## Article Contents:
– **Introduction**: The importance of educational leadership in developing the educational system
– **Conceptual Framework**: Definition of educational leadership and its basic components
– **Strategic Importance**: The connection between educational leadership and UAE Vision 2021 and the knowledge economy
– **Training Course Components**: Basic elements in educational leaders preparation programs
– **Impact Measurement**: Evaluating the effectiveness of educational leadership programs
– **Successful Models**: Examples of educational leadership programs in the UAE
– **Future Directions**: Ways to develop educational leadership programs
– **Conclusion**: Recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of educational leadership programs
## 1 Introduction: The Importance of Educational Leadership in Developing the Educational System
**Educational leadership** represents one of the fundamental pillars in developing educational systems and improving their quality, as it serves as a driving force for positive transformation in the educational environment. In the **United Arab Emirates**, educational leadership receives significant attention due to its direct connection to achieving the country’s ambitious vision of building a competitive knowledge-based economy. Educational studies confirm that effective leadership is not merely a tool for managing school affairs but a critical factor in achieving the desired transformation in educational practices and learning .
The UAE has shown increasing interest in developing the capabilities of educational leaders, based on its belief that the quality of education fundamentally depends on the quality of leaders who manage educational processes. This interest is evident in the substantial investments in training and qualification programs aimed at developing the skills of educational leaders at various levels, from school principals to educational supervisors, and up to curriculum and educational development leaders .
## 2 Conceptual Framework: Definition of Educational Leadership and Its Basic Components
### 2.1 Definition of Educational Leadership
Definitions of **educational leadership** have varied, but they all agree that it is a process of influencing others to achieve educational and learning objectives. According to Bush’s definition (2003), educational leadership is “the process of influencing others to achieve educational and learning goals,” while Leithwood et al. (2006) see it as encompassing vision setting, motivating staff, and providing the necessary conditions to achieve educational goals .
In the Arab context, educational leadership is defined as “the ability to positively influence the behavior of workers within the educational institution and direct their efforts toward achieving common educational goals through planning, organization, and evaluation, within the framework of clear human and educational values” . This definition indicates that educational leadership is not merely about resource management or implementing procedures but is a practice based on vision and cultural and human building within the educational institution.
### 2.2 The Difference Between Educational Management and Educational Leadership
It is important to distinguish between **educational management** and **educational leadership**. While management focuses on maintaining the existing system and ensuring the implementation of policies, leadership is concerned with directing the future, bringing about change, and motivating individuals toward excellence. As Fullan (2001) points out, “Every leader is a manager, but not every manager is a leader” . This highlights the importance of rethinking thne preparation of educational institution managers based on leadership competencies, not just organizational skills
