Tag Archives: education
Mohammed among 15 most renowned world political figures on ‘Twitter’
Mohammed among 15 most renowned world political figures on ‘Twitter’ 6 July 2013 His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, came in the thirteenth place on the list of the 15 most renowned political figures on the social networking site “Twitter”, gaining 1.88 million followers of his personal page on the site. US President Barak Obama topped the list with 33.6 million followers. Continue reading
July 4th special: Experiencing US flavour
July 4th special: Experiencing US flavour Sarah Young / 6 July 2013 A mechanical bull, Creedance Clearwater Revival, and plenty of red, white and blue confetti helped the American community in Dubai celebrate the 237th anniversary of their country’s independence, as trade relations with the UAE continue to grow. Consulate General of the USA political-economic station chief Tanya Spencer said the 4th of July event, attended by about 600 people, not only marked the US declaration of independence, but also the success of the American business community in the UAE. Trade value figures were up 33 per cent year-to-date, compared with the January to May period last year, and this was on top of a record-breaking performance last year, she said. “Where economic ties are, others are sure to follow.” Council president Ramsey Jurdi said the US was increasingly focusing on exports, as traditionally about 90 per cent of US companies had focused on the home market. Last year, US companies exported products worth more than $22.5 billion to the UAE, while in early 2013 UAE exports to the US increased by 40 per cent. Jurdi said council membership, sitting at more than 500, was steadily growing following a slight dip during recession, and it was estimated there were about 900 US businesses operating in the UAE. This was the largest gathering of US citizens during the year. “It’s about tradition … it’s nice when you get that flavour of home here in Dubai.” Karam Noufal, who came to Dubai from Chicago two years ago, said the event was important to ensure his children kept their ‘bond’ with the US. “It’s good to belong to somewhere. “It’s fun for the kids and they can get to know their culture.” Arabian Gas general manager Robinson Leiva attended with his wife Alejandra Sanchez, and their three children, two of whom are studying in the US. Leiva said it was a big deal for the family, who came to Dubai two years ago from Florida, but were originally from Chile, “because we are (US) citizens by choice.” “It’s about family time really. Our kids are visiting and we don’t see them that often.” Kevin Crosby, from Missouri, said the principles behind the celebration were still relevant. “Lots of folks in this part of the world are looking for something different, the same idea our founding fathers had in mind. They’re definitely trying to find their own voice.” The dinner, held at the Meydan Hotel, featured entertainment from the Yale Whiffenpoofs, America’s oldest collegiate a cappella group, who were in Dubai as part of a 26-nation tour. sarah@khaleejtimes.com Continue reading
Prestigious Indian school to open in Abu Dhabi
Prestigious Indian school to open in Abu Dhabi Olivia Olarte-Ulherr / 6 July 2013 India’s prestigious Mayoor School in Ajmer is opening branch at Al Wathba to serve the middle to upper class Indian families in the Capital. Known as the ‘Eton of India’, Mayoor Private School Abu Dhabi will open its doors in April 2014 to over 1,500 students from Kindergarten to Grade 7 for the first phase. It will follow the CBSE curriculum. Construction of the school started this month and is expected to be completed by mid-March next year. Phase 2 includes the high school building and is slated to be completed by September. Artist’s impression of the Mayoor Private School Abu Dhabi which will open in April 2014. — Supplied photo The Abu Dhabi branch, which will be operated by Taalem National Private Education and Facilities Management Company, will follow the century-old tradition of the Mayo College General Council in providing quality learner-centred education. “The school board is known to many Indians and I know this school has graduated elite and famous people in India. It has the highest standard and does not compromise whatsoever on education,” said Abduljabbar Alsayegh, chairman of Taalem. According to Alsayegh, education-wise, the Mayoor Private School will rival some of the top schools in the emirate. However, fees will be lower by 50 to 60 per cent. “The fees will be between Dh12,000 and Dh20,000 annually depending on the year. Middle and upper class Indian families will be able to afford. We’re not here to make money, it will be a while before we break even,” Alsayegh told Khaleej Times. Admission to the school will be stringent. Students will have to prove their academic competence, undergo an interview and pass the entrance exam. With state-of-the-art infrastructure, Mayoor School will offer multi-media platforms in all classrooms with interactive whiteboards and tablets. Facilities include art and music studios, learning resource rooms, laboratories and IT suites, a 1000-capacity multi-purpose auditorium and gymnasium, swimming pool, two lawn tennis and basketball courts, cricket practice pitches and a five-a-side soccer playing field. The opening of Mayoor Private School will offer relief to the perennial shortage of places at Indian schools every year. There are currently about 18 Indian schools in the Abu Dhabi island, all of which are running at full capacity. The shortages were primarily caused by more expat students entering school age and Indian families moving to the emirate, creating additional demand. This year’s dilemma was exacerbated by the closure of villa schools. Mayoor will be the second Indian school to open in Al Wathba next academic year. The Abu Dhabi Indian School (ADIS) branch is also expected to help meet the demand for more places at CBSE schools. olivia@khaleejtimes.com Continue reading
