Crayons Nursery breaks ground in Nad Al Sheba, setting new standards for early childhood education in Dubai
The ceremony, held at the nursery site, was attended by government officials, education leaders, investors, media representatives, and families. Chief Guest Mr. Abdulla Mohammed Al Awar, Chief Executive Officer of the Knowledge Fund Establishment, graced the event.
Crayons Nursery is designed to accommodate 200 children aged between forty-five days and five years. The campus will offer a bilingual programme in English and Arabic, and provide a nurturing space that fosters joyful learning, creativity, and emotional development. Crayons Nursery reflects the founders' continued investment in high-quality education that supports families and communities across Dubai.
'Every child deserves a beginning where their curiosity is honoured and their individuality is nurtured,' said Mr. Abdulla Nalapad Ahmed, Managing Director of Nalapad Investments and Chairman of Credence High School. 'Crayons Nursery is our commitment to families in Dubai. It is a space where children will be encouraged to explore, express, and grow in a caring environment. We are building more than a nursery. We are shaping the early years of tomorrow's innovators, leaders, and change-makers.'
'We are committed to contribute meaningfully to Dubai's long-term plan for a diversified and knowledge-driven economy, in line with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority's (KHDA) Education 33 transformative vision, aimed to position the emirate as a global hub for education and innovation. Crayons Nursery reflects the kind of forward-thinking, learner-centric approach that lays the foundation for academic excellence, cultural empowerment, equitable access, innovative practices and personal development from the very earliest years,' he added.
Mr. Sameer K. Mohamed, Managing Director of MVK Holdings and Governor of Credence High School, added, 'Families today seek more than just a preschool. They want a place
where their children feel safe, inspired, and celebrated. Crayons Nursery brings together leading pedagogical practices from the EYFS, Montessori, and Finnish models within a thoughtfully designed campus. Our vision is to create a centre where children can thrive emotionally, socially, and academically. This is the beginning of a larger journey to bring Crayons to more communities across the UAE.'
'Crayons Nursery creates a safe and enriching space where children fall in love with learning at their own pace. By celebrating curiosity and emotional well-being, the nursery aims to cultivate confident, kind, resilient learners, and as a process making the children ready for the school,' he added.
The educational philosophy at Crayons Nursery is guided by the belief that children learn best through joy and exploration. With the motto 'We Explore, We Imagine, We Bloom', the centre's approach integrates structured development tracking with free play, music, nature-based activities, splash zones, and role play. Educators will work in close partnership with parents to support each child's unique learning journey.
The Nad Al Sheba campus is only the beginning. The founders of Crayons Nursery envision a network of centres across the UAE, each designed to provide the same standard of care, creativity, and learning. This is not just an educational development. It is the beginning of a new way to nurture potential from the very first years of life.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Tahawul Tech
a day ago
- Tahawul Tech
Nokia lowers 2025 profit outlook
Nokia recently lowered their 2025 profit projections in light elements beyond their control such as the impact of increased currency and U.S. tariffs ahead of their Q2 results announcement. Ahead of its second quarter earnings announcement, the Finnish vendor stated it felt 'it is prudent at this point' to lower its outlook from a range of €1.9 billion to €2.4 billion to €1.6 billion to €2.1 billion. Nokia explained that since providing the guidance on 30 January, a weaker US dollar was causing a negative impact of around €140 million operationally and €90 million for non-cash venture fund currency revaluations. In addition, the current landscape caused by US President Donald Trump's tariffs means it expects a hit of around €50 million to €80 million on operating profit. Its guidance for free cash flow conversion from comparable operating profit remains at 50 per cent to 80 per cent. The change to its outlook represents one of the first major moves made by CEO Justin Hotard, who replaced Pekka Lundmark in April. Hotard told the Financial Times in April he would 'absolutely entertain' increasing Nokia's manufacturing in the US to better deal with the tariff landscape. Based on preliminary numbers, Nokia added it expects to report net sales of €4.6 billion, a 2 per cent increase year-on-year. Operating profit is expected to show a decline to €300 million from €423 million. Source: Mobile World Live Image Credit: Nokia
Hi Dubai
a day ago
- Hi Dubai
Why Store Design and Product Placement Are Key to Retail Success in Dubai
