Education UAE Issue 4

NOVEMBER 2019

A LOOK INTO TRADITIONAL TOYS VERSUS LOOSE PARTS

A STUDENT’S PERSPECTIVE ON CLIMATE CHANGE

CHASING THE NORTHERN LIGHTS DOWN AT LAPLAND

ESCAPE NE STLED W ITHIN THE A R A BI A N DE SERT A N OA SI S OF LU XURY AWA ITS

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3

Complimentary Copy

ONLY THE EDUCATED ARE FREE

W

elcome to the latest issue of Education UAE! We’ve got some fascinating material for you this issue, including the first of several regular features.

A Student’s Perspective is the first of these, with Divya Raina, a sixth form student at Jumeriah English Speaking School, getting stuck into corporate greed. She explains in simple terms the mess we have got ourselves into, but ends on a positive note by suggesting genuine commonsense solutions. This is a hard-hitting piece that everyone should read and act upon.

We hear from Dorgham Kamel Shaaban, too, who was educated in a very different time, when schools often used quite brutal methods. This is an eyeopening story, as well as an inspiring one; for Dorgham has gone on to own a multimillion dollar business. Other successful people we touch upon in this issue include Chinese business magnate Jack Ma.

He took four years to pass his college entrance exam, proving that straight A’s are unnecessary for a good career.

Nevertheless, a good education is priceless. So it is apt that in this issue we look at one of the world’s most revered universities, the Sorbonne, first established in 1253 in Paris, and now also in Abu Dhabi. We also discover what four of the nation’s finest teachers are reading at present, and some of their choices may surprise you.

Then there is the positive impact of meditation on our health and wellbeing.

And these incredible benefits are for everyone, not just adults! As usual, there is much, much more besides, not least two students reporting on their experiences at two outstanding universities, the University of the West of England and Harvard University.

Who would have thought that Bristol and Boston had so much in common!

TEAM Belinda Breeze Daniel Murad Eddie Rayner Jane Muff Laura Wojciechowski Rod Millington Roshan Anthony Sudasha Shabnam Bashiri Nezhad Umair Siddiqui

CONTACT

educationuae@tpg.media www.education-uae.com +971 4 223 6578

SOCIAL MEDIA

@educationuaemag @educationuaemag

Rod Millington Editor-in-Chief

Rod Millington has been active in the commercial writing sector for over 30 years, with work published throughout Europe, North America, the Far East, and the Middle East.

During this time, he has had the privilege to speak to a wide range of fascinating and entrepreneurial people, from captains of industry through to pop icons such as Sir Paul McCartney.

In total, Rod has had over 25 million words committed to print across more than 35 publications for clients as diverse as FIFA, Cunard, Virgin Atlantic Airlines, and Dubai Municipality.

This magazine is published by TPG Publishing LLC. All material is the copyright of TPG Publishing LLC. All rights reserved. This magazine is the property of TPG Publishing LLC. This publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form whole or part without written permission of the Managing Director of TPG Publishing LLC. While every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, the publishers cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the information herein, or any consequence arising from it. In the case of company or product reviews or comments, these have been based upon the true and honest opinion of the Editor at the time of going to press.

All our publications are printed using recycled paper.

BECAUSE WE CARE

ّ ...‫ﺣﺰام اﻷﻣﺎن‬ .‫ﺻﻤﺎم اﻷﻣﺎن‬

‫ﺗﻜﻤﻦ أﻫﻤﻴﺔ ﺣﺰام اﻷﻣﺎن ﻓﻲ اﻟﺘﻘﻠﻴﻞ ﻣﻦ ﺣﺪة اﻟﺼﺪﻣﺎت ﻋﻨﺪ‬ ‫اﻟﺘﻮﻗﻒ اﻟﻤﻔﺎﺟﺊ ﻟﻠﻤﺮﻛﺒﺔ أو ﻋﻨﺪ وﻗﻮع ﺣﺎدث ﻣﺮوري وﻟﻠﺤﻤﺎﻳﺔ ﻣﻦ‬ ‫ ﺗﺬﻛﺮ أن‬.‫ﺧﺮوج اﻟﺮﻛﺎب ﻣﻦ اﻟﻨﻮاﻓﺬ اﻟﻤﻔﺘﻮﺣﺔ ﻋﻨﺪ ﺣﺪوث اﻻﺻﻄﺪام‬ ‫ﻋﺪم رﺑﻂ ﺣﺰام اﻷﻣﺎن أﺛﻨﺎء اﻟﻘﻴﺎدة ﻣﻦ ﻗﺒﻞ اﻟﺴﺎﺋﻖ أو أي ﻣﻦ اﻟﺮﻛﺎب‬ ‫ ﻧﻘﺎط‬4‫ درﻫﻢ و‬400 ‫ﻣﺨﺎﻟﻔﺔ ﻣﺮورﻳﺔ ﻳﻌﺎﻗﺐ ﻋﻠﻴﻬﺎ اﻟﻘﺎﻧﻮن ﺑـ‬ ‫ ﺳﻼﻣﺘﻚ ﻏﺎﻳﺘﻨﺎ‬..‫ﻣﺮورﻳﺔ ﺳﻮداء‬

Before you start up the car, buckle up.

