Entertainment
11,000 private school seats by 2015-16
11,000 more seats in Abu Dhabi schools by 2015-16 (Wam) / 19 August 2013 To meet the growing demand for private education facilities in the Capital, more than 11,000 school seats, located in very attractive locations for private investors, are due to operate by the academic year 2015-2016. The efforts taken by Abu Dhabi Education Council’s (Adec’s) will see the new seats open up in areas including Khalifa A, Al Wathba and Al Fallah. This is the second land Request for Proposal (RfP) to be issued by Adec’s Private Schools and Quality Assurance (PSQA) sector, which offers a huge opportunity for an establishment and operating of a long-term school building. The new schools will offer the most demanded curriculum’s in the private school sector, namely: Indian, American, British and Ministry of Education curriculums. “One of the main pillars of Adec’s strategy for developing education in Abu Dhabi is to provide equal opportunities for all students to enjoy quality education at an affordable cost. This land RfP is part of Adec’s plan to cope with the annual demand and increase of five per cent for more private schools across the emirate. We will continue to work on attracting and supporting committed investors in order to help build new private schools in order to achieve Adec’s vision,” said, Adec’s PSQA executive director Engineer Hamad Al Dhaheri. He added: “Providing this land RfP is part of Adec’s strategy plan to offer high quality affordable education across the private school sector and to increase the supply of school seats in populous areas in Abu Dhabi. For that reason, Adec is reaching out to qualified investors on a local, federal and regional level, who have excellent educational experience, strong financial capabilities and a proven record of managing schools.” In order to ease the process for committed investors, Adec’s PSQA sector will provide all the incentives and support, from business development expertise to obtaining the necessary licences and approvals from the government entities. When asked why the new land plots are located in Khalifa A, Al Wathba and Al Fallah, Engineer Al Dhaheri explained that there are no more lands available in the city. “The island of Abu Dhabi is saturated; in addition these areas are growing by the day and are attractive for many families who chose to relocate there. In addition to the fact that they become not far out from the island of Abu Dhabi at all.” “Currently there is a demand to provide 201,744 private schools seats and supply is 175,441. By the 2015/2016 academic school year we expect this demand to rise to 225,521”, said Engineer Tareq Al Ameri, Business Development Division Manager for PSQA. Once applications for the land RfP are submitted by committed investors who prove to have a strong track record of handling long-term school projects, Adec will provide them with a fast-track service to help obtain the necessary approvals to get started in constructing their schools. Further details for potential investors will be released in an advertisement, which is expected to be published in September. Continue reading
Egypt’s El Sisi thanks UAE for its support
Egypt’s El Sisi thanks UAE for its support (Wam) / 19 August 2013 General Abdel Fattah El Sisi, First Deputy Prime Minister, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and Minister of Defence and Military Production of Egypt, has hailed the support of the UAE to Egypt. He also commended Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Jordan and Bahrain for their support. In a live speech on Sunday, General El Sisi reiterated that the Egyptian people would not forget the backing from those countries. He noted that the Egyptian people have a free will to elect whom they want to rule them, adding that the armed forces and police will safeguard the right of people to elect their leaders. “The higher national interest necessitates putting the interest of Egypt and its security above all”. El Sisi added, “Whether army or police, we are loyal to Egypt. We will not betray it. The procedures we have undertaken are transparent and clear because they reflect full understanding about the repercussions of events on the national security.” He added that the call he made for the Egyptian people to mandate the armed forces to deal with the terrorism, was a message to the world, which denied the freedom of millions of Egyptians and their ardent interest for change. “The size of political, economic and security challenges being experienced by Egypt may be large than the ability of Egypt as a state, but not larger compared to the ability of Egyptians as people, because Egypt is a trust for all people of Egypt. Therefore, as army and police, we will protect that trust,” General El Sisi said. Continue reading
Abu Dhabi airport to get VIP terminal
Abu Dhabi airport to get VIP terminal (Wam) / 19 August 2013 A VIP terminal is set to open at Abu Dhabi International Airport in the coming months, and whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, the luxury surroundings, private drop off area and dedicated team of staff will be on hand to ensure a relaxing start to your trip. As part of its Capacity Enhancement Programme (CEP) and in line with its ambition to provide a world class travel experience, Abu Dhabi Airports Company will open the VIP terminal which will be available to all interested travellers. The terminal will be operated by National Aviation Services (NAS), an internationally recognised aviation services provider, which also provides Golden Class services in Terminals 1 and 3. Through the VIP terminal, passengers will experience a unique personalised service ensuring completion of all travel procedures in the fastest manner possible while enjoying a range of services within the private terminal. Scheduled to open its doors in the 4th quarter of 2013, the VIP terminal will be available to all passengers flying to and from Abu Dhabi International Airport at a pre-set fee, and will offer added privacy, convenience and luxury — a completely new proposition. The terminal will have its own facilities, separate from those of Terminals 1 and 3, which include a dedicated drop off area, with a new road being built specially to accommodate it, and will also provide separate immigration, police and baggage handling services to its passengers. Chief Commercial Officer at Abu Dhabi International Airport Mohammed Al Bulooki, said: “Abu Dhabi Airports Company is committed to providing the best services to airlines and passengers despite the existing capacity challenges. In 2012, the airport saw an 18.9 per cent growth in passenger traffic compared with 2011; and, with the strong growth registered to date this year, traffic in the upcoming years is expected to follow the same if not an increased growth trend.” He added that the new VIP terminal, spanning 924 square feet, will add to the handling capacity of the airport, accommodating the foreseen growth. Guests using the new terminal will be welcomed and escorted by a special services NAS agent to facilitate check-in, baggage and immigration procedures, as well as escort guests to and from the aircraft directly utilising a limousine service. NAS’s chief executive officer Hassan El Houry said: “NAS is proud to partner with Abu Dhabi Airports Company once again in our mutual endeavour to offer passengers world class luxury and a unique travel experience. The VIP Terminal will…provide style and sophistication for travellers, on par with the best airports in the world. With its seamless immigration and baggage handling services, and private limousine services directly to and from the aircraft, the VIP Terminal is set to take “travel in style” to the next level.” Continue reading
