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1 month ago
Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, more than 200 outstanding educators from early childhood centres, schools, and universities across the emirate have been granted Golden Visas. The initiative, first announced on World Teachers’ Day 2024, honours educators who have made exceptional contributions to learning and society. “Teachers and educators light the way forward. They inspire, guide, and equip our children with the skills to succeed. On World Teachers’ Day, we reaffirm that supporting them is one of the best investments in Dubai’s future,” Sheikh Hamdan said. By awarding Golden Visas, he added, Dubai is recognising the values of knowledge, integrity, and service, while ensuring schools remain places where the next generation can thrive. Selection and results In the first round, 435 applications were received, of which 223 educators (51%) were selected. Evaluations were based on qualifications, achievements, contributions to education and society, and positive feedback from students and parents. Demographic factors such as nationality, gender, or years of experience were excluded to ensure fairness. Of the visas awarded, 157 went to school staff, 60 […]
2 months ago
Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah announced on Monday that the Riyadh University of Arts will be opened in the near future. “The university aims to cultivate talent and creativity within the cultural sector and aspires to be among the top 50 international universities specializing in the creative arts,” the minister said while inaugurating the Cultural Investment Conference 2025 at the King Fahd Cultural Center in Riyadh on Monday. The Riyadh University of Arts seeks to be a leader in creative education through partnerships with leading international academic institutions in the cultural fields. It will also offer scholarships for talented individuals in the arts. The university will release full details of its programs in the first quarter of 2026. Located in the Arqah district of Riyadh, the university will comprise 13 colleges, covering a wide range of disciplines, including film, music, cultural management, visual arts, photography, culinary arts, and heritage studies. The first phase of its programs will be launched under three initial colleges: the College of Theatre and Performing Arts, the College of Music, and the College of Film. Prince Badr emphasized that the cultural sector has undergone a historic transformation, evolving into a key economic driver […]
2 months ago
The Indian School Bahrain (ISB) has taken a major step towards embracing the future of education with the upcoming launch of its smart classroom project, designed to enhance both learning and safety across its Isa Town and Riffa campuses. Approximately valued at BD400,000, this landmark initiative will see the installation of interactive digital smartboards and a comprehensive CCTV network in all classrooms, libraries and laboratories, benefiting approximately 12,000 students. As part of the collaboration, Zain Business will provide not only the latest Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Extra-Low Voltage (ELV) solutions but also the required software licenses to ensure the smooth implementation of the initiative. Through this collaboration, the school will modernise its teaching and learning infrastructure by equipping 350 classrooms across its Isa Town and Junior campuses with state-of-the-art digital smartboards. These interactive panels will enable teachers to deliver dynamic and engaging lessons, while the CCTV systems will enhance the overall safety and security of the school environment. Zain Bahrain Chief Communications & Investor Relations Officer, Shaikh Abdulla Khaled Al-Khalifa and Hon. Chairman Adv. Binu Mannil Varughese signed the agreemant in the presence of Hon. Secretary V. Rajapandian, Hon. Vice-Chairman & Hon. Member HSSE and Sports Dr. Mohammed […]
2 months ago
The Saudi Ministry of Education has approved the use of four core phrases to establish voiceprint identification for teachers through its “Hudoori” attendance app, aiming to modernize and secure staff check-ins and check-outs. Under the system, each teacher is required to record the four phrases in advance, creating a stored voiceprint. When clocking in or out, the app randomly selects one of the phrases, which the teacher must repeat. The recording is then matched against the saved sample to verify identity and confirm attendance. Among the chosen phrases are: “Unity is strength… together we will achieve great things,”“Welcome to your second home, we wish you a happy day,”“The secret of success is always moving forward,” and “Alone you accomplish little… together we create miracles.” The ministry said the app integrates Internet of Things (IoT) technology and biometric identifiers to streamline workforce management, allowing thousands of staff to log attendance within seconds using only their smartphones. Beyond voiceprint, the system also supports facial recognition and fingerprint scanning, providing multiple layers of verification. Explaining the registration process, the ministry noted that teachers are prompted to read the phrases clearly in a quiet setting when pressing the recording button. The app displays the text of each phrase, the recording […]
2 months ago
Both India and China, the two biggest source countries for international students in the United States, saw a drop in the number of F-1 visas issued in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period one year before. India, which has taken the lead since 2021 as the country receiving the most F-1 visas, saw a particularly large decline, falling from 25,990 visas to 14,697 – down 43.5 percent. China meanwhile saw a drop from 14,709 issuance to 11,167, or a decrease of 24.1 percent. The change comes as the U.S. is tightening its immigration restrictions and expanding its social media checks, with visa appointments canceled at embassies and consulates around the world. The U.S. State Department stated in May that it will “revise visa criteria to enhance scrutiny of all future visa applications from the People’s Republic of China and Hong Kong.” At the same time, it said it will “aggressively revoke visas for Chinese students, including those with connections to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields.” As Statista’s Anna Fleck shows in the following chart, Chinese F-1 visa issuances last saw a significant drop in 2021, when the number fell from 13,652 to just 1,895. Waning interest from Chinese […]
2 months ago