The importance of seatbelt is to reduce the impact of shocks when a vehicle stopped suddenly or when a traffic accident happens and to protect the ejection of passengers from the open windows when the collision.

Remember that failing to buckle up while driving for the driver or each passenger is subject to AED400 and 4 black points. Your safety is our aim

800 9090 rta.ae

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Contents

22

A School of Resilience, Grit, and Tenacity

42

My Kind of Town: Studying Abroad

86

Dubai Municipality Explains Why Every Child Needs Protein

7

THE FEATURES IN THIS ISSUE INCLUDE… DID YOU KNOW?

KNOW IT ALL!

Knowledge and Human Development Authority

Academics

8 12th Year of School Inspection: A New Milestone 10 Say Goodbye to Exams

Sharjah Education Council

46 Understanding Your Child Through Artificial Intelligence

My Journey

52 From Naval Officer to CEO

10 Always Caring, Always Here

THE LOUNGE

Dubai Municipality

62 Saying YES to New Adventures

10 Renovation of Al Safa and Al Maaref Schools

FIRST Global Challenge

10 Saving the Oceans with STEM

EXCELLENCE IN Pre-school

12 The Magic of Loose Parts 15 Mindful Meals Boost Growth and Development

Schools

24 Educators of the Future 28 Attitude: A Little Thing that Makes a Difference

Higher Education

36 Distinguished Institutions in the UAE

PARENT’S CORNER 70 Meditation for Transformation

BON VOYAGE Travel Near

76 It’s Beautiful Out There

Travel Far

78 Magical, Mystical Lapland

LOOK GOOD, FEEL GOOD Fashion

80 IKKS Kid’s Festive Clothing Line

HEALTH AND NUTRITION What’s Good For Me?

84 The Importance of Dental Hygiene

What’s Cooking?

88 A Classic Roast Leg of Lamb 91 Festive Dining Guide

8

8

Did You Know?

NEWS SECTION

Bringing you the latest education data, achievements, and development plans from local authorities, including Ministry of Education (MOE), Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), and Sharjah Education Council (SEC).

KHDA

12TH YEAR OF SCHOOL INSPECTIONS A NEW MILESTONE Private schools will soon experience changes in the way they are inspected, following new measures announced

by Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), which will take effect during the current academic year.

Schools that were previously rated ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Good’ will now receive review-visits aimed at ensuring they continue to provide high-quality education. School inspectors will also assess plans put in place by schools to ensure that Emirati students are making progress towards reaching their potential. In addition to evaluating student attainment and progress, they will focus on the extent to which schools are fostering and cultivating Emirati students’ talents and skills.

Following extensive feedback from the community, the Dubai School Inspection Bureau (DSIB) will shorten the notice period given to schools before inspections begin, from three weeks to five working days. Inspections will continue to focus on priority areas, which include the National Agenda, moral education, UAE social studies, innovation, inclusion, and reading.

Dr Abdulla Al Karam, DirectorGeneral of the KHDA said, “Private school inspections began in Dubai 11 years ago and this year is very special to us because the graduating class represents a

WHAT TO EXPECT IN ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/2020:  5-day inspection notice period  Paperless inspections  Greater focus on provisions for Emirati students  UAE Social Studies will be considered a key focus INSPECTIONS WILL PRIORITISE:  Inclusion  Moral education  Innovation  Reading and literacy

full cohort that has benefitted from our policies with substantial improvements in our schools. Our reports have given parents clear and helpful information that reassures them of the quality of education, as well as informs them of their children’s future education choices.”

Explaining the changes, Fatma Belrehif, CEO of the Dubai School Inspection Bureau (DSIB) said, “We have listened to useful feedback from parents, students, teachers, principals, and school operators about our school inspections and made some changes to the way we inspect schools. Our inspectors will be spending more time in schools that need more development.”

Parents and students will still be able to read school inspection reports on the KHDA website (www.khda.gov.ae).

Rus S/shutterstock.com

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BRITISH COUNCIL LAUNCHES PRIMARY PLUS COURSE

GAMIFIED MORAL EDUCATION PROGRAMME TRIALLED A ground-breaking pilot of the Moral Education Programme led by the Education Affairs Office of the Crown Prince Court, Abu Dhabi, and conducted by Arc Skills, has shown how gamification can enhance the way young people learn important universal values.

6

DATE 11 JAN TO 28 MARCH

schools ran the trial

myboys.me/shutterstock.com

The trial showed a huge potential in gamification and online technology, with 98% of the students who participated in the programme scoring over 70% in the pilot assessments.

400

students participated

FORMAT 36 HOURS PER TERM COST AED3,600

SUPPORTING OUTSTANDING STUDENTS WITH SCHOLARSHIPS

British Council, the United Kingdom’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations, has launched Primary Plus, its new English course for children aged 6-11 years old in the UAE.

The Sheikh Saqr Programme for Government Excellence is helping to improve competitiveness in Ras Al Khaimah across various fields by developing its human capital and granting scholarships to distinguished students, providing them with a platform on which to grow their academic knowledge and practical skills.

The experiential programme helps develop children’s confidence in communicating in English, as well as important 21st-century life skills such as creativity, critical thinking, digital literacy, and leadership.

