SCHOOL IN THE CROWN
With so many expatriates looking to give their kids the kind of education they'd get back home, private schools in Dubai are rising to the challenge.
Dubai is experiencing exponential growth in its population due to the return of the family-based expatriate community and expected economic opportunity throughout the region. This means that more and more primary and secondary schools are needed. With the surge in pupils expected to grow from 243,000 in 2014 to 400,000 by 2020, many private schools are entering Dubai to capitalize on this opportunity. In the past three years, 26 private schools have opened with the expected figure of 169 in total reaching 250 by 2020. The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has recognized this trend and ensured that these private schools will contribute to the overall goals and objectives of the UAE's National Agenda.
One of the highly anticipated school openings is Chinese International School, Dubai's first private school teaching a curriculum in Mandarin. The project was announced during the Chinese New Year celebration at the Dubai's Chinese Learning Centre, and has attracted investment from both China and Dubai and is expected to reach about $32.7 million. Another language focused school opening in Autumn 2015 is the Swiss International Scientific School. The school will have space for 1,400 pupils aged 3 to 11 with a secondary school with 1,000 extra spaces and is expected to open in 2017, and its boarding facilities to open a year or two after that. One of India's oldest and most reputed educational groups, CMI Rajagiri, runs more than 500 educational institutions and has launched a new school in Dubai, the Amled School, which will be located in the Al Khail area of Dubai. The school will initially offer classes from Kindegarten to Grade 5 in the 2015-16 academic year. CMI Rajagiri plans on increasing its footprint in the region with future schools in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
Within this expected growth, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) is playing a key role in ensuring the quality of the education by imposing strict guidelines school's management. In 2014, HH Sheikh Mohammed set the National Agenda in the form of guidelines that will help in the implantation of the UAE Vision 2021. The National Agenda has two main objectives in relation to the UAE's ranking in international assessments in 2021: to be among the 20 highest performing countries in Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) and to be among the top-15 highest performing countries in the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS). Due to these aspirations, and Dubai's current position below average in both categories, the KHDA will evaluate all prospective candidates for their knowledge of these international assessments and plans to successfully integrate the expectations in the school's curriculum. Only after the prospective principal undergoes and passes the evaluation process, they are able to be appointed to the position.
With the large amount of upcoming schools and the necessity for delivering on the objectives of the UAE's National Agenda, the KHDA has developed the Education Cost Index (ECI) initiative. The ECI is calculated annually by the Dubai Statistic Centre, which takes into account the consumer price index and school operation costs including salaries, rent, and utilities. Based on the new ECI, schools rated “outstanding” in the next inspection results will be able to increase their fees 5.84%, double the established ECI of 2.92%. Schools rated “good” can increase their fees by 4.38%, 1.5x the ECI, while schools in the “acceptable” or “unacceptable” category can increase their fees by 2.92%. By doing so, the KHDA has recognized the importance of balancing the profitability of the school with its quality of education.
In sum, private school investment is expected to continue its growth trend as Dubai's economy continues to accelerate and demand for seats increases. However, the KHDA has recognized that while schools seek profits, the emphasis must be on the quality of education. In light of this, the KHDA will play a fundamental role in appointing the leadership as well as financially rewarding the performance of private schools. With this, the KHDA aims to ensure the success of the educational benchmarks of the UAE National Agenda.
SCHOOL IN THE CROWN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Review: Diplomacy
Toward 2020
In the run-up to hosting World Expo 2020, the Emirate's strong foreign relations and openness to FDI stand it in good stead to reap rewards from hosting the event. The onus now is on preparing the city for the influx of visitors, and in so doing meeting its goals for Vision 2021.
read articleGuest Speaker
Hon. Hanna Serwaa Tetteh, Minister , Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of the Republic of Ghana
TBY talks to Hon. Hanna Serwaa Tetteh, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of the Republic of Ghana, on the country's presence in Dubai and how the two are working together.
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Lilianne Ploumen, Minister , Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
TBY talks to Lilianne Ploumen, Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, on collaboration between the two states and the idea of trilateral cooperation.
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HE María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar, Minister , Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Colombia
TBY talks to HE María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Colombia, on aspects of relations between Colombia and the UAE, visa exemptions, and encouraging bilateral trade.
read articleFocus: Drydocks World
No Rig Too Big
Drydocks World is one of the leading shipyard facilities in the world and is gaining international recognition worldwide for its construction projects. With the expansion of its rig operations as well as its offerings in the renewable energy sector, Drydocks World is set for sustainable success.
