Sheikh Hamdan launches Dubai Schools; focus on Arabic, Islamic

A new model of schools focused on 'Arabic literacy, science and technology, UAE culture and Islamic studies' has been launched in Dubai.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, launched the 'Dubai Schools' to support the Emirate's education system through a new model 'with international education standards'.

He said the schools will receive the first group of students from the next academic year.

According to the schools' website, Dubai Schools aim to provide "high quality accessible education".

"We do this by adopting principles of excellence in education through internationally recognised curricula delivered by reputable private sector operators. This unique partnership between the government and private sector is represented by Taaleem during the first phase," the website said.

Dubai Schools aim to set the "standard for education and academic quality in Dubai through bilingual education focused on Arabic literacy and preservation of national culture".

"We partner with experts, experienced educators and operators to promise a new generation of students nurtured in a well-rounded learning environment that blends the best of both worlds – local values with a global outlook," the website pointed out.

It further stated: “Combining an inquisitive teaching approach and future-focused skillset delivery, it will work hand-in-hand with the community to nurture students to become independent and empathetic learners.”

The core values aim to foster future-ready graduates driven by pride and tolerance.

Khalid Al Tayer, chairman of Taaleem, said: "Taaleem is a locally founded company whose roots are in the region; its vision at its inception was to be the most respected provider of early childhood, primary and secondary education in the Gulf region. Over the past 15 years of operation, we believe that we have come a long way to achieving this aim and that this agreement marks a milestone in achieving our goal."

Two branches

"This will be achieved through an American education that is rooted in Emirati culture; we pledge that cultural preservation will be at the heart of these Schools. Through Taaleem’s extensive experience of education enhancement and school improvement, we will continuously evaluate and improve these Schools to ensure that they are recognised as the cornerstones of the communities that they serve. We sincerely look forward to welcoming families and students to the Dubai Schools located in Mirdif and Al Barsha in the next academic year," he added.

Alan Williamson, CEO of Taaleem, pointed out: "The US curriculum and school’s ethos will promote global citizenship and, whilst recognising the international profile of the school, will embed a strong focus upon the local Emirati culture and heritage to uphold the traditions of the Emirates and preserve Arabic and Islamic culture."

"The response to the launch has been exceptional with over 400 immediate expressions of interest in joining this groundbreaking initiative. We are wholeheartedly committed to exceeding current benchmark educational standards through continuous self-evaluation leading to ever improved and maximized outcomes for our students across both these new schools."

Earlier, the Executive Council of Dubai (TEC) had invited private sector school operators to manage “a number of schools” from the following academic year based on a ‘Public Private Partnership’ model.

The advertisement had invited school operators to submit an ‘Expression of Interest’ to prequalify bidders for further stages in the project..

This announcement had followed the launch of a dozen “charter schools” for Emiratis in Abu Dhabi earlier.

It had then offered a “third educational model” (the first two models being public and private education).

These institutions are government-owned but run by three leading educational providers – Aldar Education, Bloom Education and Taaleem.

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