The Primary Plus curriculum will focus more broadly on young learners’ physical, personal, social, and emotional development in order to prepare them for future life challenges.

For more information contact www.britishcouncil.ae

Coolpicture/shutterstock.com

The programme accredited 72 student scholarships during the academic year 2019/2020

10 10 Did You Know?

SAVING THE OCEANS WITH STEM The third FIRST Global Challenge was hosted in Dubai for the first time outside of the USA, and has brought more than 1,500 students from 191 countries together to invent robotics that can tackle marine and ocean-life problems.

The FIRST Global Challenge is the annual Olympics-style competition that seeks to ignite a passion for Science,

SAY GOODBYE TO SCHOOL EXAMS KHDA

RENOVATION OF AL SAFA AND AL MAAREF SCHOOLS

Dubai Municipality has begun the comprehensive development and renovation of Al Safa and Al Maaref schools in Dubai at a cost of AED26 million.

The work includes installation of an air-conditioning system, smart cooling, a fire-fighting system, and the establishment of laboratories for various scientific disciplines. The renovation project comes within the framework of Dubai Municipality’s strategy to build a happy and sustainable city.

Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) among the more than two billion youths across the world.

This year’s event addressed the theme of ‘Ocean Opportunities’. Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo partnered with the event in support of tackling one of the world’s pressing issues, ocean pollution.

“The standardised examination method for students will soon go away,” says Dr Abdulla Al Karam, Director-General at Knowledge and Human Development Authority, “but it’s subjective to how fast Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be implemented across schools.”

Speaking at the International and Private Schools Education Forum (IPSEF) in Ras Al Khaimah in October, Dr Abdulla said that there would always be a need for a teacher to assess an individual’s progress and

SEC

ALWAYS CARING, ALWAYS HERE The Health Promotion Department of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in Sharjah has launched the first phase of the ‘Healthy Schools’ programme, which falls under the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) health-promoting schools initiative.

A number of representatives were present in the introduction of this launch, including WHO, Ministry of Health

knowledge, but that in the future AI will continuously perform evaluations in the background to assist this process.

“In the past, we did not have any other way of assessing learning other than standardised testing.

But now choices are available, and we absolutely welcome change.”

However, that is not to say that AI will replace human teachers. In the words of Dr Abdulla, “AI will never replace the heart of a teacher.”

and Prevention, Ministry of Educaiton, Sharjah Private Education Authority, and Sharjah Education Council.

Commenting on the launch, Iman Rashid Saif, director of the Health Promotion Department, said, “Our aim is to establish an appropriate environment and good life for school students, as well as to provide psychological safety and outstanding healthcare for them.”

 3-year programme  113 private schools  111 public schools  26 public nurseries in Sharjah

Over 183,000 students, nurseries, kindergartens, academic staff, school management, and parents

wavebreakmedia/shutterstock.com

Your Success is Our Legacy

Zayed University offers 24 undergraduate programs and 7 graduate programs in the following colleges: College of Arts & Creative Enterprises (Recognized as substantially equivalent

by NASAD) College of Business (Accredited by AACSB) College of Communication & Media Sciences (Accredited by ACEJMC) College of Education (Accredited by NCATE) College of Natural & Health Sciences College of Humanities & Social Sciences College of Technological Innovation (Programs accredited by ABET) For more information about Zayed University programs and scholarship opportunities, please visit www.zu.ac.ae or call: +971 2 599 3593 (Abu Dhabi) | +971 4 402 1444 (Dubai)

Zayed University is a national and regional leader in educational innovation. The University provides highquality programs, offered by experienced faculty on two modern campuses in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and welcomes Emirati and international students.

12 12 Excellence in Pre-School

THE MAGIC OF LOOSE PARTS ISABELLE AMATOURY, THE OWNER OF KID’S ISLAND NURSERY, AND HER DAUGHTER, AGATHE JAMESON, THE PRINCIPAL, HAVE SEEN THE LANDSCAPE OF EARLY YEARS CENTRES AND NURSERY SCHOOLS WITHIN DUBAI PROGRESS TREMENDOUSLY OVER THE YEARS. HERE THEY HAVE TEAMED UP TO WRITE A FEATURE ARTICLE ON ‘THE MAGIC OF LOOSE PARTS’.

NOT SURE WHAT THESE ARE? NEITHER WERE WE. BUT READ ON; IT’S A REAL EDUCATION!

E Isabelle Amatoury is the owner of Kid’s Island Nursery (left), and her daughter, Agathe Jameson is the principal (right).

mphasis has moved away from sedentary, rote memorisation learning, towards a more active childled, play-based approach.

One area in particular that has evolved within the educational landscape is the incorporation of loose part activities into learning environments.

So, what are loose parts? They are items that children can move, control, and manipulate, which in turn encourages independent and imaginative play. They don’t have a pre-determined use, which is beneficial as it allows children to create their own context for the item. The parts can be as simple as leaves, pebbles, seed pods, sticks, and twigs, or as diverse as bolts, herbs, screws, lemons, lids, and pieces of fabric. Loose parts, when used independently or layered together, can ignite the imagination of children. There are no limits to imagination, and curiosity and creativity will guide the child in free play. Activities that are interspersed with loose parts enhance the learning experience.

Does that mean that parents and educators should throw out all traditional toys?

