الإصدار 3 - العدد 9 (2025-12-20)

Education Systems in Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates – A Comparative Analytical Study

Researcher: Ali Mahmoud Saleh Mahmoud

Researcher: Duaa Fathi Mahmoud Abu Hamda

Al Quds Open University- Palestine

This study aimed to conduct a comparative analysis between the education systems of Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates, as two successful models of educational reform in two different geographical and cultural environments. The study used the comparative analytical descriptive methodology, relying on a systematic review of official documents, academic literature, and international reports. The findings revealed that both systems originated from traditional religious roots, then transformed into tools for building the modern state after independence/union. However, their priorities differed: Malaysia focused on addressing the effects of ethnic pluralism resulting from British colonialism through integration policies while preserving ethnic schools (Chinese and Tamil), whereas the United Arab Emirates moved towards rapid global openness supported by oil wealth, while maintaining identity through national curricula and encouraging international private education.

Both countries invested significantly in educational infrastructure, linked education to long-term national visions (Malaysia Vision 2020, UAE Vision 2021), and demonstrated a strong commitment to transforming education into an engine for knowledge-based economic development. Their efforts in adopting digital transformation and smart learning were also prominent, although UAE investments have been more intensive recently.

The study recommends the necessity of achieving a balance between preserving identity and openness to global curricula and managing cultural diversity, strengthening the relationship between curricula and the needs of the national economy. It also recommends adopting sustainable policies for teacher qualification, creating innovative funding mechanisms involving the private sector, and directing policies to reduce the gap between public and private education.