Temporary move for British Council Dubai as it invests in its long term future

All operations will move temporarily to Academic City on 9 December while the work is carried out.

The redevelopment of the British Council's site close to Maktoum Bridge will deliver a more modern, purpose-built environment for work, learning and cultural relations.

From Sunday 9 December the British Council will be temporarily located in a designated block of Dubai English Speaking College in Academic City. All English classes, project work and customer services, will run from the Academic City site, and examinations will continue as scheduled.

Measures are being put in place to ensure that customers and public are fully informed and any inconvenience is kept to a minimum. The British Council is likely to be at the Academic City site for up to one year.

This redevelopment project is an integral part of the British 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.

New premises will be built on the British Council's current site near Maktoum Bridge to meet the evolving needs and aspirations of the community, with first class facilities appropriate for Dubai. Energy-efficient measures such as a 'rock store' air conditioning system, which uses rocks buried underground to help cool the building during the day, have been integrated into the design in keeping with the British Council's 'green' agenda.

Paul Sellers, UAE Country Director said: 'This investment underlines our long-term commitment to our existing - and future - partners, students and staff in Dubai.

'We have forged strong relationships with our partners in Dubai over the years and look forward to strengthening those bonds and expanding our reach in the Emirate.

'While this redevelopment work is going on, Academic City provides our teaching and examinations centre with all the facilities they need to continue the high standard of teaching that our students have come to expect from the British Council.

'Our current students are being kept up-to-date with arrangements for the temporary move and registration for the next term of adult English language courses beginning on Sunday 9 December will take place between Tuesday 4 - Thursday 6 December at the current Maktoum Bridge site.

'We will continue to keep all our customers informed as the building project progresses and aim to move back into our new premises by late 2008.'

Rob Lynes, British Council Regional Director for the Middle East said: 'The redevelopment project will ensure that we have the right infrastructure in Dubai to cost-effectively support our partners and help them achieve their objectives, provide the right environment for our students to fulfil their learning ambitions and the right working environment for our staff.'