Dubai's retail market is one of the most competitive in the world. With luxury malls, boutique pop-ups, and experiential concept stores all vying for attention, the pressure on retail businesses to stand out is higher than ever. And in this environment, first impressions do more than attract; they convert. Today's shoppers in the UAE expect speed, clarity, and experience. According to the 2024 Retail Experience Monitor, over 70% of UAE consumers use digital tools while shopping in-store, blending online convenience with physical engagement. That means your store layout isn't just about design, it's a strategic touchpoint that influences real-time decisions. At the same time, the TASC UAE Retail Outlook Report values Dubai's retail sector at over $100 billion, with strong growth expected through 2028. In a market of this scale, how your store looks, feels, and flows could be the difference between someone browsing and someone buying. So here's the question: Can store design and product placement actually impact what people buy and how much they spend? In this article, we explore how strategic store design and thoughtful product placement are shaping consumer behavior, boosting conversions, and redefining retail success in Dubai. Why Store Design Matters More Than Ever in Dubai In Dubai's fast-paced retail world, design plays a crucial role in shaping customer experience. With destination malls like Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates attracting millions of visitors, the standard for retail presentation is exceptionally high. Shoppers walk in expecting polished, well-thought-out environments that reflect the brand's identity from the first step inside. Every visual element—lighting, layout, shelving, signage—helps create a sense of trust and familiarity. In premium markets, especially, store design becomes part of the brand promise. The way a space is organized can influence how customers feel, how long they stay, and how likely they are to make a purchase. There's a clear connection between comfort and spending. When the atmosphere feels welcoming, people tend to slow down and explore more. According to retail studies, even a small increase in dwell time can lead to a noticeable lift in sales. This makes design a practical tool—not just a creative decision. Is your store layout encouraging people to stay longer and move with ease? Design preferences are also shifting. Many retailers are now adopting minimalist approaches that create space for products to stand out. Curated lighting, soft music, and scent branding are being used more deliberately to shape how people engage with the space. In Dubai, small design elements inspired by local culture—like warm neutral palettes, textured wood, or Arabic typography—can deepen the customer connection and make the experience feel more personal. The goal isn't to decorate—it's to create an environment that feels aligned, comfortable, and memorable. When done well, store design can enhance not only how a space looks, but how it performs. The Psychology of Product Placement Where you place a product in your store can have as much impact as the product itself. Customers are naturally drawn to items placed at eye level, which is why this space is often referred to as 'buy level.' It's the area that gets the most attention—so why not reserve it for your bestsellers or highest-margin items? If your top product isn't in the shopper's direct line of sight, are you missing out on easy conversions? But it's not just about shelf height. The way items are grouped can guide buying behavior just as effectively. Placing complementary products side by side—like handbags next to shoes, or coffee mugs near specialty blends—encourages people to buy in sets. When products feel connected, customers tend to see them as part of a complete experience. Have you looked around your store lately and asked: Which products naturally go together, and are they even close to each other? Layout also plays a big role in how people move, pause, and choose. Clear signage, logical flow, and open sightlines make the shopping journey easier. If a customer walks into your store and feels unsure of where to go next, chances are they'll either speed through or walk away. Does your current layout lead them toward the areas you want them to spend the most time in? Retailers who rethink their product zones often notice immediate shifts. For example, moving impulse buys closer to checkout or creating small themed sections—like a 'Gifting Corner' or 'Self-Care Shelf'—can subtly influence decision-making and increase average basket size. Could a simple rearrangement be all it takes to get people to pick up one more item? Product placement isn't random—it's a silent salesperson. Done right, it guides choices, triggers associations, and increases both satisfaction and spending. Common Mistakes Retailers Make Even the best products can get overlooked if the store layout and environment aren't working in your favor. Here are some of the most common design mistakes that can hurt customer experience—and sales. Overcrowded Displays Create Visual Fatigue Too many products crammed into one space can feel overwhelming. Instead of drawing customers in, cluttered displays often cause them to disengage. A clean, focused layout allows key items to shine and helps shoppers make quicker, more confident decisions. Could a little less actually lead to a lot more? Poor Zoning and Pathways Confuse Movement When customers walk into your store, their path should feel intuitive. Without clear zoning—like separating sections for new arrivals, promotions, or categories—people may feel lost or unsure of where to go next. That hesitation often translates into shorter visits and missed sales. Does your store gently guide people—or leave them guessing? Weak Lighting and Mirror Placement Miss the Mark Lighting isn't just functional—it's emotional. Poor lighting can make products look dull and change the way people feel in your space. In fashion retail, mirrors placed in dark or awkward corners can ruin the try-on experience. Good lighting highlights your products and helps customers feel more confident while browsing. Is your store lighting helping customers see your products—and themselves—at their best? Missing Sensory Anchors Lose Engagement Sound, scent, and even room temperature influence how people feel. A light fragrance, curated playlist, or comfortable atmosphere can turn a basic visit into a memorable experience. Without these elements, your store risks feeling flat and forgettable. What emotion does your store trigger when someone steps inside? Misplaced High-Value Items Reduce Visibility Placing premium or high-margin products in low-traffic