Dubai Private Schools Group formed to further strengthen Dubai's education sector

The new group has been formed by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry as part of its commitment to represent, support and protect the interests of the business community in Dubai.

Membership to the group is open to all private schools in Dubai, and already DPSG has 30 initial members representing over 40% of the total private student population in Dubai schools.

DPSG is instituted in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to establish the city as a premier global knowledge economy hub. Through the Dubai Chamber, the Group will work closely with the Dubai Government to make the city a sought-after global education destination; identify key issues and interface with relevant agencies for policy support to further promote private education.

His Excellency Eng. Hamad Buamim, Director General of the Dubai Chamber, said: "The Dubai Government accords the highest priority to strengthening the education sector, with the private enterprise playing a crucial role in shaping it. Together we will work to further enhance the quality of education provided."

He added: "In addition to serving as a forum for discussion, DPSG will identify key issues and work with the relevant agencies on policy matters. Through its incorporation under Dubai Chamber, we will also help strengthen dialogue with the Government including the Ministry of Education and Knowledge & Human Development Authority."

A General Assembly of DPSG members met at the Dubai Chamber and elected an Executive Committee. The newly elected nine-member Executive Committee members are: Brigadier Sharafuddin Al-Sayed M. H Sharaf of Al Mawakeb School (Chairman), Mr Sunny Varkey of GEMS and Mr Adonis Nasr of AMSI (Vice Chairmen); Mr Avi Bhojani of Dubai International Academy (Treasurer); Prof. Ralph Tabberer of GEMS (Secretary). Dr B. R Shetty of Deira Private School; Ms Aparna Varma of Dubai Scholars; Mr Sanjay Mankani of Regent International School; and Mr Abdul Salam Mohammad of Pristine School were elected as Members of the Executive Committee.

Brigadier Sharafuddin Al-Sayed M. H Sharaf, the newly elected Chairman of DPSG, said: "We are thankful to Dubai Chamber for their support in forming DPSG, which reiterates our commitment to further driving the quality of education of students in Dubai from different economic backgrounds. We are also committed to supporting institutions catering for students with special needs through donations and other support mechanisms."

DPSG will identify and encourage best practices among schools and provide networking opportunities for facilitating information exchange, explained Brigadier Sharafuddin. "DPSG aims to build closer relationships with various curriculum schools and government schools, and work towards strengthening development strategies and education planning for private sector education."

Other projected goals of DPSG include introducing programmes that help curriculum design and teacher training; and promoting socially relevant projects with special emphasis on sustainable development and health education.

DPSG forms one of the 24 specialized and sector-specific business groups functioning under the auspices of Dubai Chamber to support Dubai's growth goals.