Definitely not! Traditional toys, by design, are created to catch the attention of the child by being colourful, noisy, musical, and interactive. The children are informed, through visual or auditory prompts, on how they should interact with the toy. Kelly Goodsir, an educational consultant from Australia, believes that this limits creativity and places a cap on the possibilities in play. However, when traditional toys are merged with loose parts, a more creative landscape unfolds in front of the child.

We feel strongly that there needs to be an integrated balance between traditional toys and loose parts. Combined, they enhance how a child interacts within the learning environment and brings a new dimension to their play. For instance, a toy such as a doll, combined with a cardboard box, a few pieces of fabric and some leaves, could evolve into an imaginary home, beautifully decorated.

Twigs and sticks turn into a forest, and a bowl becomes a boat to cross a river.

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A doll combined with a cardboard box, a few pieces of fabric and some leaves, could evolve into an imaginary home, beautifully decorated

The extension of play occurs as the child’s role-playing evolves from a purely nurturing experience to a more complex storyline. Integrating loose parts into the nursery environment allows children to feed their sensory needs. This enables them to build deeper connections as they expand their knowledge of the world around them.

The combination of loose parts and traditional toys should not be limited to the nursery environment only. Isabelle

believes that children should have access to a variety of toys and loose parts within the home setting as well, to enrich the child’s learning experience.

Cardboard boxes, paper rolls, and fabric are a great starting point for any household. Parents should consider the possibilities of everyday items before throwing them away. The opportunities are endless. Let your child’s imagination and curiosity lead the way!

Loose parts, when used independently or layered together, can ignite the imagination of children

14 Excellence in Pre-School

ENDLESS DISCOVERIES WITH ACTIVE LEARNING A PART OF THE GLOBALLY ACCLAIMED KÏDO GROUP OF SCHOOLS, SAFARI KID NURSERY IN DUBAI CONTINUES TO EVOLVE AND EXPAND, UNDERLINED BY AN EXCITING NEW CURRICULUM LAUNCHED BY THE GROUP GLOBALLY, THE ‘KÏDO EARLY YEARS PROGRAMME’, WHICH HAS ITS FOUNDATIONS IN THE BRITISH EYFS FRAMEWORK. The programme covers a range of subjects, including literacy, maths, science, and art, and uses thinking and problem-based learning to help children develop a diverse set of skills. Thinkingbased learning encourages children to look beyond the obvious and explore multiple perspectives to any situation, while projectbased learning involves extended, multidisciplinary activities that develop all-round skills across several development areas. While such approaches have been applied in primary education, Kïdo is applying it in the early childhood space for the first time.

Thinking-Based Learning, a book written by Dr Robert Swartz, Director of the National Center for Teaching Thinking (USA), is a core aspect of the new approach at the nursery. It is an attempt to move teachers away from the old style of teaching, which is content-based, with students memorising subject matter by rote or via textbooks and then showing they have retained the information in tests.

This fresh approach to the curriculum encourages students to develop thinking strategies so that they can draw conclusions for themselves. Known as active learning, it allows young people to approach content more deeply and richly.

“One of the more important ways in which Safari Kid works with children concerns decision-making,” Dr Robert explains.

“Safari Kid helps them to develop a strategy where they consider the options, the consequences both pro and con, and then weigh those together to make a good choice. The curriculum also steers youngsters toward searching for answers from their environment and multiple sources including on the internet, and of course, when they do that, the important thing is to figure out whether the information they are getting is reliable and accurate. They’re learning critical thinking skills, and they’re learning how to use them in both their schoolwork and in the wider community.”

MIA Studio/shutterstock.com

15

WHAT’S IN YOUR TODDLER’S BAG?

MINDFUL MEALS BOOST GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE FACE OF A 37% CHILD OBESITY RATE IN THE UAE, LADYBIRD NURSERY HAS INTRODUCED A HEALTHY HABITS THEME, WHICH BRINGS NUTRITION CONCEPTS ALIVE WITH A VARIETY OF ‘HANDSON’ ENGAGING ACTIVITIES. However, as Monica Valrani, CEO of Ladybird Nursery, explains: “Parents are best placed to encourage healthy eating and observe the flavours their child prefers, preparing suitable meals based on this information. Knowing what children like allows parents to develop healthy meal options tailored to what the youngsters’ palates prefer.

It is a great way to ensure children get all of their nutrients, whilst enjoying their food at the same time.

Monica Valrani is the CEO of Ladybird Nursery.

There is a 37% child obesity rate in the UAE

“This aids in both physical and mental growth.”

With a 37%child obesity rate in the UAE, there is always room for heighted action and, while children might tend to receive ‘healthy’ meals less enthusiastically than their sugary counterparts, there are ways in which to make smart eating more appealing.

Monica Valrani says that there are always healthy substitutes available for popular snacks, and introducing more natural sugars into a diet can help curb that sweet tooth. For example, oven-baked sweet potato crisps, cauliflower pizza, ‘nice-cream’ made using bananas and other fruit, and finally oat and banana pancakes.

“Wholesome meals help boost development, as well as the immunity levels of children. It is instrumental in ensuring that they receive all the nutrients required by their immune systems. At Ladybird Nursery, we encourage parents to send healthy snacks to the nursery to boost their children’s energy levels, while providing them with a variety of other advantages.

