British Council opens state-of-the-art centre in Dubai

The launch of the state-of-the-art offices comes as the British Council celebrates its 40th anniversary of cultural relations in Dubai and a just a week before the British Council marks its 75th anniversary worldwide.

"We were honoured to have HRH, The Duke of York, inaugurate our new premises today. The British Council headquarters represent an investment that underlines our long-term commitment to our partners, students and staff. Over the past 40 years we have forged strong working relationships in Dubai to make a positive difference to people's lives and build understanding and trust between the Middle East and the UK, and we look forward to doing so for the next 40 years and beyond"

said Paul Sellers, UAE Country Director for the British Council.

The redevelopment project is part of the British Council's strategy to meet the evolving needs and aspirations of the community, providing world class facilities in line with the vision of Dubai. The new British Council Dubai Centre consists of offices and 10 ultra-modern classrooms, equipped with the latest technology and teaching aids.

Sustainability is a key consideration in the office's design, which maximises the effectiveness and efficiency of the space. By providing a structural system with large column-free spans, the internal layout of the building remains flexible, allowing for further future development as occupancy requirements evolve. Insulation levels exceed industry standards and keep the carbon footprint low in line with the British Council's commitment to the environment under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) agenda.

"The site has served us well for almost four decades, and we believe the new development will help us continue to serve the community of Dubai well into the future, and contribute to the vision of the Emirate through British Council projects covering English, education, the arts, social development, and climate change," added Sellers.

The new British Council offices and teaching centre reopen at the Bur Dubai premises after renovation and rebuilding. English teaching classes currently underway will continue at Academic City. Further information on forthcoming activity and class schedules can be found on the British Council website.

The British Council is a worldwide organisation and a global leader in cultural relations, building long-lasting partnerships that give mutual benefit for a more stable world. The British Council is recognised as a world leader in the teaching of English, with access to UK expertise in education and creativity.

Founded in 1934, the British Council works in over 100 countries worldwide to build engagement and trust for the UK through the exchange of knowledge and ideas between people worldwide. Each year British Council engages with over 50m people in the UK and around the world who are looking for creative ideas and skills, experience and partnerships to help them achieve their goals.

Activity in the region is delivered from centres in 13 cities in 8 countries; Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen and is centred on the three programme areas: intercultural dialogue, the UK creative and knowledge economy, and climate change.