3 weeks ago
Dubai Municipality has announced a new planning rules for early childhood centres, enabling the construction of a first floor dedicated to administrative and service use with a building coverage ratio of up to 45 per cent. The initiative forms part of Dubai’s wider effort to enhance its urban planning framework, align with the Dubai Urban Master Plan 2040, and support the emirate’s ongoing commitment to quality educational infrastructure designed to serve future generations. Under the new regulations, centres must allocate one parking space per classroom, one space per 50 square metres of office area, and one dedicated bus space for every three classrooms. Dubai planning rules Buildings must also maintain a setback of at least three metres on all sides. Developed through an extensive planning study conducted in collaboration with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and the Knowledge Fund, the new standard responds to the growing demand from investors and operators seeking to optimise land use and expand capacity while keeping costs stable. Eng. Nasser BuShehab, CEO of the Planning and Governance Sector at Dubai Municipality, said: “The new planning standard for early childhood centres was developed after a thorough study to enhance our services in line with […]
4 weeks ago
The University of Technology Bahrain (UTB) brought together global leaders, policymakers, corporate executives, and academics for a two-day conference on 14 and 15 October. Key developments were addressed at the International Conference on Smart Innovations in Management, Digital Transformation, and Emerging Technologies (SIMDTE 2025). The University was joined by HE Dr Diana Abdulkarim Aljahrami, Secretary General of the Higher Education Council, who highlighted the Kingdom’s focus on applied research and practical solutions – efforts that support Bahrain’s national mission of empowering its citizens to be at the forefront of global excellence. The dialogue revolved around the biggest topics in the technology space today: digital finance, artificial intelligence, sustainability, e-commerce, and innovation. Dr Aljahrami further stated that innovation is not an option – it is a necessity for resilience, sustainability, and growth. She commended UTB for pioneering the SIMDTE platform, which fosters dialogue and collaboration towards digital transformation across finance, technology, and business sectors. Leadership Insights Dr Hasan Almulla, President of UTB, noted that SIMDTE is not merely an academic gathering but a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, dialogue, and cross-sector partnerships. “UTB is committed to contributing to Bahrain’s emergence as a hub for digital transformation and sustainable development by nurturing […]
4 weeks ago
The Ministry of Education has referred four private educational institutions to the Public Prosecution after inspections confirmed they were receiving children and conducting educational activities without obtaining the required licenses. The action follows the ministry’s supervisory and regulatory mandate over educational establishments and is based on findings from field inspection teams. The Ministry of Education emphasized that it will take strict measures against any institution found to be providing educational services or related activities without fulfilling all legal and regulatory requirements outlined in the applicable laws, regulations, and approved guidelines.
4 weeks ago
Private schools face fines up to BD100,000 and closure under a draft law giving the Education Ministry direct sanction powers and requiring prior approval for any curriculum change. The bill has been sent to Parliament and covers all private providers, from nurseries and kindergartens to schools, institutes, learning centres, foreign institutions and community schools. It is framed as an update to the rules for the sector to raise teaching quality and care. The ministry would be able to act without going to court, using a stepped approach to penalties and moving at once where a breach may harm children or students. Sanctions range from a written warning and publicising the breach at the institution’s expense to suspending some services without interrupting lessons. Removal The ministry could recommend the removal of administrative, technical or teaching staff, levy fines up to BD100,000, place an institution under its management for six months (renewable) with a temporary manager, order a temporary closure of up to ten working days (renewable), or cancel the licence. If activity is halted or a licence is cancelled, the institution must give parents time to move pupils and pay the transfer costs. Criminal penalties would apply in the gravest cases: […]
1 month ago
Arguing that preventable and chronic diseases can be ratcheted back through diet, nutritional health and lifestyle choices, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has directed medical programs to embed nutrition education into curricula and testing. “Every future physician should master the language of prevention before they even touch a stethoscope,” he said in announcing the initiative recently. “In the future, doctors won’t just prescribe drugs, they’ll be able to prescribe diets as well.” The directive comes as the Department of Health and Human Services works to develop updated U.S. dietary guidelines, expected to be released by December. The Health Department, along with the Department of Education, has tasked all medical programs across the nation with adding nutrition education into curricula, medical licensing exams, residency requirements, and board certification, according to a news release. Kennedy, in a video announcing the development, said poor nutrition takes over one million American lives per year through “diet-related illnesses.” He wrote in a Wall Street Journal op-ed that nothing is being done to address this. “Accrediting bodies and medical organizations look the other way, declining to set clear requirements. We train physicians to wield the latest surgical tools, but not to guide patients on how to stay out of the operating room […]
1 month ago
