Latest news with #DubaiDistinguishedStudentsProgramme
Hi Dubai
09-05-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Approves New Policies to Boost Healthcare, Education, Family Welfare and Smart Infrastructure
Dubai has rolled out a wide-ranging set of new policies aimed at raising the quality of life for residents, in line with the city's long-term social and economic development agendas. At a meeting of The Executive Council of Dubai held at Emirates Towers, chaired by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, key initiatives were approved spanning healthcare, education, family services, and smart infrastructure. The measures align with the goals of the Dubai Social Agenda 33 and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. 'Dubai puts people at the heart of all its development plans,' Sheikh Hamdan said. 'These policies are part of a broader effort to create a more inclusive, sustainable, and future-ready society.' One of the most significant moves is the approval of a new healthcare plan designed to place Dubai among the top 10 cities worldwide for healthy life expectancy. Led by the Dubai Health Authority, the strategy will see the development of three new hospitals, 33 primary healthcare centres, and multiple specialised facilities by 2033, particularly in newly developed residential areas. The expansion will be delivered through public-private partnerships and supported by incentive packages to attract investment and talent. The plan also involves an in-depth analysis of healthcare demand and supply, improved insurance coverage for mental health and rehabilitation, and expanded scholarships for Emirati medical students. In the education sector, a new policy by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) targets 100% of Emirati students in private schools being enrolled in institutions rated 'Good' or better. The initiative includes tailored educational models, the expansion of the Dubai Distinguished Students Programme, and efforts to increase the number of Emirati teachers while enhancing curriculum quality and parental engagement. To support family cohesion, Dubai will launch a Unified Centre for Family Care, managed by the Community Development Authority. The centre will integrate services such as counselling, child protection, custody support, and social guidance across two locations—Deira and Bur Dubai—enhanced by digital platforms. Dubai also introduced a Smart Buildings Policy aimed at promoting energy-efficient, tech-driven infrastructure. Spearheaded by Dubai Municipality, the policy sets voluntary standards for new developments to reduce power consumption by 25%, water use by 15%, and operational costs by 20%. Features include smart energy and water systems, automated climate control, and real-time monitoring. This initiative supports broader environmental goals under the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030 and the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, while also positioning Dubai as a magnet for sustainable real estate investment. The newly approved measures underscore the emirate's people-centric approach to development and its ongoing commitment to building a resilient and forward-looking urban environment. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Emirates 24/7
26-02-2025
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
Knowledge Fund Establishment looks to the future with strong growth
- Knowledge Fund Establishment looks to the future with strong growth and groundbreaking educational initiatives in 2024 - Over 1.5 million square feet allocated for new educational institutions; the 'Dubai Schools' project reports notable enrolment growth for the 2024-2025 academic year - 'Dubai Distinguished Students Programme' launched in collaboration with the KHDA to provide more than 400 seats for exceptional Emirati students in private schools - Customer satisfaction rate of 93.75% highlights the Establishment's role in driving innovation and shaping the future of the education sector - Total annual revenue registers a 34% increase while investment revenue surges nearly 44% The Knowledge Fund Establishment today announced its key accomplishments in 2024, highlighting its commitment to realising the ambitious vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to advance the education system and position it among the world's finest. The Establishment's achievements align with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), the Dubai Social Agenda 33, and the Dubai Education Strategy 2033 (E33), reinforcing Dubai's status as a leading global hub for education. In line with these objectives, the Establishment revealed the expansion of the 'Dubai Schools' project, notably through constructing a new campus in Al Khawaneej with a capacity exceeding 4,000 students. This campus features the 'Dubai Community Health Centre,' offering a wide range of student support services. The Dubai Schools project seeks to evolve an exceptional Emirati schooling model that offers a truly global education rooted in national values. Meanwhile, the Al Barsha branch of Dubai Schools completed its expansion, raising its total capacity to more than 2,400 students. As part of its commitment to supporting Emirati students, the Knowledge Fund Establishment, in cooperation with KHDA, signed agreements with nine private schools in Dubai to provide more than 400 seats at a 50% tuition fee discount for outstanding Emirati students in the 2024-2025 academic year. This initiative falls under the 'Dubai Distinguished Students Programme,' which aims to offer 1,800 seats by 2030. Pioneering financial literacy initiative To foster financial literacy among students, the Establishment partnered with National Bonds to launch the pioneering 'Young Investor' programme – the first of its kind in the Middle East. The pilot phase rolls out in 'Dubai Schools' campuses before being incorporated into additional curricula across various educational levels. With six interactive modules, the programme covers saving, investing, and financial planning, nurturing a financially savvy generation. In 2024, the Establishment also secured prominent investments, dedicating over 1.5 million square feet to new educational institutions. These developments will add more than 10,000 student seats across multiple curricula, plus over ten early childhood centres across the emirate. Such allocations also serve to bolster the Fund's growth, reflecting exceptional stability and sustainable expansion while enabling continued support for Dubai's education sector. From an operational perspective, the Establishment posted a 34% increase in total annual revenue and nearly 44% growth in investment revenue – clear indicators of its strategic investment approach and sustainable returns. Customer feedback also registered a notable milestone, with a satisfaction rate of 93.75%, further emphasising the Establishment's role in driving innovation and bolstering the future of education. Commenting on the milestones, His Excellency Ahmad AbdulKarim Julfar, Chairman of the Board, Knowledge Fund Establishment, said: 'These 2024 achievements directly reflect the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and align with our national goals, the Dubai Education Strategy 2033 (E33), the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), and the Dubai Social Agenda 33. Keeping pace with global changes in the education sector, alongside