Dubai: New centre for children with special needs opens in Al Barsha

Parents in Dubai can now access a dedicated centre that provides comprehensive developmental support for children with special needs, serving as a one-stop solution for both their educational and occupational requirements.

The Dibber 4’ALL program, at the Dibber Al Barsha South nursery in Dubai represents a significant milestone in Emirati-Norwegian relations and is witnessing an overwhelming demand since its launch this September.

Equipped with a licensed team of teachers and specialists with Dubai Health Authority (DHA) approved credentials, the facility offers services like speech therapy and occupational therapy apart from catering to the educational needs of a child of special needs.

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Inclusive learning environment

The centre creates an inclusive learning environment where children of determination are seamlessly integrated into mainstream education tailored to their unique needs.

Dibber’s CEO for the Mena region, Nahi Rahal said, “In Norway, we have many special needs children integrated into mainstream environments which can be challenging for many. This inspired us to create a specialised facility dedicated to supporting these children. Previously, parents would take their child to a nursery, then to a speech therapy centre, and later to another clinic for occupational or psychological therapy. Our facility here and elsewhere streamlines this process by offering all these services in one location, making it more convenient for parents.”

Each child's journey begins with a comprehensive assessment, guiding tailored recommendations — either within the centre or in a mainstream environment with continued support.

He added, “These children often have complex conditions, such as communication delays and behavioural challenges. Many are in mainstream settings where they struggle, and several are attending centres and clinics we've partnered with. These centres often refer them to us because they recognise the need for a more specialised and supportive environment. Therefore, our centre aims to prepare children for a seamless transition to mainstream settings.”

“Our first classroom, accommodating 10 children, reached full capacity just within two months, leading to a growing waiting list. Plans are underway to open a second classroom, pending the recruitment of qualified teachers.”

High educator-to-student ratio

The programme provides a holistic and enriching educational experience, featuring small classrooms and a high educator-to-student ratio for personalised attention.

“The benefit of having specialised staff in classrooms is that, while working in a group setting, they can address the individual needs of each child, fostering their growth and development. Our student-to-teacher ratio is 3:1, which is notably above the standard. We charge an annual educational fee of Dh40,000, with an additional around Dh40,000 per year to cover therapy services.”

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