DSOA and GEMS to establish first of a kind innovative Smart School

This unique partnership marks the first such collaboration between a Dubai government initiative and the GEMS network.

The GEMS-DSO Smart School, located within the region's premier integrated innovations hub for high-tech industries, is scheduled to open in September 2008 and is expected to provide students with the opportunity to experience emerging technologies first hand, provide the regional IT community with opportunities for collaboration, and develop a skilled pool of talent; thus laying the groundwork for a fully fledged knowledge economy.

Shahla Ahmed Abdul Razak, Deputy Chief Executive Officer - Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA), said: 'DSOA saves no effort in developing a technology oriented economy based on advanced knowledge, and partnering with GEMS satisfies our objective in contributing to the development of the UAE's knowledge based economy'.

Dubai Silicon Oasis' Education and Technology Department and GEMS will work closely to create an active learning and technology incubation environment in the school.

Commenting on this partnership, Sunny Varkey, Chairman of GEMS network, said: 'The school in DSO builds on the group's tradition of providing education that goes beyond classrooms. In today's highly competitive global economy, knowledge is paramount and technology is the way forward; this is critical for education.'

He added: 'The GEMS-DSO Smart School will align us with the future and with Dubai's aspirations. We envision the DSO School as a major contributor to creating the right pool of talent required to position Dubai as a knowledge economy by 2015, as envisioned in the Dubai Strategic Plan announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai'.

By working side-by-side with schools and universities, Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority seeks to ensure that students are familiarized with the microelectronics industry from an early age. The DSO School is yet another initiative established to produce a resource that can contribute significantly to the UAE's academic excellence and further offer advanced technological infrastructure to students.

The GEMS DSO Smart School will offer state-of-the-art science and technology facilities, including hands-on microelectronics and nanotechnology labs, an on-campus science park, botanical garden and community workspaces; academically robust curriculum and extension opportunities through internships, work-learning programs and accredited courses.

In keeping with the school's forward-looking philosophy, its core building will be environmentally friendly, with alternative energy sources and other green building technologies in use.

GEMS-DSO Smart School will offer the National Curriculum for England to 2,200 students. The IB diploma may also be offered by 2010, subject to approval of the International Baccalaureate Organization.

'GEMS has already appointed an executive principal from the United Kingdom to head the new school, and is in the process of recruiting experienced head teachers and leaders for its primary and secondary sections. All GEMS DSO Smart School teachers will be highly qualified in their specialist areas and internationally experienced', confirmed GEMS.