Preparation of such meals is also a great way for parents and children to spend that all-important time bonding, as they can spend quality time together in the kitchen,” Monica Valrani concludes.

JUST LIKE YOUR TODDLER, THE LIST OF SUPPLIES NECESSARY FOR NURSERY IS QUITE SHORT. BUT WHAT DO YOU BUY AND WHAT’S THE SMART WAY TO SHOP FOR THESE ITEMS? Well, we’ve eliminated the guesswork by getting ideas from three people in the know, Becca Clark, Deputy Headteacher at Children’s Oasis Nursery, Natalie Thwaits, an FS1 teacher at Al Rabeeh School, and Tamara Tucker, Nursery Manager at Step by Step Nursery – Layan Community.

“Items that are essential and great to have in your toddler’s everyday bag would be spare clothes in case of any accidents, a sun hat for playing outdoors, healthy snacks for snack time, and a water bottle to stay hydrated. Having these items would ensure a fun filled day!” says Becca.

Natalie agrees with Becca, adding that parents must also include wetwipes in their toddler’s bag. “Of course, all items should be labelled. It’s most convenient to also have the parents’ contact details easily available if need be.”

There are also hidden factors that come into play when building up your little one’s readiness to go to nursery.

Tamara suggests parents involve toddlers in the shopping of nursery items. “Take your child shopping with you so that they can choose their new school bag and water bottle, and other essentials like a lunchbox, a naptime blanket, and even their uniform. This involvement will give them a sense of importance and ownership.”

And here’s a great bonus tip. We recommended a large knapsack if possible, even if your little one is … well … little. And there is a very good reason for this. Nursery and kindergarten kids always find the biggest book to borrow from the library!

16 16 Excellence In Schools

Nearly

UAE STUDENTS SCOOP 27 ‘TOP IN THE WORLD’ AWARDS Cambridge Assessment International Education has announced the winners of the Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards in the UAE. Altogether 107 awards have been given this year for outstanding achievement, including 27 ‘Top in the World’ awards to students who achieved the highest marks in the world in a Cambridge International A Level or Cambridge IGCSE subject.

Seventy-five students attained the highest scores in the UAE in a single subject.

The awards celebrate the outstanding academic achievements of secondary school students in the UAE in the June 2019 Cambridge examination series.

The winners will be presented with their awards at a grand ceremony held in Dubai on 5 December 2019.

Students who won awards came from schools that include Al Nahda National School for Girls, Al Ain English Speaking School, Sharjah British International School, Repton School, Deira International School, Wesgreen International School, Al Ma’arifa International School, and Merryland International School, amongst others.

107 awards given this year for outstanding achievement

Around

115 schools

in the UAE accounted for nearly 53,655 entries for Cambridge qualifications in the June 2019 exam series

1 million students

participate in Cambridge programmes worldwide each year, making more than 1.75 million exam entries

27 ‘Top in the World’ awards to students who achieved the highest marks in the world in Cambridge International A Level or IGCSE subjects To view a list of the schools visit www.education-uae.com Over

75 students attained the highest marks in the UAE in a single subject

There has been a

6% increase in the number of students taking Cambridge exams internationally

10,000 schools

in more than 160 countries offer Cambridge programmes Internationally, entries for Cambridge exams have

risen by 4% this year,

and the number of schools now teaching Cambridge International programmes has grown by 6%

BE A BUDDY NOT A BULLY Cartoon Network Middle East and Sony Music Entertainment Middle East have joined forces to release a thoughtprovoking song and music video featuring Rawan and Rayan. The catchy Arabic pop song speaks directly to children about the effects of bullying. We’ll be joining the fight against bullying in the next issue of Education UAE with a major feature article.

Monkey Business Images/shutterstock.com

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GIIS LAUNCHES FILM MAKING AND RADIO COURSES Global Indian International School (GIIS) has introduced its first Film Club and Radio Club to its Dubai and Abu Dhabi campuses, where students can develop creative media skills in filmmaking and radio.

As part of an after-school activity, the courses are open to both GIIS and non-GIIS students. They will receive a complete understanding of both professions in terms of videography, direction, production, script writing, editing, radio jockeying, and more.

In line with the launch, GIIS hosted a screening of a war drama entitled ‘Reunion’, directed by 18-year-old award-winning Canadian filmmaker and composer, Kesava Geeta Kumar.

EXPERTISE FOR CHANGING TIMES Al Resalah American International School has recently held two informative workshops for students, covering first aid and cybercrime.

In an exciting initiative, the school has created a student medical team, providing them with a workshop in collaboration with the UAE Red Crescent authority on First Aid. Meanwhile, in an age where students must be able to face cyber challenges effectively, the school conducted a workshop in collaboration with Sharjah Police Security Culture Department on cybercrime.

A UAE FIRST FOR JESS DUBAI Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS) Dubai has become the first school in the UAE to be awarded the ‘Safeguarding Alliance Standard’, which is the benchmark for outstanding practice in safeguarding excellence.

The Standard enables both pupils and staff to thrive in a safe environment, with Shane O’Brien, Director of JESS Dubai, commenting: “The audit was a very useful process to highlight areas of excellence and I hope other UAE schools will follow our lead and adopt this standard.”