The Bahraini government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the localization of teaching positions in private schools, particularly in Arabic language, Islamic education, and social studies, in response to a recent parliamentary proposal. Highlighting its approach, the government noted that 80% of fees collected from foreign worker permits are channeled through the Tamkeen Labor Fund to bolster Bahraini employment in the private sector and create new opportunities for citizens. Authorities are actively working to attract academically and professionally qualified Bahraini educators, supplying private schools with lists of qualified local teachers and encouraging them to prioritize citizen hires. As part of this strategy, the government pointed to the success of the professional teaching program offered by the Bahrain Teachers College, which has significantly increased the number of Bahrainis employed in private schools. In 2024 alone, over 600 Bahraini teachers were appointed-a marked increase compared to previous years. The government emphasized that it shares the objectives of the parliamentary proposal and is committed to achieving them through targeted training programs, educational certifications, and initiatives designed to support citizens in the private education sector. Cooperation with the Council of Representatives remains a key part of ensuring these efforts serve the best interests of […]
1 month ago
The government has announced that a BD500 fee will be charged for each foreign-worker permit if private schools fail to meet Bahrainisation quotas. The move supports the localization of Arabic, Islamic, and social studies teachers, while directing 80% of foreign labor fees through Tamkeen to bolster national employment. In a reply to Parliament, the government stated that private schools are provided with lists of qualified Bahraini teachers and are urged to prioritize hiring nationals. Hiring:The 80% share of fees paid for expat labor is routed through the Labour Fund Tamkeen to support hiring in the private sector. The government also highlighted that national teaching capacity is being strengthened through the teacher apprenticeship program at Bahrain Teachers College, with more than 600 Bahrainis employed by private schools in 2024, marking an increase from previous years The policy aims to align education outcomes with labor-market needs, encouraging employers to prioritize Bahraini hires. Training and Certification:Efforts are underway with relevant authorities to expand training pathways and the necessary certificates required to teach in private schools. Bahrainisation quotas apply across sectors, including private education, and vary according to the level of interest among Bahrainis in available roles. Where an establishment falls short of its […]
1 month ago
Abu Dhabi parents now have access to a wider range of early education options following the opening of seven new nurseries and two new private schools licensed by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK). The expansion adds 4,539 new seats across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra, creating more opportunities for families seeking high-quality early childhood and private education. The new institutions bring the total to 233 nurseries and 220 private schools across the emirate. ADEK said the expansion reflects its commitment to providing nurturing environments that support cognitive, social, and emotional development in early childhood, and high-quality education that encourages academic excellence, creativity, and personal growth at the school level. New nurseries and fees The seven new nurseries licensed by ADEK include: Nursery name Location Average annual fee Chubby Cheeks Nursery Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi AED43,500 ($11,850) Kids Fantasy Nursery Madinat Zayed, Abu Dhabi AED27,000 ($7,350) Aflaj Nursery – Abu Dhabi Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi AED47,896 ($13,040) Baynounah Nurseries Al Hisn, Abu Dhabi AED27,000 ($7,350) Kids Academy Nursery Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi AED40,000 ($10,900) Redwood Nursery Mohamed Bin Zayed City, Abu Dhabi AED51,375 ($14,000) Redwood Nursery Yas Island, Abu Dhabi AED51,375 ($14,000) New private schools […]
1 month ago
Delhi school teachers will undergo a hands-on training to integrate AI tools in their classrooms. The move is aimed at providing teachers an opportunity to personalize learning and make assessments more meaningful. In a circular released by the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), Delhi, the body said that its new move is aimed to empower teachers with the necessary knowledge, skills, and tools to effectively use AI to deliver personalized learning, innovative pedagogy, and meaningful assessments. Under the project, 50 government schools across Delhi have been identified and recommended by the Directorate of Education, from which two computer teachers from each of them have been randomly selected to undergo the training. The new initiative will also help teachers with handling non-teaching tasks like creating PowerPoint presentations, generating ideas for extracurricular activities, and editing photos, news agency PTI reported, citing an official. In the first phase, 100 Computer Science teachers from the 50 schools will receive the training in a two-day program to be held on October 8 and October 9. ”Once trained, these 100 teachers will serve as master trainers and will guide other teachers on effectively using AI tools,” the official was quoted as saying by […]
1 month ago
Dubai, United Arab Emirates – 6th October 2025 – For World Teachers’ Day Warner Bros. Discovery came hand in hand with the Dubai Autism Centre to celebrate the extraordinary work of teachers who play a vital role in supporting and empowering students every day. As part of the partnership, Warner Bros. Discovery hosted an engaging arts and crafts activity at Dubai Autism Centre, where students created heartfelt cards for their teachers alongside thoughtful tokens of appreciation inspired by the series The Wonderfully Weird World of Gumball and other beloved Cartoon Network shows, making the day a truly meaningful and memorable celebration. The initiative highlighted the unwavering dedication of the centre’s educators, whose compassion and commitment make a profound difference in the lives of children with autism. By partnering with the Dubai Autism Centre, Warner Bros. Discovery emphasized the importance of recognizing teachers as everyday heroes and reinforcing the value of education within the community. Through partnerships like this, Warner Bros. Discovery continues to support community driven initiatives that recognize the people and values shaping a brighter future. Also read: Dubai to Roll Out 100 Ev Chargers Across Malls, Communities and Leisure Spots