closely connected to questions of national identity, citizenship, language, heritage, and shared values, while also responding to globalisation and international educational standards. This assignment asks you to explore the relationship between education policies and national identity in the Emirates. Rather than treating policy as a technical document, you are expected to analyse how educational frameworks, curricula, and institutional priorities shape understandings of identity among learners and educators. Your discussion should recognise the dynamic nature of national identity in a highly globalised society. The task is not to praise or criticise policy in abstract terms, but to examine how education policy choices influence identity formation, belonging, and social cohesion within the UAE context. Learning Orientation Embedded Within the Task Strong submissions usually demonstrate the following academic capabilities through analysis rather than explicit declaration: Understanding of education policy as a social and cultural instrument Ability to interpret national identity within historical and contemporary UAE contexts Critical engagement with policy documents and academic literature Awareness of stakeholder roles within education systems Capacity to draw evidence-based insights relevant to the Emirati context These capabilities should emerge naturally from the discussion. Structural Expectations and Academic Components Your paper should be organised into clearly articulated sections that guide the reader through your reasoning without relying on a formulaic report structure. Use original headings that reflect education policy and national identity, while maintaining a clear academic flow. Preliminary Pages Include the following before the main text: Title page Academic integrity declaration (if required by your institution) Table of contents List of abbreviations (only if used frequently) These pages are excluded from the word count. Education Policy as a Reflection of National Priorities Policy Foundations in the Emirati Context Begin by situating education policy within the broader national development framework of the UAE. Education policies in the Emirates are shaped by historical experiences, leadership vision, and long-term national strategies. This section may explore: The role of education in nation-building Alignment between education policy and national visions The balance between modernisation and cultural continuity The aim is to establish why education policy occupies a central role in shaping national identity. National Identity Within Educational Frameworks Language, Curriculum, and Cultural Representation National identity is often embedded within curriculum choices and language policies. Analyse how subjects such as Arabic language, Islamic studies, history, and civic education contribute to shared identity narratives. You may consider: Curriculum content and representation The role of Arabic alongside English-medium instruction Cultural symbolism within educational materials This discussion should move beyond description to examine impact and intention. Values, Citizenship, and Moral Education Education policies in the UAE place emphasis on values education and responsible citizenship. Examine how policy frameworks translate these goals into educational practice. Relevant areas may include: Moral education initiatives Citizenship education models Concepts of tolerance, unity, and national belonging Use academic perspectives on civic education to strengthen analysis. Globalisation and Identity Negotiation in UAE Education Internationalisation of the Education System The UAE hosts a wide range of international schools and universities, many operating under foreign curricula or accreditation systems. Analyse how education policies manage the tension between global standards and national identity preservation. This section may address: Transnational education models International curricula and identity formation Policy mechanisms that ensure cultural alignment Critical balance is essential here, avoiding simplistic arguments for or against internationalisation. Student Identity Formation in Diverse Learning Spaces Students in the UAE often navigate multiple cultural and educational influences. Examine how education policy shapes student experiences of identity, belonging, and cultural awareness. The discussion may draw on: Identity theory Sociological perspectives on education Empirical studies from multicultural education contexts Stakeholders Influencing Policy and Identity Outcomes Government and Policy-Making Institutions Analyse the role of ministries, councils, and regulatory bodies in shaping education policy related to national identity. Focus on how policy intent is articulated and monitored rather than listing institutions. Educational Institutions as Policy Interpreters Schools and universities act as intermediaries between policy and practice. Examine how institutional leadership, curriculum design, and teaching practices influence how national identity is experienced by learners. Educators and Learners as Active Participants Teachers and students are not passive recipients of policy. Analyse how they interpret, negotiate, and sometimes reshape identity-related policy goals within classrooms and campuses. Analytical Perspectives and Use of Secondary Evidence Theoretical Lenses for Policy and Identity Analysis This section should form the analytical core of your paper. Apply relevant theories to interpret the relationship between education policy and national identity, such as: Education policy analysis frameworks National identity and citizenship theory Cultural reproduction and socialisation models The emphasis should be on application rather than … Read more