corners is a missed opportunity. These items deserve prime positions—spots with high visibility and natural footfall. If customers aren't seeing them, they're not buying them. Are your most profitable products in the path of most people? Getting the basics right—space, flow, lighting, and sensory impact—can dramatically change how customers interact with your store. A few adjustments in the right areas can go a long way toward boosting engagement and increasing basket size. Location-Based Strategy Retail in Dubai doesn't follow a one-size-fits-all model. With malls, souks, pop-ups, and high-street stores all playing a role in the city's shopping landscape, design strategies need to be adapted to the environment around them. Stores inside major malls like Dubai Mall or Mall of the Emirates operate within large, structured environments where footfall is high but attention is limited. These locations require striking visuals, strong window displays, and layouts that invite customers to pause and explore. Shoppers in malls are often there for a full experience—not just a transaction—so how well does your space hold their interest within the first few seconds? By contrast, retail inside traditional souks like the Gold or Textile Souk calls for a different approach. These areas are more intimate, atmospheric, and culturally rooted. Shoppers here expect a slower pace, a touch of nostalgia, and a stronger emphasis on personal interaction. Would your design still feel appropriate if it were placed in an environment that values tradition over trend? Street-facing stores and standalone retail outlets benefit from direct visibility but face challenges like heat, traffic, and varied shopper intent. These spaces need strong signage, shade-conscious layouts, and quick-entry setups that accommodate both casual walkers and purposeful buyers. Is your entrance inviting enough for someone passing by to step in without hesitation? Then there are pop-ups—short-term, high-impact spaces often found during festivals, seasonal events, or in popular outdoor districts. Here, simplicity and storytelling matter most. With limited time and space, design must be compact yet memorable. Are you telling a clear brand story in the first few steps of your space? Across all formats, one thing remains essential: bilingual signage and wayfinding. Dubai's customer base is incredibly diverse, and clear Arabic and English communication builds trust and improves navigation. If a new visitor entered your store today, would they immediately know where to go and how to engage? Understanding where your store lives—and who it serves—helps guide every design decision that follows. In Dubai, success often depends on how well your physical space speaks the language of its location. Technology Integration in Store Layout Technology is reshaping how retail works—especially in Dubai—where the line between physical and digital is increasingly blurred. Smart mirrors and AR displays can become powerful experience enhancers. They help shoppers visualize products—like trying on makeup or seeing outfits on themselves—without hands-on effort. One beauty retailer using AR mirrors saw average dwell times increase by over four minutes; that extra attention translated into more upsells and higher cart totals. Is your current layout inviting shoppers to explore with technology—or just showing off screens? Interactive displays and guided digital paths can influence where customers go and how long they stay. Those screens can highlight trending items, redirect shoppers to promotions, or tell a curated brand story. When placed with purpose, they drive both movement and emotional connection. Could a screen or sensor act as a subtle guide in your space? On the backend, RFID tags and modern footfall counters are quietly fueling smarter decisions. These tools track which products are handled most and which zones attract attention, helping you rearrange for maximum impact. Retailers analyzing foot traffic data often reshuffle displays to promote best-selling items or reduce congestion, improving sales and experience. Are you tracking movement—and acting on what the data shows? Dubai shoppers expect tech-savvy retail experiences. But success comes from integration, not gimmicks. Tech works best when it feels helpful, informative, and aligned with your brand atmosphere. Tips for Small and Mid‑Sized Retailers You don't need a massive budget to create a store that feels fresh, inviting, and profitable. Small design choices, done consistently, can have a big impact on how customers move, browse, and buy. Smart Upgrades That Don't Break the Bank Lighting is one of the easiest and most effective changes you can make. Good lighting doesn't just brighten the space—it draws attention to the right products and sets the tone. Even switching to warmer bulbs or adding spotlights to feature displays can elevate the overall experience. Clear, bold signage is another low-cost tool that delivers value. Whether it's guiding customers to bestsellers or highlighting promotions, well-placed signs help reduce hesitation and improve flow. Ask yourself—are your customers walking through the store confidently, or stopping because they're unsure where to go? Use Flexible Fixtures to Stay Agile Modular shelving gives you the freedom to shift things around without major disruption. Whether you're showcasing new arrivals or testing bundle offers, movable units let you adapt quickly to what's working. A flexible setup encourages experimentation—and gives your space a dynamic, evolving feel. If you had the freedom to refresh your displays weekly, how much more attention could you attract? Rotate Displays to Stay Fresh Seasonal re-merchandising keeps your store feeling alive. Updating displays around local holidays, weather changes, or trends gives regular customers a reason to come back and explore. Even small touches—like a color shift or themed