Abu Dhabi

Capital City

United Arab Emirates

April 9, 2016

I heard somewhere that the Sheikh in Abu Dhabi declared, “When the oil runs out, we will have the best educated population in the Arab world.”   I couldn't find the source of that quote.  I did find a reference to a speech the Sheikh delivered in 2015:

HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said the UAE and other countries in the region had “lagged behind” in the past when it comes to investment in education.

Speaking on the first day of the Dubai Government Summit, Sheikh Mohamed told an audience of world leaders and decision makers: “I think in the region we have all paid a high price in the delay of education.

“We were lagging behind. When we know that we were lagging behind – and we know we are still behind – it’s different than if we are oblivious of our status.

“At this time, when we have a lot wealth, we need to invest in education.”