Latest news with #CranleighAbuDhabi
Al Etihad
15-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
Bassam Freiha Art Foundation marks one-year anniversary with new projects
16 Apr 2025 00:58 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Bassam Freiha Art Foundation (BFAF), the private art foundation on Saadiyat Island, celebrated its one-year anniversary on Saturday night with a variety of activities and highlight of BFAF's anniversary was the opening of the Education Gallery, the foundation's newly completed expansion. Featuring exhibitions, workshop areas and an outdoor auditorium, the expansion seeks to foster artistic talent, and provide an inspiring space where artists, students and the public can enrich their minds with meaningful cultural addition to the Education Gallery, the anniversary event also featured the launch of a new student showcase by Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, and a sculpture by world-renowned Italian artist Lorenzo 'First Impressions', the student showcase brings together diverse and richly imaginative works created by Cranleigh Abu Dhabi students during a series of BFAF art workshops. Inviting youth to explore a variety of artistic approaches, from figurative realism to abstraction, each session was guided by practising artists and educators. Designed to encourage experimentation and self-expression, the exhibition is available to view until May 11, 2025, and is the first of many similar student showcases which will be exhibited over the coming months and years. The LOVE by Lorenzo Quinn features a monumental sculpture created from stainless steel wire mesh and LED lights. Featuring two hands suspended in an embrace, the sculpture evokes a powerful sense of unity, tenderness, and shared humanity. Designed to reflect the spirit of shared responsibility that embodies the UAE's Year of Community (2025), it offers a visual reminder of the ties that bind communities, and it will be available to view until August 31, anniversary also provided the ideal opportunity for BFAF to look back and reflect on the successes of its first for its impactful design and vision, and the skillful way it integrates art, culture, and architecture into a cohesive and inspiring space, the foundation was awarded the Design Middle East Award 2024 for Cultural Project of the Year, while its packed programme of mentorship sessions, workshops, and educational initiatives continues to be well attended by community members of all to empowering local, regional and international artists by providing them with a platform for their work, and growing Abu Dhabi's thriving artistic scene, the foundation has also hosted many pivotal exhibitions since its launch in March 2024. For instance, one of its most memorable collections was Hour Eternal – 20 Years of Emirati Abstraction. Created in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Culture, and a number of regional artists, collectors, and galleries, it provided audiences with a profound exploration of contemporary Emirati abstract Western portrayals of the Orientalist movement from the private collection of Bassam Freiha were also depicted in the Visions of the Orient: Highlights from the Bassam Freiha Art Collection exhibition, while Mineral Garden featured a thought-provoking exhibition presented in partnership with the Embassy of the Federative Republic of Brazil. Most recently, the foundation introduced two new exhibitions by Stefano Simontacchi, the visionary Italian artist more commonly known as 'The Prism'. Curated by contemporary art theorist Marco Senaldi, the exhibitions 'Project Oneness and Trust, Gratitude and Love Journey' feature dynamic interplays between form and colour, circular compositions, and reflective surfaces. Accompanied by a programme of wellness experiences, including sound healing sessions, guided meditations, yoga experiences, artist talks and interactive workshops, 'The Prism' is available to experience until August 31. Michaela Watrelot, Curator and Director of Exhibitions at Bassam Freiha Art Foundation, said: 'It is with immense pride that we celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation. Over the past 12 months, we have demonstrated the transformative power of art through a variety of world-class exhibitions, educational initiatives, and public workshops, which have helped to support the growth of our artistic community since we first opened our doors. 'Our new expansion demonstrates our commitment to showcasing the work of the region's emerging talents in front of a global audience, and our dedication to making art accessible to all, fostering emerging talent, and developing Abu Dhabi's creative community.'