continuous investment in state-of-the-art learning environments, underpins Dubai's competitiveness and cements its position as a global educational destination. We will continue creating advanced educational opportunities through strategic partnerships and pioneering initiatives that equip the next generation to thrive and realise our leadership's ambitions.' Aligned with emirate's strategic vision Abdulla Mohammed Al Awar, CEO of the Knowledge Fund Establishment, stated: 'We take great pride in our significant progress this year – from expanding 'Dubai Schools' with a new branch in Al Khawaneej and enhancements at Al Barsha to introducing the 'Young Investor' programme with National Bonds. Meanwhile, our agreements with nine private schools in Dubai, offering 50% scholarships for outstanding Emirati students, underscore our commitment to fostering local talent and developing responsible future leaders. Attracting top-tier educational investments and allocating larger areas for investors reiterates Dubai's standing as a global education hub. We remain dedicated to nurturing a sustainable educational ecosystem that meets our community's expectations and aligns with the emirate's strategic vision.' The outstanding successes achieved within such a short span of time underscore the Knowledge Fund Establishment's pivotal role in advancing Dubai's strategic objectives, fostering an innovative educational environment for residents and investors alike, and paving the way for a future defined by quality, innovation, and visionary leadership. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
Hi Dubai
25-02-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
KHDA Opens Registration for Second Cycle of Dubai Distinguished Students Programme
The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), in partnership with the Knowledge Fund Establishment and Dubai's private schools, has officially opened registration for the second cycle of the Dubai Distinguished Students Programme for the 2025-2026 academic year. The programme offers 415 scholarships to high-achieving Emirati students from Grade 1 to Grade 10, providing a 50% tuition fee reduction at 28 private schools rated "Good" or better. Launched in 2024, the initiative aims to enhance collaboration between the public and private sectors, ensuring top-tier educational opportunities for exceptional Emirati students. It aligns with Dubai's Education 33 strategy and strengthens the city's commitment to academic excellence. This year, the programme expands, offering more choices for families in terms of curriculum, location, and fees. Participating schools include six rated Outstanding, 14 Very Good, and eight Good, with diverse curricula, including UK, US, and IB. Her Excellency Aisha Miran, Director General of KHDA, highlighted the programme's role in empowering Emirati youth and reinforcing Dubai's educational goals. His Excellency Abdulla Mohammed Al Awar, CEO of the Knowledge Fund Establishment, emphasized the importance of public-private sector partnerships in providing opportunities for the next generation of Emirati leaders. The scholarship is open to Emirati students with a family book issued in Dubai, and applicants must meet academic criteria and pass assessments. Registration is open until March 10, 2025, through the KHDA website. Leading schools, including GEMS Education and Innoventures Education, have committed to offering 100 new scholarships, continuing their support for Dubai's vision of educational excellence. News Source: Dubai Media Office
Khaleej Times
24-02-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
50% scholarships: Registration opens for Dubai's distinguished students programme
Registration is now open for the second cycle of the Dubai Distinguished Students Programme for the 2025-2026 academic year, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) announced on Monday. The initiative provides 415 scholarship seats at 28 private schools for high-achieving Emirati students, offering a 50 per cent tuition fee scholarship for those in Grade 1 to Grade 10 at schools rated Good or better. The initiative, launched in 2024 to enhance collaboration between the public and private sectors in providing high-quality educational opportunities for outstanding Emirati students in Dubai, aligns with the Education 33 strategy and reinforces the city's commitment to academic excellence and investing in the future of its youth. More participating schools Building on the success of its inaugural year, the programme now offers families greater choice in curriculum, location, and tuition fees. Participating schools that have signed agreements to support the scholarship programme in its second year include six rated Outstanding, 14 rated Very Good, and eight rated Good. These schools provide diverse curricula, including UK, US, IB, and UK/IB and US/IB combinations, ensuring that Emirati students have access to education choices that align with their aspirations and future goals. The scholarship The scholarship programme supports the Education 33 strategy's goal of nurturing Dubai's future leaders by empowering Emiratis with high-quality education. Participating schools also benefit from a more enriched learning community by welcoming Emirati students, while also playing a crucial role in improving educational outcomes. Applications for the 2025-26 academic year will be open from February 24 to March 10, 2025. The scholarship is available to Emirati students with a family book issued by the emirate of Dubai. The programme covers 50 per cent of tuition fees for students from Grade 1 or Year 2 until Grade 10 or Year 11 who are either newly or currently enrolled in public or private schools in the UAE. Students currently enrolled in the participating schools are not eligible for the scholarship. Eligibility criteria Eligible students must have an average grade of 90 per cent or above in the US or Ministry of Education curriculum, a score of at least 5 in the IB curriculum, or a B-grade average for the British curriculum. Applicants must also successfully pass assessments and interviews conducted by the schools' evaluation committees. Emirati families can submit their children's scholarship applications through the KHDA website. More details about the programme, eligibility criteria, and the application process are also available on the KHDA website. Aisha Miran, Director General of KHDA, said, 'By expanding the number of participating schools and ensuring more choices for families, we are strengthening our mission of equipping Emirati youth with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to drive the nation's progress. 'This initiative also reflects the vital collaboration between the public and private sectors in supporting Dubai's vision under the Dubai Social Agenda 33. For parents, this is an exceptional opportunity to enrol their children in some of the best private schools in Dubai, ensuring they receive the best education possible to contribute successfully to the emirate's future goals.' Abdulla Mohammed Al Awar, CEO of the Knowledge Fund Establishment, said, 'We are committed to adopting and supporting pioneering educational initiatives. The expansion of the programme reflects our steadfast commitment to strengthening public-private sector partnerships and ensuring that outstanding educational opportunities are available to empower the next generation of Emirati leaders."
