Dubai Festival City to develop two international schools to open in 2005

The two schools, of which one will follow the American educational system and the second the British educational system, will be operated by Educational Services Overseas Ltd. (ESOL), which currently operates institutions in Abu Dhabi, Cyprus, Lebanon, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Gaza. The Dubai Festival City deal marks the entry of ESOL, a company specialising in the establishment and management of international schools, into Dubai.

"This is yet another major step in the development of the Dubai Festival City community," said Omar Al-Futtaim, Chief Executive of the Al-Futtaim Group; one of the United Arab Emirates' leading trading companies and the developer of Dubai Festival City.

"With Dubai's rapid development and expanding population, the Al-Futtaim Group recognises the importance of providing top class community services, including high-standards of schooling, to Dubai Festival City residents."

The two institutions will each accommodate 2,500 students from kindergarten to 12th grade and will accept enrolments from September 2004 for the academic year 2005-2006.

Aside from offering high educational standards, with a curriculum focusing equally on practical and theoretical subjects, summer work-experience courses will also be offered to the highest achievers, with students travelling abroad to work with some of the European and Japanese organisations that fall under the Al-Futtaim Group umbrella in the UAE.

"The school curriculum, training courses and the chance of scholarships for individuals to continue their studies at university will enhance the knowledge and practical experience of students in order to produce well-rounded graduates," explained Al-Futtaim. "Our objective will be to help raise the already high standard of education in Dubai and ensure that graduates are well prepared for the workplace."

All areas within the schools, which are being designed by Jeff Benett - an experienced school campus designer with THA, an acclaimed US architecture firm - will also be ready to receive pupils with physical disabilities. Facilities will include a media centre, science and computer labs, studios, music halls, playgrounds, swimming pools, lecture halls and prayer rooms. Each school will also have extensive playgrounds and a running track.

"The ESOL schools at Dubai Festival City will offer students the very best facilities, curriculum and faculty available," said Walid Abu Chakra, Chairman, ESOL. "The presence of experienced teachers and administrators will reassure parents that their children's educational future is in safe hands."

The two new schools will be the first educational establishments at Dubai Festival City. Discussions are already underway for the development of a nursery school to service the needs of the local community.

"Dubai Festival City is creating an environment for people to live, work, rest and play, all in one central location," said Al-Futtaim. "This means important community facilities, like schools and nurseries, cannot be overlooked.

"The standard of education offered at Dubai Festival City will enhance the community and help make it one of the most desirable neighbourhoods in Dubai."