Navigating School Enrollment in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Relocating to the UAE with your family brings many considerations, one of the most crucial being your child’s education. The UAE, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi, is home to some of the world’s top private schools. However, these prestigious institutions often have high demand and extensive waiting lists.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of enrolling your child in a school in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. From selecting the ideal school and curriculum to understanding the fee structure and application process, we’ve got you covered.

Identifying the Ideal School

The initial step in your school enrollment journey is to pinpoint schools that cater to your child’s educational needs. With 247 private schools in Abu Dhabi and 216 in Dubai, each offering a range of curriculums, you have a wide array of choices.

When choosing a school, consider aspects such as exam success rates, extra-curricular activities, class sizes, staff turnover, and any specific needs your child might have. It’s also advisable to visit the schools you’re considering and consult the school inspection reports from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai and the Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) in Abu Dhabi.

Selecting the Appropriate Curriculum

The choice of curriculum is a vital decision that should align with your child’s needs and your future plans. If you anticipate moving to different countries, the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, often viewed as the “universal donor” of education, could be an excellent choice.

Deciphering the Fee Structure

School fees in Dubai and Abu Dhabi can vary significantly. While top-tier schools can be quite costly, it’s important to note that fees have been frozen in Dubai’s private schools for the last three years. However, fee increases have been permitted for the upcoming 2023-24 academic year. You can find details of school ratings and fees on the KHDA or ADEK websites, as well as on individual school websites.

The Application Process

Once you’ve chosen a school that fits your budget and meets your child’s needs, the next step is to apply. This process typically involves completing an online application form, providing the required documents, scheduling an assessment, and paying any application fees. After the assessment, you should receive an offer letter, which needs to be signed and returned with a deposit to secure your child’s place.

Understanding Admission Tests and Criteria

Admission tests vary depending on the grade and curriculum, but they typically cover key subjects like science, maths, and English. In Abu Dhabi, children are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, and the tests help determine the child’s grade level. In Dubai, assessments are often prerequisites for elite schools.

Timing Your Application

Admissions for the following academic year are usually open all year round in UK, IB, and American curriculum schools. However, some in-demand schools may have waiting lists, and it’s advisable to apply as early as possible.

In conclusion, enrolling your child in a school in Dubai or Abu Dhabi involves careful research and planning. By understanding the process and requirements, you can ensure a smooth transition for your child into their new educational environment.

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UAE Continues to Improve Anti-Money Laundering Measures Despite Remaining on FATF ‘Grey List’

Despite being on the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) ‘grey list’, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has made significant strides in addressing the deficiencies in its Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) framework. This information comes from a recent follow-up report by the FATF.

The ‘grey list’ refers to the FATF’s Enhanced Follow-Up process, which involves increased monitoring of countries with strategic deficiencies in their AML/CFT regimes. Despite this status, the UAE has shown considerable progress in its efforts to comply with international standards.

According to the FATF’s report, the UAE is now “compliant” with 15 of the forty FATF Recommendations, a set of measures that countries should implement to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. This marks a significant improvement in the UAE’s AML/CFT framework and demonstrates the country’s commitment to addressing the identified shortcomings.

The report’s findings were presented at the FATF plenary in Paris last month, where Hamid Alzaabi, Director of the UAE’s AML-CTF Executive Office, was in attendance. The meeting also included Xolisile Khanyile, director of South Africa’s Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) and chair of the Egmont Group, an international network of financial intelligence units.

While the UAE’s progress is commendable, the country’s continued presence on the FATF ‘grey list’ indicates that there is still work to be done. The UAE will need to continue its efforts to further strengthen its AML/CFT measures and fully align with the FATF Recommendations.

The FATF’s follow-up report serves as a reminder of the importance of robust AML/CFT frameworks in maintaining financial integrity and preventing illicit financial activities. It also underscores the FATF’s role in monitoring and promoting the implementation of these measures on a global scale.

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Why is Paris Haute Couture Week so important and unmissable?

Model and fashion expert Mercy Maddox took us inside of the world’s most important days for fashion industry

July 5, 2023. Paris, France – Despite its French heritage, it was English couturier Charles Frederick Worth who established the first haute couture fashion house in 1858. In 1945, a set of guidelines were put in place to define exactly what made labels worthy of the title, which translates as high dressmaking. Twice a year designers had to present collections of 50-plus pieces spanning both day and eveningwear, demonstrate exquisite hand-craftsmanship and operate from a Paris-based atelier with a minimum of 15 employees. The label also had to offer a bespoke made-to-measure service.

This season, Mercy Maddox, a professional model and a multi-hyphenated fashion industry professional,  and is currently the Chief Marketing Officer & Fashion Show Director for Canadian-based QB Elite Model & Talent Corporation was exclusively invited to attend one of the biggest show on this year’s Haute Couture Week – the George Hobeika Fall Winter 23/24 Collection, and here’s what she has to say:

What can you say about the George Hobeika show?

The George Hobeika show was polished, graceful, and clean. The model selection perfectly complemented the collection. I always look for variety in not only the collection but the models representing the collection as well. This is important to me in my initiatives for inclusivity in the fashion industry and my goal working with the QB Elite Model & Talent Corporation as we branch out internationally. It is wonderful to see in a couture show strides in showcasing various tones and shapes. I was particularly a fan of the strikingly bold purple they integrated into their palette and the stringy pieces that employed it. The dress adorned by Fan Bing Bing was an absolutely breathtaking showstopper, and choosing her to model it harmonized a feel of enchantment.

What do you think is the secret of Arab designers on creating Haute Couture pieces?

I feel like the immediate assumption from most would be that Arab designers would shy away from creating revealing haute couture pieces, but I feel they are masterful at creating revealing pieces that evoke a sense of refinement, artistry, and propriety. Arab designers are particularly skilled at making modesty desirable or melding the illusion of revealing pieces with modesty using mesh, sheer, and crystallized accents where appropriate.

Can you share with us your overall experience during the show – where you amused, or excited?

The show was captivating; the crystallized accents and variety in textures left the audiences’ eyes fixed on each piece until the last second and straight to the next, never losing focus. The show definitely captured “un rêve” with its fittingly soft palette and graceful presence.

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