National Identity and School Education in the United Arab Emirates Since 2008*
Irfan’s research, as a doctoral candidate at Jawaharlal Nehru University, centers on the examination of national identity debates in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and their implications for school education. The research primarily involves qualitative content analysis of Arabic language, Islamic education, social studies and moral education curriculum and textbooks taught in the UAE schools and interviews with key stakeholders and experts to understand the role of schools in instilling the UAE national identity and values among both Emirati and expatriate students. The research aims to supplement the existing studies on nation-building and social transformation in the UAE and other Arab Gulf states.
Grants:
Doctoral Research Grant for Data Collection in the UAE, Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research, Ras Al Khaimah, 2023–24.
Travel Grant for Conducting Research within NYUAD Archives and Special Collections, Humanities Research Fellowships for the Study of the Arab World, New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), 2023.
Related Publications:
Related Blogs:
Unity in Diversity: My UAE Identity Journey, Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research, 1 July 2024, read here.
Related Podcasts:
Irfan Nazir: Unity in Diversity, Muhadatha: In Conversation with Tiffany and Abdullah, A Monthly Podcast from the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation, 23 January 2025, listen here.
Contact:
Reach out here for more details on the research.
*The title for doctoral research as approved by the Committee for Advanced Study and Research of the School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, on 8 February 2023.
Irfan Ahmed Nazir 