‘Our students make us proud’ 


Khaleej Times reporter Muaz Shabandri spoke to Shaikh Nahyan in a special interview at his majlis, discussing his role in the development of higher education in the country

A visionary leader, educational pioneer and industrialist, Shaikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan wears his charisma with ease. It comes with the experience of steering higher education in the country. His dedication to the development of human capital in the UAE cannot be ignored. For over two decades, Shaikh Nahyan served as the UAE’s Minister for Higher Education and Scientific Research, before handing over the mantle to his younger brother, Shaikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, as part of the recent cabinet reshuffle.

Shaikh Nahyan with His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, at a graduation ceremony of UAE University in Al Ain on May 19, 2010; (centre) General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Shaikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative for the Western Region, at his son’s wedding on February 1, 2011; and (right) with late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan on February 15, 2002. — KT and Wam file

A pioneer in higher education in the UAE, Shaikh Nahyan has been instrumental in the development of public and private universities in the country. Apart from being a minister, Shaikh Nahyan serves in key positions as the Chancellor of Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) and UAE University (UAEU), while serving as the President of Zayed University.

He is also ranked among the most successful UAE businessmen at the international level, creating a name in telecom, banking, project financing and investment management.

Each year, Shaikh Nahyan speaks at more than 400 events. His daily schedule sees him shuttle between different emirates on a helicopter, and on an average he attends five events daily.

Prompt and punctual at social events, he has dedicated himself to supporting education and youth development initiatives.

Everyday, seven days a week, Shaikh Nahyan spends two hours at his Majlis, meeting people to discuss issues, challenges and opportunities.

On Wednesday, key government officials, foreign diplomats, leading businessmen and academicians greeted the minister at his Majlis in Abu Dhabi, for his appointment as the UAE Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development.

In a special interview with Khaleej Times, Shaikh Nahyan expressed his views on the development of the UAE’s higher education sector. Excerpts:

What is the biggest challenge you faced in developing higher education in the UAE?

My challenge was not to reinvent the wheel. The others have done it. One needs to have the confidence to rely on the experiences of other people. We need to tailor it to our needs and move forward. My responsibility was to uphold the trust of the people of the UAE. They would send their children to universities and colleges with the trust (of educating their children), and we had to uphold it by creating high standards. We needed to arm these students with the knowledge and skills needed to meet the challenges of the 21^st century.

Did you ever think you would serve the education sector for such a long time?

I never thought I would serve for so long. One of my principles in life is not to go to sleep with worry on my mind. I work with the dedication to do the best for the people of my country and I see it as my responsibility to serve people. It gives me pride to have participated in the development of this country.

What are your thoughts on the development of higher education in the UAE?

It is not only the Ministry of Higher Education, which has developed and grown. The UAE has seen quantum leap and phenomenal development in all sectors, whether in education, health or trading. We are becoming a hub for international travellers now. We are at the crossroad between the East and the West, and between the cultures. With our development, the culture which is created here supports the foundation needed to build better understanding between peoples. It will impact and contribute to the co-existence (of people) and peace between countries. Our priority in this country is to maintain peace and security for everybody living here.

What are your views on the UAE’s human capital?

I am fortunate and grateful for participating in the development of human resources, which is the most important resource for any country. It gives me pride to see those students whom I helped oversee their education, today hold prominent positions. They make us proud by competing at a global level.

You attend several events everyday, and keep up with the commitments of being a minister. How do you manage your time so well?

I start my day very early in the morning, at 6am. After offering prayers, I exercise for some time and then start my work. Because I attend many events everyday, I cannot lose time travelling by road. Thanks to the support of General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Spreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, who provided a chopper to take care of my transport. On a given day, I attend four to five events and meet a lot of people. I travel between different emirates and sometimes I have even been to five different emirates on the same day!

What have you learned from intellectuals and world leaders you have met during your time at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research?

I learned how to be a good human being. At the end of the day, you are going to be judged on the basis of how much good you have done to the society. The late Shaikh Zayed taught me tolerance and peace. You learn to be humble and be appreciative. Your value is with your connection to people and your wealth is how many people you know. How much happiness you bring to others, no matter how little you do.

muaz@khaleejtimes.com