corner—can refresh the vibe and make your products feel more relevant. Have you planned your next visual refresh, or are you waiting for things to slow down? Know When to Get Outside Help Many small retailers manage design in-house—and often do it well. But as your store grows, a second opinion can make a difference. Hiring a designer for a layout consultation or visual audit doesn't have to be a long-term expense. Even a short engagement can help identify missed opportunities or improve your space's impact. Is there an area in your store you've walked past a hundred times—but never really optimized? The most effective upgrades don't always cost much—they simply come from seeing your space the way your customers do. With the right changes, even a small store can feel like a curated experience worth revisiting. A well-designed store does more than look good—it works hard behind the scenes. From guiding movement to sparking impulse decisions, every element of your layout plays a role in how customers engage with your brand. When space is used with intention, it becomes an active part of the sales process. Design and placement are not one-time decisions. They evolve as your products change, as seasons shift, and as your customers respond. The most successful retailers don't wait for problems to appear—they walk their space regularly, test new ideas, and adjust what isn't working. It's a cycle of attention, not perfection. So here's a final question worth asking: When's the last time you walked through your store—not as the owner, but as a first-time customer? What did you see, feel, or miss? In a market like Dubai, where every detail shapes perception, design is far more than a backdrop. It's one of your strongest tools for growth. Use it wisely—and keep it working. Also read: The Future of Retail Is Here: How Dubai is Leading the E-Commerce Charge From world-class logistics and futuristic payment solutions to immersive shopping experiences, the city has positioned itself as a global hub for e-commerce and retail innovation. Take a closer look at the factors driving this transformation and how Dubai is redefining the future of retail. The Psychology of Luxury: Why We Love High-End Living in Dubai Discover why Dubai is the ultimate luxury hub, attracting millionaires with tax-free living, high-end real estate, and exclusive experiences. How Local Business Collaborations Are Fueling Growth in Dubai Discover why brand collaboration in Dubai is the key to growth, engagement, and trust in today's competitive business market.
Web Release
3 days ago
- Web Release
VIRGIN CONNECT LAUNCHES SUMMER CAMPAIGN TO REVOLUTIONIZE GLOBAL TRAVEL CONNECTIVITY
As international travel across the GCC surges this summer, Virgin Connect introduces a timely, insight-led campaign for its flagship travel eSIM product, Virgin Connect Roam — designed not only to simplify connectivity but to elevate the entire travel experience. Rooted in purpose and driven by community, Virgin Connect Roam is built to empower a new generation of global travelers to connect, explore, and share the world seamlessly. In a region where staying connected to culture, family, and identity is paramount, even while abroad, Roam becomes more than a digital solution. It becomes a trusted companion. Available in over 190 countries and fully app-powered, Roam replaces outdated roaming models with a smoother, safer, and smarter mobile journey. No physical SIMs. No bill shocks. No dropped connections. Just immediate access to what matters, when it matters. Rooted in Insight. Designed for Real Life. Based on in-depth consumer behavior, the campaign is built around a core truth: mobile connectivity is now a travel essential, on par with passports, accommodation, and itineraries. Yet, many still overlook it — often leading to last-minute stress, missed bookings, or the inability to stay in touch during crucial moments. Virgin Connect Roam challenges that mindset, reframing connectivity as a core travel essential, enabling travelers to feel confident, connected, and in control wherever they real-life scenarios, from airport arrivals to exploring new cities, the campaign highlights how Roam delivers not just signal, but peace of mind, freedom, and shared experiences worth remembering. Community is the Differentiator What sets Virgin Connect Roam apart isn't just its best-in-class technology or competitive pricing, it is the community-first mindset at the heart of the brand. By merging: A seamless, Travel eSIM experience And emotionally intelligent storytelling across touchpoints Roam positions itself as the preferred choice for Gen Z and young Millennials across the GCC, digital natives who expect simplicity, value, and cultural relevance in every decision they make. 'At Virgin Connect, we are not just offering connectivity; we are delivering flexibility, affordability and simplicity,' said Walid Omar, Group Chief Product Officer. 'Roam was built to amplify travel experiences, keeping travelers connected so they can focus on the moments that matter most.' Localized Reach. Global Access. With a presence in over 190+ countries, Roam offers tailored travel plans, from regional bundles to global passes, all available and manageable via the Virgin Connect Roam app. Users can activate in seconds, monitor usage, and remain in control before takeoff or mid-journey. The campaign will activate across high-summer outbound markets including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait with multilingual creative in English, Arabic, and Spanish. A content-rich mix of AV, mobile-first formats, and social-native assets will ensure strong engagement across the platforms where travel planning lives. Virgin Connect Roam is not just changing how the GCC connects; it's reshaping what travel feels like. It's about community. It's about control. The future of travel is connected. Virgin Connect Roam is how we get there
