Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and his UAE counterpart Ahmad Al Falasi on Nov 1, signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the field of education.

The purpose of the MoU is to facilitate student and faculty mobility, joint research programs, course design, conferences, lectures, symposia, courses, research and educational exhibitions held in both countries in areas of mutual interest.

"As the UAE is a global economic hotspot and India is a global talent hotspot, both sides must work together to build a bridge of knowledge to strengthen the link between our civilization", Pradhan, who is on a three-day visit to Abu Dhabi, said.

The ministers reviewed the bilateral commitments in the field of education and skill development, especially the progress on the issues discussed during their meeting as part of the discussions of the Fourth Working Group on Education under the G20 chairmanship of India.

"They expressed their satisfaction with the progress made in areas such as mutual recognition of academics and skills and recognition of Indian institutes operating in the UAE  and emphasized the need to continue work in this area. Ministers expressed their commitment to strengthen institutional mechanisms and accelerate processes to ensure smooth mobility of students and workforce", according to the announcement of the Ministry of Education.

Pradhan also visited 42 coding schools in Abu Dhabi that focus on fostering innovation, creativity and peer learning through a project-based and gamified curriculum.