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Mahmud P.K. Merali, Managing Partner, Merali’s Chartered Accountants & Registered Auditors
TBY talks to Mahmud P.K. Merali, Group Managing Partner at Merali's Chartered Accountants & Registered Auditors, on recent developments in the Emirate's economy, and the UAE Chartered Accountant Certification.
read articleFocus: The Budget
Budgeting for Growth
The Dubai Government recently approved its 2015 budget, historically its largest, marking the first budget surplus since the global financial crisis. The Dubai authorities have utilized successful economic growth in 2014 as a spring board to continually develop Dubai as an attractive Emirate to invest in.
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HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA)
TBY talks to HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), on activities in the Emirate, solar energy, and the increased demand generated by the upcoming Expo.
read articleFocus: The Halal Industry
What’s At Steak?
With Dubai's ambition to become the capital of the Islamic economy, collaboration between the public and private sector plays a pivotal role in the certification of halal products and creating an environment conducive to the growth of the industry.
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HE Hamed Obaid Al Mansoori, Director General, Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA)
TBY talks to HE Hamed Obaid Al Mansoori, Director General of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), on the broadband landscape, bitstream, and the authority's role in the Islamic economy.
read articleInterview
HE Mattar Mohamed Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors, Roads & Transport Authority (RTA)
TBY talks to HE Mattar Mohamed Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai, on recent developments, the PPP model, and the use of technology in transport development.
read articleFocus: Dubai Water Canal
Route Canal
In the build up to World Expo 2020, Dubai has staged an ambitious set of infrastructure projects to increase its capacity to handle its expected 25 million visitors. The Dubai Water Canal is a $550 million initiative aimed at increasing marine passenger flow from downtown to the Arabian Sea as well as developing the surrounding land with marinas, shopping centers, and restaurants.
read articleInterview
Mohammed Al Muallem, Senior Vice-President and Managing Director, UAE Region of DP World
TBY talks to Mohammed Al Muallem, Senior Vice-President and Managing Director, UAE Region of DP World, on acquiring the Jebel Ali Free Zone, improving Dubai's connectivity, and the company's future strategies.
read articleFocus: Dubai Maritime City & Vision 2030
By The SeaShore
With the launch of Dubai Maritime Vision 2030 and the commencement of construction on the Dubai Maritime City project, Dubai is creating a holistic strategy as well as developing key infrastructure to contend for the top spot among the world's leading international maritime centers.
read articleReview: Construction
Expo(nential) Development Ahead
The sound of Dubai's bursting property bubble so rancorous back in 2009 is now a distant memory as vast Emirati and Dubai-specific construction and infrastructural schemes take elegant form in glass, steel, and concrete. In short, the familiar megaprojects remain in the limelight.
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Yu Tao, President, China State Construction Engineering Corporation—CSCEC (Middle East) (L.L.C)
TBY talks to Yu Tao, President and CEO of China State Construction Engineering Corporation—CSCEC (Middle East) (L.L.C), on working on the Palm Jumeirah, targets for the future, and Expo 2020.
read articleFocus: Mohammed Bin Rashid City
All The World
A city within a city, Mohammed Bin Rashid City aims to attract visitors and residents with its use of green space, attractions, and luxurious residences. The development is currently ongoing with construction and sales beginning in District One, Dubai Hills Estate, and Dubai Creek Harbour.
read articleInterview
HE Dr. Raja Al Gurg, Vice-Chairperson and Executive Director, Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCA)
TBY talks to HE Dr. Raja Al Gurg, Vice-Chairperson and Executive Director of the Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCA), on building a sustainable healthcare model, offering quality care, and research facilitation.
read articleFocus: Rashid Hospital Project
Sustainably Healthy
The first phase in the grand transformation of Rashid Hospital is scheduled for completion in 2Q2015. While also addressing the city's healthcare needs, Rashid Hospital's reconstruction will be an emblem of sustainability and green technology utilization.
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Prof. Muthanna G. Abdul Razzaq, CEO, American University in the Emirates (AUE)
TBY talks to Prof. Muthanna G. Abdul Razzaq, President and CEO of the American University in the Emirates (AUE), on identifying market demand, increasing graduates' employability, and closing the gap between theory and practice.
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HE Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General, Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DTCM)
TBY talks to HE Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DTCM), on emerging markets, diversifying the hotel sector, and establishing Dubai as a business and tourism hub.
read articlePhoto Essay: A GLOBAL Cuisine
The Best Sense
Through its remarkable economic growth, Dubai has become a world-class city that attracts visitors and residents from across the entire world. Because of this, Dubai has become a food-lover's paradise and an international heartland for the taste-seeker.
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