Essay Guide: Expo 2020 Impact on UAE Economy

January 13, 2026 by Bela

Essay Assignment 2 General Assessment Guidance • This essay constitutes the summative assessment for this module and accounts for 100% of the final grade. • Assignments submitted after the deadline will not be evaluated. • Upload your submission exclusively via Turnitin; alternative submissions via email, cloud storage, or hard copy will not be considered. • The word limit is 1,500 words. Submissions below this limit may omit key analytical insights; content exceeding the limit will be truncated for grading purposes. • Only your Student Reference Number (SRN) should appear; do not include personal identifiers. • A total of 100 marks is available. A minimum of 50% is required to pass. • Strict adherence to the Harvard Referencing System is required. Any unreferenced use of published materials will be treated as plagiarism. Detailed guidance is available via the university library portal. • AI may be used solely for reviewing drafts, refining grammar, or where explicitly permitted in the assessment brief. • A completed Assignment Cover Sheet is mandatory; failure to include it may invalidate your submission. Assessment Brief Overview This essay requires a 1,500-word investigation into the economic, social, and knowledge-driven impacts of Expo 2020 Dubai on the UAE’s development trajectory. You are expected to analyse evidence, link insights to national strategies such as UAE Vision 2021 and the 2071 Centennial Plan, and explore implications for economic diversification and knowledge economy initiatives. Unlike conventional essays, you are encouraged to structure your essay around the natural flow of evidence, argument, and reflection. Use practical examples, statistics, and recent developments to support your claims, allowing your reasoning to guide the reader rather than adhering strictly to an introduction–body–conclusion format. Learning Outcomes LO1 – Critically assess the effects of large-scale events on national economic diversification. LO2 – Integrate multiple evidence sources to construct an academically rigorous argument. LO3 – Evaluate the social and knowledge economy impacts of strategic initiatives within the UAE. LO4 – Present actionable reflections and insights that demonstrate scholarly depth and contextual understanding. Key Sections to Explore Executive Overview Contextual Landscape Focused Research Question Analytical Rationale Stakeholder and Societal Implications Evidence Synthesis and Critical Discussion Reflections and Forward-Looking Insights Throughout your essay, balance theoretical frameworks with real-world UAE examples, demonstrating how your analysis translates into practical understanding and strategic thinking. Suggested Essay Structure Declaration Page • Title Page • Table of Contents • Lists of Figures/Tables/Abbreviations (if relevant) • Executive Overview • Contextual Landscape • Focused Research Question • Analytical Rationale • Stakeholder and Societal Implications • Evidence Synthesis and Critical Discussion • Reflections and Forward-Looking Insights • Harvard References • Appendices (if necessary) Total Length: 1,500 words (excluding front matter, references, appendices) Word Count Breakdown (Approximate) Executive Overview – 150 Contextual Landscape – 200 Focused Research Question – 150 Analytical Rationale – 150 Stakeholder and Societal Implications – 250 Evidence Synthesis and Critical Discussion – 500 Reflections and Forward-Looking Insights – 200 Total: 1,500 words Executive Overview Guidelines Summarise the essay in 150 words, presenting the key question, rationale, principal insights, and suggested implications. Draft this section last to ensure coherence with the full essay. Merit: Show clear reasoning and a concise overview of your analytical approach. Distinction: Demonstrate how your insights illuminate broader economic, social, or strategic considerations in the UAE context. Section Guidelines Contextual Landscape Provide a rich picture of Expo 2020 Dubai and its alignment with UAE national development goals. Include economic, technological, and social considerations. Highlight UAE-specific initiatives, such as smart city development, innovation hubs, and knowledge economy policies. Focused Research Question Define a precise question or central theme, such as: “How did Expo 2020 Dubai contribute to UAE economic diversification and knowledge economy advancement?” Explain why this is important and frame the boundaries of your analysis. Analytical Rationale Clarify why your investigation is significant. For example, consider how Expo 2020 created knowledge networks, facilitated international partnerships, or influenced policy shifts. Connect your rationale to UAE Vision 2021 goals and long-term strategies. Stakeholder and Societal Implications Identify key stakeholders, including government entities, private enterprises, academic institutions, and the public. Assess how Expo 2020 affected their interests, decision-making, and engagement with knowledge economy initiatives. For instance, examine how start-ups leveraged Expo platforms or how education sectors adopted new technology partnerships. Evidence Synthesis and Critical Discussion Integrate quantitative data, case studies, and academic literature to analyse outcomes and trends. Discuss the benefits and limitations of initiatives, noting gaps or challenges. Compare multiple perspectives to illustrate critical thinking. For example, assess whether economic diversification goals were achieved through trade, investment, or knowledge transfer. Use tables or figures where they enhance clarity. Reflections and Forward-Looking Insights Conclude by reflecting on lessons learned, both practically and theoretically. Suggest how insights could inform future mega-events, policy decisions, or knowledge economy strategies in the UAE. Highlight transferable lessons for emerging sectors or higher education initiatives. Avoid generic summaries; instead, focus on implications, actionable insights, and strategic considerations. References and Presentation • Apply Harvard referencing consistently. • Maintain professional formatting, clear headings, and numbered pages. • Include a variety of credible sources, such as peer-reviewed journals, UAE government reports, academic databases, and reputable news outlets.