Emaar's educational ventures strengthened by international accreditations

Raffles International School, Umm Suqeim South Campus, one of the first Emaar's educational institutions in Dubai, was awarded the International Centre status by University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE), and Emaar International School (EIS) in Singapore has joined the fraternity of International Baccalaureate (IB) World Schools.

These world-class accreditations confirm Emaar Education's place in the top league of international education and its commitment to professional development of teachers. Emaar has already opened schools in Singapore and Dubai, and plans to open world-class educational institutions in key markets in the Middle East and North Africa, the Indian Subcontinent and Asia. The first Emaar Education venture in India will open in July 2008.

Following the certification to IB World School, EIS is now authorized to offer the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP), a comprehensive and challenging two-year pre-university course that covers a wide range of academic subjects. Demanding the best from teachers and students, the IBDP has benefited over half a million students in 119 countries since its inception in 1968.

The International Centre status for Raffles International School in Umm Suqeim authorizes the institution to offer internationally recognised qualifications including Cambridge's International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and the A/AS Level. Offering a broad range of qualifications created for an international audience, CIE qualifications are taken in 150 countries and recognised by universities, educational providers and employers across the world. It is also the world's largest provider of international qualifications for 14- to 19-year-olds.

Mr Boon Yew Ng, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Education LLC, said:

"The Cambridge International Centre (CIC) status for Raffles International School Umm Suqeim South Campus and EIS joining the IB World Schools fraternity reiterate Emaar Education's commitment to deliver the best educational options to students. These accreditations reaffirm the leading position enjoyed by Emaar Education's institutions in Dubai and Singapore."

He added: "While the CIC status enables us to further extend our service and offer world-class educational standards to the local community, achieving the IB World School status highlights our commitment to attain excellence by striving to provide each student with opportunities to reach their full potential. The accreditations help us offer a holistic, challenging and supportive learning environment that prepares students for a responsible role as global citizens in a multicultural world."

The IB Diploma Programme and CIE qualifications are recognised by universities globally for their effectiveness in preparing students to debate real-world issues and demonstrate leadership qualities. The accreditations also enable Emaar Education to have a rich platform of educational expertise that helps in furthering its expertise and knowledge base.

Highlighting the true value differential, for example, is the Theory of Knowledge concept in IB Schools - an internally and externally assessed interdisciplinary component that explores different concepts of knowledge in six subjects, which students are to study simultaneously. The IBDP also includes external essays and 150 hours of practice in Creativity, Action, and Service (CAS) within the local community.

Mr Boon Yew Ng added: "Emaar Education's institutions adopt a distinctive approach to education by focusing on the holistic development of children. This integrated model of education complemented by international recognitions enables us to redefine the approach to education and bring truly international standards to Dubai and Singapore."

Emaar Education, the education subsidiary of Emaar Properties PJSC, runs five schools and nurseries in Dubai, one school in Singapore, one school to open in July in India and plans to open several new institutions in the region. The schools offer three different internationally-renowned curricula: American High School Diploma, International Baccalaureate Diploma and Cambridge University's International General Certificate of Education - Advanced Level.

Emaar Education is set to open more schools in Dubai shortly. Several nurseries will also be built and operated within Emaar's master-planned communities. Emaar's expansion into education is in line with its Vision 2010 to become one of the most valuable companies in the world.