The American University of Bahrain (AUBH) has unveiled two new undergraduate degree programs – Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering and Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence – following official approval by the Higher Education Council in Bahrain. These programs are set to welcome their inaugural cohorts in September 2025, marking a significant milestone in the university’s academic development strategy. The introduction of these programs responds directly to the surging global need for professionals in software engineering and artificial intelligence. As software systems become deeply embedded across all sectors, there is a growing demand for proficient engineers capable of designing, building, and managing complex digital solutions. Simultaneously, the field of data science and AI is expanding rapidly, requiring professionals adept at extracting actionable insights from complex data and leveraging advanced computational techniques to solve real-world problems. The Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering is designed to provide a rigorous foundation in key areas such as programming languages, software architecture and design, algorithms, database systems, software testing, cloud computing and DevOps, and quality assurance. The program places a strong emphasis on hands-on experience and innovation, equipping students to thrive in dynamic and interdisciplinary environments. Graduates will be prepared […]
2 months ago
Saudi Arabia has approved a major educational initiative that will bring leading British institutions to the Kingdom, Arabic news Ajel 24 reported. The programme includes licensing nine British schools nationwide to offer internationally accredited curricula for both Saudi and expatriate students. In addition, two British universities have received approval to open branches in the Kingdom, signalling a significant expansion of higher education opportunities and fostering academic exchange. As part of the initiative, Saudi Arabia will also establish its first international British nursing college, aimed at strengthening healthcare education and preparing a new generation of professionals to meet growing sector demand. While the American curriculum remains the most popular among students, officials said the move responds to rising demand for British education, particularly in Riyadh, driven by the Kingdom’s growing expatriate population. The partnerships reflect Saudi Arabia’s commitment to raising educational standards, diversifying learning opportunities, and aligning academic pathways with global benchmarks. The initiative is viewed as a key milestone in Vision 2030, which aims to build human capital and a knowledge-based economy. According to the latest Saudi census, the Kingdom’s expatriate population reached 13.38 million in 2022, representing 41.6 percent of the total 32.2 million residents, with Britons from the UK and Ireland accounting […]
2 months ago
Gulf Insider’s Bahrain Education Awards has returned for the fourth time. This first-of-its-kind annual initiative celebrates remarkable stories of innovation across the Kingdom’s education space. The Awards, under the umbrella of Gulf Insider’s Education_BH: Innovation and Excellence campaign, recognise institutions and educators who are pushing boundaries, experimenting with new approaches, and putting the needs of learners at the centre of everything they do. Since its first instalment in 2022, the campaign has created a vital platform where stakeholders in the education space can connect, learn, and share best practices whilst receiving recognition for their relentless efforts. How it works: The initiative serves as a meeting ground for educators to exchange ideas and showcase innovations, whilst helping parents and teachers stay informed about the exciting developments happening across the Kingdom’s education landscape. The initiative recognises that true educational innovation isn’t just about adopting the latest technology or following the newest pedagogical trend. It’s about understanding that each learner is unique, that context matters enormously, and that the best education prepares people not just for the jobs of today, but for challenges we can’t yet imagine. Frequently asked: What counts as Educational Innovation? The main idea behind this initiative is to highlight […]
2 months ago
Public and private schools across the UAE have introduced strict guidelines for administering medication to students with chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma and other long-term illnesses. School administrations have asked parents of affected students to provide accurate health information, including the type of prescribed medication and an official medical report on the condition. The aim, officials said, is to ensure a safe and supportive school environment that protects the health of all students. In circulars sent to families, schools underlined their commitment to student safety and well-being, stressing the importance of close cooperation between parents and school staff. They also clarified that medical staff cannot provide healthcare services — except in emergencies — without prior parental consent submitted through official forms. Notification of medical conditions Schools said parents must notify both the administration and school nurse if their child has a chronic illness, providing an updated medical report issued by a specialist healthcare authority. This enables the school to monitor the student’s health during the school day. If a student requires medication during school hours — such as antibiotics, insulin injections or other treatments — parents must submit a medical prescription stating the student’s name, the drug, dosage […]
2 months ago
Oman’s Consumer Protection Authority (CPA) has confiscated 209 school-related items, including bags, pencil cases, and water bottles, for displaying imagery deemed offensive to religious values and public morals, the Arabian Stories reported. The seizures were carried out in the Wilayat of Suwaiq, North Al Batinah, where CPA inspectors targeted local school supply markets. Items featuring skull motifs and other inappropriate symbols were removed from circulation, officials said. “This constitutes a clear violation of the Consumer Protection Law and its Executive Regulation and reflects our ongoing efforts to monitor and follow up on violators,” the CPA said. Judicial control officers led the campaign, which is part of a wider initiative to ensure market compliance and consumer safety. Article 26 of the law’s executive regulation No.77 of 2017 prohibits circulating goods containing content offensive to religions, indecent imagery, or symbols contrary to public morals and customs. Shops found in violation were penalised, and all confiscated items were taken into custody. The authority emphasised that inspections would continue as part of a proactive strategy to ensure safe markets, especially amid rising demand for school supplies ahead of the new academic year. Consumers are encouraged to report any violations through CPA’s official channels. The […]
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