Best photos of August 20: From a mountain path in Morocco to the desert of Rajasthan
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae
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Khaleej Times
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Look: GCSE students in UAE receive top results, recount hours of study, past failures
Pupils across the UAE were celebrating their GCSE results on Thursday, as this year's cohort achieved strong performances. Tears, hugs and smiles marked the culmination of years of effort, resilience and determination — showing that behind every grade was a story of perseverance, family support and triumph. As Khaleej Times reached Gems Wellington International School this morning, anticipation ran high as students gathered on the second floor, waiting until 11 am to tear open the white envelopes that would guide their subject choices for Years 12 and 13. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Maths: The biggest challenge Among the top achievers was Tanay Mohanty, who secured an impressive 10 grade nines. He told KT, ' I thought I'd do well, but I didn't expect it to be this good. Honestly, I'm overwhelmed with so many emotions right now. Last night I couldn't sleep, and this morning as I walked into the school I felt excited because, no matter what my grades turned out to be, I was already proud of the effort I had put in. My family has always supported me, regardless of the outcome — and that support extended to my friends and teachers as well.' Despite excelling in every subject, Tanay admitted Maths was his biggest challenge. ' Maths was never really my strong point. In my first mocks this year, I actually got a grade III. But I just kept working steadily toward my goals, no matter what. In the end, my hard work really paid off.' His mother, Mona Viswarupa Monhanty, was equally emotional. She said, 'I told my son before entering the gate that you've already got a 10/10 from us (parents) because of the effort that you've put in. I didn't focus so much on the results and his father kept saying 'I hope he'll pass'. We've just told him give it your best shot. That way you don't have any regrets.' Recalling her first impression of the school, she added, 'When he changed schools and came to this one, the first time… and as we were walking past, I saw the 'wall of fame' that the school has and secretly hoped that one day Tanay's picture will be there. But I never put any pressure on him. Hopefully now it will be there.' 10 hours of work every day Another standout student, Chinese expat Lilou Hien, put in up to 10 hours of work every day. She said, ' Definitely start early in the day… don't go past midnight. It's also important to sleep well. I got all nines and eights — six nines in total. In the three sciences I scored an eight, while drama was also an eight. ' She admitted it was not always easy. 'I stayed up late doing revision. The high point was after I finished every exam, and when I felt good about the paper…I knew I did well…Oh! I revised that one and I know how to answer that. That's something that I am really happy about and obviously, results today.' Her mother credited years of discipline and resilience. 'Since my baby was born, I put maximum value to her life. She was a dancer as a child, and that gave her good concentration, resilience and she always worked to achieve her target. In China there is a national championship for dance and eight consecutive times she won the competition. So, she has a strong mind and is self-motivated.' Overcoming self-doubt, past failures Ayla Yaieesh also overcame self-doubt to achieve excellent results. She said, 'Even during the exam I repeatedly felt I didn't know what I was doing. I was very hard on myself. But it was better than what I expected. After the exams I set my standards lower. But now I am shaking, I am overjoyed, I am more than happy. I put so much effort and it paid off. I got seven nines.' Kavya Shah was another who turned things around with perseverance. 'I was failing all my subjects back in Year 10 and worked really hard to get to where I am now. 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Horizon International School At Horizon International School, overall, 92 per cent of students achieved grades 9-4/A*-C across their GCSEs, 71 per cent achieved grades 9-6/A*-B, 46 per cent achieving grades 9-7/A*-A, and 32 per cent achieved the highest grades 9-8/A**-A*. I In addition, 98 per cent of students attained grades 9-4/A*-C in English Language, English Literature, and Triple Science, whilst 95 per cent of students attained grades 9-4/A*-C in Maths.
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Khaleej Times
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UAE: Students get record-breaking GCSE results, outshine England national average
Schools across the UAE began receiving their GCSE results on Wednesday, with this year's cohort achieving strong performances. Gems Education's British curriculum schools are today celebrating another year of GCSE success, with over 4,000 students from 23 schools across the UAE and Qatar sitting 28,227 examinations — the highest number in school group's history. Students have outshone the England national average at every major grade benchmark. 7,347 entries were awarded top-level grades of 9-8 or A* this year, accounting for 26 per cent of all entries across the GEMS network. Meanwhile, 45 per cent achieved 9-7 (A*-A), 65 per cent attained 9-6 (A*-B), and 87 per cent secured 9-4 (A*-C), improving by four, five, and four percentage points respectively compared to 2024 results. Lisa Crausby OBE, Group Chief Education Officer, Gems Education, said, 'We are immensely proud of our students and their remarkable achievements in their GCSEs. These outcomes are a testament not only to their hard work and dedication, but also to the unwavering support of our talented teachers and committed school communities. 'At Gems, we believe in nurturing every learner to reach their full potential, and these results show just how far our young people can go when high expectations are combined with genuine care and personalised support from their school and family.' At Jumeirah College, which has a track record of academic excellence stretching back decades, a Gems-topping 44 per cent of the school's 180-strong cohort's entries were graded 9-8 (A*), with a near perfect 99 per cent scoring 9-4 (A*-C).' Commenting on his students' performance, Nick Brain, Principal/CEO, Jumeirah College, said, 'What makes me most proud is not just the outstanding grades, but the character, determination, and ambition that lie behind them. We believe education should inspire young people to aim high, embrace challenges and grow into well-rounded individuals ready to shape the future. Today's results are a powerful reflection of that vision.' Similarly, at GEMS Wellington International School, a remarkable 42 per cent of the school's close to 2,000 entries achieved grades of 9-8 (A*), with 96 per cent securing 9-4 (A*-C). 'I am incredibly proud of our students' exceptional GCSE results this year,' said Andrew Jenkins, Principal/CEO, Gems Wellington International School. 'Every success story is a testament to a culture of excellence and ambition. These achievements are a celebration of our students' hard work and the exceptional teaching that has made it possible.' Notably, the UAE-based school group highlighted since 2013, the average percentage of GCSE entries graded 9-7 (A*-A) across Gems schools has outpaced the national average in England by double-digit margins. And the trend holds at the 9-4 (A*-C) level, where Gems schools have also outperformed their counterparts in England for 12 consecutive years.
