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More private schools needed in Abu Dhabi, three schools to open in 2016

The Abu Dhabi Education Council (Adec) hosted its second Private Education Investment Forum aimed to help create better education opportunities.

Dr Amal Al Qubaisi, Director-General of Adec, said: “This forum is in keeping with Adec’s focus on improving the quality of learning outcomes, providing all students with the best educational opportunities, and promoting our national identity.”

During the event, Adec announced the allocation of three plots to build an American curriculum school and a British curriculum school in Khalifa City A, and a Ministry of Education curriculum school in Al Falah area. The three private schools, set to open in academic year 2016-2017, will create nearly 8,000 school seats.

With 185 private schools across Abu Dhabi, the sector caters to 33.8 per cent of Emirati students.

The event is part of Adec’s efforts to facilitate the opening of new private schools in order to keep up with the growing demand. “Efforts should be made to provide an appropriate environment and offer facilitation and support in order to attract high quality operators to the emirate and expand existing schools,” she pointed out.

She indicated the provision of investment opportunities and new solutions would encourage investors to create socio-economic structures in accordance with the highest international standards.

Prominent operators showcased their academic expertise and presented case studies on the financing private schools and solutions to related problems.

Hamad Al Dhaheri, Adec’s Executive Director of Private Schools and Quality Assurance (PSQA), said: “Since private schools accommodate 62 per cent of the total number of P-12 students in the emirate, PSQA seeks to support the development of private education sector and secure sustainable investment in high quality education and creating additional seats.”

Adec is implementing a number of initiatives for supporting private schools, including allocation of land and issuance of licences for new private schools.

muaz@khaleejtimes.com