Zawya
04-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Cranleigh Abu Dhabi honours worldwide excellence in academics and sports
RELATED TOPICS EDUCATION RELATED COMPANIES Ericsson Aldar Education Zain Bahrain Fintech Company Top 100 Private Schools Worldwide Abu Dhabi, UAE – Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, a leading school in Abu Dhabi and part of Aldar Education, continues to set new benchmarks in academic and sporting excellence. With record- breaking GCSE and A-Level results alongside outstanding sporting achievements, the school reinforces its commitment to a holistic approach to education, nurturing students in academics, athletics, and personal development. Cranleigh Abu Dhabi ranks among the world's top-performing schools, excelling in A-Level, GCSE, and BTEC qualifications. The school's students also achieved exceptional results in international benchmarking assessments, including the OECD's Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) and Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS). Damien Ward, Head of Senior School, commented, "We are incredibly proud of our academic achievements and the dedication of our teaching staff. Our students managed exam pressures with calmness and determination, addressing challenges head-on. Our goal is to build confidence, and these results should further empower our students to succeed in any future endeavors." Record-Breaking Examination Success A-Level: 72% of all grades were A*, A, or B, the highest in Abu Dhabi. Head Girl, Zayna M, achieved five A* grades, securing the highest marks globally in A-Level Psychology and English Literature. GCSE: 86% of grades were between 9-6, with 70% at 9-7. Laura B attained the highest global mark in GCSE English Literature for the second consecutive year. BTEC: 80% of students secured Distinction to Merit*. Global Academic Recognition: Four students achieved the highest marks globally in A-Level Biology, A-Level Psychology, GCSE English, and GCSE Mandarin. 32 students ranked among the highest achievers regionally and nationally. PISA: Students averaged 572, outperforming the OECD average (478) and Singapore (560) —the world's highest. TIMSS: Students scored 619 (Maths) and 628 (Science), surpassing Singapore's global-leading national averages. A Culture of Excellence Cranleigh Abu Dhabi's success is not just a reflection of its outstanding students, but also of its exceptional academic provision. The school's holistic approach to education ensures that every student is supported, challenged, and equipped with the skills, knowledge, and resilience to succeed at the highest levels. Kevin Doble, Executive Director of Education at Aldar Education, commented: "At Aldar Education, our objective is to prepare students for the future. Cranleigh Abu Dhabi's exceptional results reflect a curriculum that integrates academics, leadership, and personal development, underscoring our commitment to cultivating young minds who will excel in an ever-evolving world." Beyond academics, Cranleigh Abu Dhabi excels in sports, earning national and international recognition. The school secured multiple ADISSA League and BSME Games championships, with students named Athletes of the Tournament. Several students represent the UAE at the national level: Football: Layal Z & Salma A train with the UAE squads. Swimming: Hamza H competes at a high level. Cricket: Vihaan C showcases excellence. Netball: Mila M, Millie M & Sophie N play for the UAE U17 team. Golf: Thomas N competes nationally, while alumni Sara A, Zurich K, and Maya G earned US golf scholarships. Maya won the Drive, Chip & Putt world final at the Masters, broadcast globally. Strategic partnerships with Manchester City FC, 4th Lane Swimming Academy, Wildcats Basketball, and Saadiyat Beach Golf Club provide professional training, scholarships, and expert coaching, enhancing student-athlete development. Tracy Crowder-Cloe, Principal of Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, commented: "At Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, our focus is on preparing students comprehensively for life, rather than solely for examinations. The success of our students in academics, sports, and leadership roles underscores the efficacy of our holistic education approach. Their achievements exemplify their resilience, determination, and the steadfast support provided by our dedicated teachers, coaches, and parents." As Cranleigh Abu Dhabi expands its campus and strengthens its elite sports partnerships, it remains committed to shaping future leaders ready to contribute to a dynamic global landscape. -Ends- For further information, please contact: Sabrina Cherrati Aldar Education Amjad Diyab AMC Marketing & Advertising Cosultants About Aldar Education Aldar Education is a leading education provider in the UAE, with over 37,000 students across 31 operated and managed schools and a growing network of educators from over 100 nationalities. As one of the most sought- after institutions, Aldar Education delivers inclusive, sustainable, and innovative learning through a wide range of curriculum and ancillary services, ensuring a holistic approach to transformational growth through agility and sustainability. With excellence at the heart of its operations, Aldar Education is driven by a vision to deliver the highest standards of globally relevant education. It is committed to cultivating the most sustainable and inclusive learning communities that enrich every aspect of a student's life, directly supporting the UAE's vision for a sustainable knowledge-based economy. Aldar Academies, part of Aldar Education's school network, is the largest private education provider in Abu Dhabi. It provides inspiring learning environments, combining the very best academic, arts, and sporting facilities with the highest standards of teaching. From a single school with 250 students in 2007, Aldar Academies now operates seven schools in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain with 9,500 students. For more information on Aldar Education, please visit For more information on Aldar Academies, please visit About Cranleigh Abu Dhabi Cranleigh Abu Dhabi is a leading co-educational independent school offering a British curriculum in the UAE. With a rich tradition of academic merit, holistic education, and co-curricular provision, Cranleigh Abu Dhabi is committed to fostering a love of learning, critical thinking, and personal development among its pupils. Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, which opened in 2014, has quickly established itself as one of the top schools in the region, winning several awards and accolades for its outstanding education. It is ranked in the Top 5 Schools in the Middle East and the Top 100 Private Schools Worldwide by Spear's Schools Index. For more information on Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, please visit
