The UAE’s Vision 2021 strategy firmly sets out its aim to foster knowledge-driven growth and innovation. As highlighted by the Dubai Design & Fashion Council, the application of design principles to innovation processes and strategies leads to a higher success rate for innovation. The design sector is rapidly becoming an area of key global importance, with increasing recognition of its value and significance in driving stability and economic prosperity. In keeping with the Vision and the UAE National Strategy, it is vital that design education is incorporated fully as an integral part of learning to stimulate creativity.​

The program provides students with a range of creative courses to ensure that they gain knowledge and hands-on learning experience. In addition, the program equips students with the skills required to develop the necessary creative and technical skills required for a continuously developing digital sector in the media industries of the UAE.​

​Upon the successful completion of the program, students will acquire the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary for further education and, subsequently, a career in the media industry, preparing them for careers in film production, multimedia design and interactive media management.​

The modern knowledge economy, based on continuous and diligent development and research, requires a flexible and highly skilled professional workforce able to work under any condition and with all races and genders. Preparing a workforce that is able to cope with the era’s requirements must begin at schools. This enables the next generations – at an early age – to make informed and responsible decisions for the future.

To achieve this, the Applied Technology High School (ATHS) curricula adopt the latest technological educational and training policies of the 21st century. ATHS students will gain the fundamental science and practical skills in multiple majors of advanced technology. This provides ATHS graduates with many opportunities and options to complete his/her postgraduate studies in local or international universities and colleges, or to join the labour market directly after graduation. The high school curricula consists of two main parts:

• The Standard Science and Knowledge
• The Technological Majors

Students who successfully complete the general stream will achieve the following
graduate outcomes:

• UAE Ministry of Education Grade 12 High School Certificate
• A level 4 vocational Qualification by NQA