THE ARBOR SCHOOL PARTNERS WITH EMIRATES BIOFARM Students at a Dubai school are learning how to grow, maintain, and harvest their own food in a large-scale greenhouse on the school grounds.

The Arbor School, an ecological school in Al Furjan, has partnered with Emirates BioFarm, the UAE’s largest private organic farm, to give students a deeper understanding of how food is grown organically, while developing their self-sufficiency and understanding of the ‘farm to fork’ concept.

18 Excellence In Schools

NLCS TO EXPAND SCHOOL FACILITIES North London Collegiate School (NLCS) is to expand its Dubai campus facilities in time for September 2020.

TAALEEM SCHOOL BREAKS GROUND ON NEW CAMPUS

800 students currently attend NLCS The call for top-quality education continues to remain strong in the UAE, and with the school having limited spaces in some grades for 2019-20 expansion is vital to satiate demand.

Open in September 2020 3,000 K-12 students Raha International School, part of the Taaleem group of schools, held a groundbreaking ceremony celebrating the start of construction of its new Branch Campus, Raha International School, Khalifa City Campus.

A JOURNEY OF INNOVATION WITH REPTON ABU DHABI Having hosted two educational technologycentric events, Repton Abu Dhabi aimed at inspiring innovation amongst both students and educators.

The Annual Digital Challenge saw 112 students from eight different schools across the Emirates working together to develop an idea for a new mobile app, while the Annual Digital Summit saw educators delivering talks and participating in comprehensive discussions on how Apple Technology has enhanced the classroom experience.

Gillian Hammond, Principal of Repton Abu Dhabi said: “With 100% of our teachers being Apple Teacher certified and some even being awarded Apple Distinguished Educator status from Apple, Repton has provided students with an educational experience that goes beyond the classroom.”

MORE THAN JUST THE CLASSROOM The Performing Arts curriculum at Nord Anglia International School Dubai (NAS Dubai) offers students an education that goes beyond the classroom, partnering with The Juilliard School and Dubai Opera to provide a well-rounded learning experience.

NAS Dubai believes that learning is not confined to books alone, and students should develop creativity, selfconfidence, and decision-making and self-evaluation skills.

These thought-provoking ideals have paved the way for the school’s ‘more than’ campaign, encouraging students to explore opportunities within their own spheres of interest.

EMPOWERING GIRLS TO PURSUE STEM CAREERS Dubai Science Park (DSP), a science- and healthcarefocused business community, joined forces with Covestro, one of the world’s leading polymer producers, and global non-profit organisation greenlight for girls (g4g).

Together they hosted the first g4g Day in the Middle East, aimed at getting girls interested in science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) – areas where women are traditionally underrepresented. The event drew the participation of more than 120 girls from several schools across Dubai.

21

UP TO THE CHALLENGE Another year of Dubai Fitness Challenge has been and gone, and here’s what several UAE schools did to participate.

Foremarke School, Dunecrest American School, and Fairgreen International School hosted many action-packed events for both students and parents. The exercises included circuit training, rugby, football, dance lessons, wake up and shake up exercises, yoga, and dodge. Horizon English School was particularly innovative, featuring Zumba fitness in music lessons, physical challenges in mathematics lessons, stop and dance during break and lunchtimes, and walk and jog-a-thons during lunchtimes.

Fitness First played a key role in helping the initiative achieve its ambitious health and wellness goals by encouraging residents to commit to 30 minutes of daily exercise for 30 days.

22 Excellence In Schools

A SCHOOL OF RESILIENCE, GRIT, AND TENACITY WHAT MAKES A SCHOOL? WE SPEAK TO SHEELA GEORGE, THE PRINCIPAL AT ASPAM INDIAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL IN SHARJAH (ASPAM IIS), TO GET AN INSIGHT INTO HOW SHE RUNS HER SCHOOL.

D

oes it come down to the teachers, the facilities, the student body, or even school inspections, or perhaps it is a combination of all? An often-quoted phrase suggests that ultimately the leadership determines the fate of a country. Can the same principle be applied to a school model?

Choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make, not least because your child’s happiness is of primary importance to their education. That’s why, at ASPAM IIS, we endeavour to provide a joyful, safe and stimulating environment, helping our students to develop their full potential through a well-balanced curriculum.

Values and Principles With the tagline ‘I am me. I am unique’ ASPAM IIS operates with high standards, and a complex set of factors, sharing beliefs and priorities that drive the thinking and actions of all stakeholders of the school. The Chinese philosopher Laozi once said that ‘A Journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step’. ASPAM IIS has made one step at a time in all its endeavours.

We believe in creating engaging and effective learning experiences for our students. We abide by our principle that every child is unique in multiple ways. Myriad opportunities are created inside and outside of the classroom to bring out the hidden potential and recognise every child for their talent and skill. At ASPAM IIS, it is all about what we can do with what we know. Resilience, grit, and tenacity are nurtured among the staff and students, as we constantly persevere in our efforts to progress and develop.

A Well-rounded Education To educate hearts and inspire minds, ASPAM IIS integrates social and emotional learning, sustainable green practices, and global identity in scholastic and co-scholastic subjects.

