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Sustainability in the United Arab Emirates Secondary Schools: A Policy Practice Analysis

Author

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  • Sandra Baroudi

    (College of Interdisciplinary Studies, Zayed University, Dubai P.O. Box 19282, United Arab Emirates)

  • Hounaida Abi Haidar

    (College of Interdisciplinary Studies, Zayed University, Dubai P.O. Box 19282, United Arab Emirates)

Abstract

The integration of sustainability in education has gained global attention as a critical component of achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Within the United Arab Emirates (UAE), significant efforts have been made to incorporate sustainability into national policies, reflecting the country’s vision for sustainable economic, social and environmental development. Within the context of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), this research aims to investigate the alignment between national sustainability policies and their practical implementation in secondary schools, with a focus on identifying barriers and proposing actionable recommendations to enhance the integration of sustainability into education. This study employs a qualitative case study design with content analysis of data gathered from interviews and focus groups collected from a total of 21 teachers, school leaders, heads of departments and government officials, alongside the review of 14 relevant key policy documents. Key findings include a gap between policy and implementation, lack of a unified framework, resource disparities, and several barriers and strengths. This research concludes with recommendations to address these challenges, so that the UAE can strengthen its position as a leader in sustainability education, further aligning its national vision with global SDGs.

Suggested Citation

  • Sandra Baroudi & Hounaida Abi Haidar, 2025. "Sustainability in the United Arab Emirates Secondary Schools: A Policy Practice Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-21, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:7:p:3129-:d:1626042
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Sandra Baroudi, 2023. "Exploring Teacher Education for Sustainable Development in the UAE," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-16, January.
    2. Andrea Corres & Marco Rieckmann & Anna Espasa & Isabel Ruiz-Mallén, 2020. "Educator Competences in Sustainability Education: A Systematic Review of Frameworks," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(23), pages 1-24, November.
    3. Al-Maamary, Hilal M.S. & Kazem, Hussein A. & Chaichan, Miqdam T., 2017. "The impact of oil price fluctuations on common renewable energies in GCC countries," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 75(C), pages 989-1007.
    4. Abhilasha Singh & Patrick Blessinger, 2023. "Examining the Role and Challenges of Sustainable Development Goals for the Universities in the United Arab Emirates," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(20), pages 1-18, October.
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