A Moment With
A Moment With HE Dr Abdulla Al Karam
Chairman of the Board of Directors
and Director General, KHDA
By Carolyn Lee
I
t was early afternoon when I
walked into the main entrance
of the Knowledge and Human
Development Authority (KHDA).
The main lobby reflected the scene of
a slow but beautifully choreographed
dance. I was immediately greeted
by two of their male hosts, who
enquired about the purpose of my
visit and promptly ushered me to a
comfortable couch. All around the
lobby, assistants and staff of KHDA
inter-mingled with guests, who either
sat on couches, at desks, stood around
in deep conversation or sat immersed
in meetings held in small transparent
glass meeting rooms.
Dr Abdulla shares a moment
with Basmah Al Janahi.
On my way to the couch, my eyes
caught Dr Abdulla, he was in light
conversation with a number of guests
who were about to leave. Dr Abdulla,
personally escorts all his guests out,
a courtesy he also extended to me, at
the end of my interview with him.
I sat down and was offered my choice
of hot beverage. As I waited for my
opportunity to speak with him, I noted
that even though he blended in so
easily with those who were present,
there was still an aura that was distinctly
his. He magnetised people to him.
I had met Dr Abdulla on previous
occasions and getting the chance to
speak with him brought to the fore,
what many other persons who have
had the opportunity to meet him will
agree with … he is a visionary, honest,
personable and extremely engaged
with education and the work that
KHDA is spearheading in this vital
sector.
Dr Abdulla came over to greet me
personally and escorted me to a
meeting room where he would share
some of his thoughts on the work that
KHDA is currently doing, its impact on
the education system and Expo 2020
among other topics. I invite you to get
to know a little more about the man,
the mission and the work of KHDA
48 | Nov - Dec 2015 |
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Why did you decide to start
the Teachers of Dubai project?
We started Teachers of Dubai to
celebrate World Teachers’ Day, but
quickly realised that Teachers’ Day
should really be every day. This
initiative celebrates teachers and the
work they are doing. It also highlights
After The Bell
their positive stories and experiences.
We are delighted to have parents
doing the content. We’ve had
wonderful interaction from our local
community, so far – from parents
wanting to thank their children’s
teachers; to other teachers showing
appreciation for their colleagues; to