Activities framed in science and

23

maths lessons are integrated with values such as relationship skills and resolve. Learning spaces are created in the classroom and the corridors for students to strengthen their creativity and innovation and to become empowered.

For example, science in kindergarten happens in the exploratory room, while primary, middle, and senior school students learn by going on field trips and performing experiments in laboratories.

Leadership Style As a school leader, I mostly use thought leadership with a combination of servant leadership, instructional leadership, and democratic leadership styles. I also use courageous leadership during challenging times and when I have to bring equity into the work atmosphere, as this brings in a feeling of satisfaction when everybody can correctly use their skills and potential.

Empowering Teachers and Students A culture of positivity is tangible around the school. Students play a central role, and the school has a strong student council body. We empower students by encouraging them to integrate innovation in all that they do and give them the courage to face challenges with grit and resilience. Similarly, teachers are empowered by providing ample opportunities to explore, take charge, work with the team, and share their best practices and ideas.

Opening year 2013

Curriculum CBSE

Grades Kindergarten to Grade 12

Number of students 750

Number of staff 110

Nationality of students and staff 13 nationalities - Indians, Pakistanis, Egyptians, Iraqis, Canadians, Americans, Polish, Kenyans, Sudanese, Bangladeshis, Sri Lankans, Filipinos and Omanis

Co-curricular activities Campaigns to build sustainable practices and promote wellness. Students participate in global student exchange programmes and are taken on field trips that are connected with their curriculum

Languages: Arabic is mandatory, French and Hindi are optional

24 Excellence In Schools

EDUCATORS OF THE FUTURE AADITYA TANGRI, CEO OF KALEBR AMERICAS AND FOUNDER OF STEAMATHALON, EXPLAINS WHY HE BELIEVES THERE IS NOW NO QUESTION THAT IN THE FUTURE STUDENT LEARNING WILL SUPERSEDE THE CLASSICAL CURRICULUM AND LEARNING FORMULA THAT WE KNOW TODAY.

Aaditya Tangri is the co-founder and CEO of Kalebr Americas and founder of STEAMathalon.

S

tudents will become partners to their education, partaking in real-world and digital experiences that allow collaboration, communication, and teamwork for all students beyond classroom walls.

Therefore, we need to facilitate these experiences using the ‘native’ tools of modern learners, equipping the youth and preparing them for their future workplaces, which ultimately should be reflected in the classroom.

Mark McCrindle, a futurist, demographer, and TEDx speaker, is spearheading the campaign to coin any person born after 2010 a part of ‘Generation Alpha’. This generation consists of the so-called ‘digital natives’ who have grown up with information technology and social media, and to whom devices feel a natural extension of themselves. By contrast, their parents and grandparents, even if they have access to the same technology, will never have the same relationship with it. These massive technological changes, among others, make this generation perhaps one of the most transformative.

It’s not just that this generation is tech-savvy - technology is omnipresent in today’s world, which also dramatically alters the trajectory of commerce and growth. With technology playing such an immense role in nearly every industry, the next generation is learning the right skills, such as problem-solving, multitasking, collaboration, and relying on their creativity and imagination for their future career opportunities.

At the same time, technology is making educational opportunities more available than ever before.

So while some institutions are still navigating uncharted territory to find a way to include social media

in the curriculum, a select few in Dubai are paving the way for others and working towards future-proofing their children. These leaders are innovative, ready to challenge old notions and transform teaching, as well as learning. They aim to equip their students with the knowledge, skills and qualifications required for their future. In doing so, they are also maximising learning opportunities offered by digital technology and flexible learning spaces.

What Schools Are Doing Dubai British School, JESS Arabian Ranches, Nord Anglia International School, and The Oxenford School are a few such examples of institutions creating ‘tomorrow’s classroom’, by championing the development of their young learners with the support of Kalebr, whose products promote 21st-century skills, wellbeing, sustainability, making, coding, innovation, and social media for students of all ages.

By having introduced Kalebr’s STEAMathalon to their learning programs, these schools are tapping into the equitable access of several high-quality, scalable and engaging learning tools, support and resources for teachers and students, all the while in-building technology for both educators and learners to share their world-changing insights and innovations with global networks through social media.

STEAMathalon provides a framework for promoting global collaboration, creative thinking, tolerance, and well-being through a real-world challenge in a competitive play-based innovation league. The initiative promotes an inclusive environment, mimicking future workplace settings, where learners tackle global challenges.

25

Monkey Business Images/shutterstock.com

In partnership with:

Dubai World Trade Centre, Sheikh Saeed Halls 25 – 27 February 2020

make your mark The 13th edition of GESS Dubai returns in 2020, free to attend to anyone working in the field of education. The exhibition provides educators access to the products and solutions that meet the needs of the modern classroom and transform the way students learn. Alongside the exhibition runs an extensive conference programme and awards ceremony, making GESS Dubai the complete event for the education industry.

This year the conference runs under the theme of “Fuelling Minds with Passion and Curiosity”, and will feature a range of renowned keynote speakers and educationalists sharing their knowledge and passion in over 200, free of charge, CPD accredited talks and workshops. Learn from renowned local and international experts and take away practical tips they can immediately implement in their classes to make learning more engaging for their students.

