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British Council to Relocate to Original Dubai Premises
DUBAI - The British Council is set to re-locate to its former premises, in the heart of Dubai, by May from its present Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) address.
- PUBLISHED: Sat 21 Feb 2009, 1:29 AM UPDATED: Tue 7 Nov 2023, 3:17 PM
The new building close to the Maktoum Bridge promises to showcase the 'best of British design in the middle of Dubai'.
“We hope to be operational in the premises by the summer. The project is part of the British Council's long term commitment to the UAE. It is designed to be as flexible as possible and we can use it for all our different activities. The building provides a link with British culture and cultural relations is at the heart of what we do,” said Alison Devine, Deputy Director of British Council, UAE and Regional Manager Education UK of British Council, Middle East. The Council is expected to move by May.
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However the exact date would be set only after Dubai Municipality commissions the building once it is complete.
Incidentally, the British Council is celebrating four decades of its existence in Dubai.
“This year is the 40th anniversary of the British Council in Dubai. It is also the 75th anniversary of the British Council in the UK and the 10th anniversary of our Sharjah office. We thought our move would be timely,” said Alison Devine.
Full services will resume at the site close to Maktoum Bridge.
“We will continue to work with partners in Dubai International Academic City. The finer details are currently being worked out,” added Devine.
The Council's refurbished building aims at delivering a more modern, purpose-built environment for work, learning and cultural relations. Energy-efficient measures have been integrated into the design.
“The building is eco-friendly and demonstrates our commitment to the environment,” said Katie Butler, Regional Premises Project Manager in the Middle East.
The redevelopment is a part of the Council's strategy to expand and strengthen its work with partners in Dubai and the region and promote greater mutual understanding, create educational opportunities and enhance cultural relations between the UK and the emirate.
The relocation move is expected to bring cheer to a number of residents, particularly students, who visit the Council for a host of services that include education advice, scholarship information, reference materials, language training and writing a number of examinations.