INSPIRING SPEAKERS Last year we had some amazing speakers including Dr. Michele Borba, Darcey Bussell and Ilona Boniwell and in 2020 some of the speakers confirmed so far include: Dr Jake Madden, Executive Principal, Al Yasat Private School Dr. Richard Churches FRSA, Lead Adviser for Education Reform and Evidence-Based Practice, Education Development Trust David Harkin, CEO, 7billionideas

Jeremy Williams, Head of School, Manor Hall International School Dr Ger Graus, Global Director of Education, KidZania Gerard Lavelle, Innovation Champion, Kent College Dubai

THE LATEST & MOST INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS 550+ local and international companies showcased the latest educational products and solutions that teachers use to make them more effective in helping their students achieve better results. With country pavilions from Germany, Korea, UK, Saudi Arabia, China, U.S.A, Finland and India, GESS Dubai is the trusted platform for suppliers of the entire spectrum of educational products and services.

Regional Partners:

Education Partner:

We know that innovative products are key for schools, one of the key areas of the exhibition is the Start Up Pavilion, where you can meet enterprising new small businesses that are shaking up the education sector with their disruptive new ideas. Many of these start-ups are providing innovative solutions geared specifically for learning situations in the Middle East, offering bespoke solutions for the unique needs of Knowledge Partner: teachers and students in the region.

WWW.GESSDUBAI.COM

A CONFERENCE TO ENGAGE & INSPIRE Alongside the exhibition runs our globally renowned, free to attend conference featuring seminars, live case studies, workshops and panel discussions. Our conferences provide the region’s educators exposure to the latest trends, best practice as well as the latest tech in the pursuit of excellence in their classrooms.

LEADERSHIP STREAM

GESS TALKS ACTIVE

Exclusively for our Leaders in Education members, these sessions are aimed at Leaders within education from preschool, K12 to those from HE/FE colleges and universities.

Looking at the challenges that leader of schools and educational institutions face, the qualities required to make a good leader and the skills required to advance in senior positions.

Experience the power of music, drama, art and exercise to get your students active, smiling and engaged. Bring an open mind, a bottle of water and some comfy shoes to experience it for yourself.

INNOVATION STAGE

GESS BITES These dynamic, insightful and fast paced sessions are designed to get you thinking on a variety of education view points and inspirations which include ‘design thinking for education’ new format for 2020 so keep watching for listings 10 minutes of inspiration to inspire change, conversations and collaboration. Taking place every lunchtime of GESS Dubai these are not to be missed.

FUTURE LEADERS Following the success of the sessions in 2019, this series of workshops are designed for those wanting to know more about stepping into leadership, and acquiring useful skills and insights into the techniques and skills essential to aspiring leaders.

Find out about the latest innovations in products and services from our exhibitors for educators today, featuring case histories, interactive showcases, features and benefits of products. Be empowered and ask the questions you’ve always wanted to, experience these dynamic workshops first-hand and learn how to future proof your school.

EDUCATION IN ACTION Focusing on what happens in schools, these practical and dynamic session will showcase the latest innovations in education. Covering all aspects of education and demonstrating best practice to improve and enhance teaching and learning. Find out about key global education issues, the latest trends and technology as well as entrepreneurship, life skills and vocational training.

NEUROSCIENCE AND WELLBEING

GESS TALKS ARENA

The GESS team are pleased to be showcasing a series of talks from consultants, and educators on Wellbeing and SEN in an inclusive environment in schools. David Hodgson Master NLP practitioner is back for 2 days by popular demand and will outline the latest international research to help educators learn how to boost, motivate and inspire both themselves and their students to achieve the very best.

Featuring an exciting range of talks from individual keynotes, to panel session and 1-2-1 interview style conversations. With inspirational keynotes and dynamic movers and shakers, these sessions are designed to inspire and engage to help you learn about the latest global education trends and to push your education agenda forwards.

FUTURE LEARNING Essential workshops by educators for educators. Learn from the very best, experience real stories from schools and see students and teachers showcase themselves. These sessions are interactive and thought provoking, looking at innovations in teaching and will range from the latest trends and new concepts across ALL areas of education.

Free registration for educational professionals, visit www.gessdubai.com or contact dmesmar@tarsus.com for more information @GESSeducation

GESSDubai

@gesseducation

GESS Education

28 Excellence In Schools

ATTITUDE A Little Thing That Makes a Big Difference

EDUCATION HAS CHANGED IN MANY WAYS OVER THE YEARS, FROM GENERAL BEHAVIOUR CAUSED BY DIFFERENT PARENTING SKILLS, THROUGH TO HOW TEACHERS RUN THEIR CLASSES AND STUDENTS’ ABILITY TO USE MEDIA AND TECHNOLOGY. DORGHAM KAMEL SHAABAN, WHO GRADUATED FROM A LEADING UK UNIVERSITY IN 1981 WITH A DEGREE IN CIVIL ENGINEERING, WAS EDUCATED IN A DIFFERENT AGE WITH DIFFERENT IDEAS.

Dorgham Shaaban and wife, Aida Saddeh, celebrate graduation day of their quadruplets in May 2018.

HERE, HE EXPLAINS HOW WHAT WOULD BE CONSIDERED RATHER BRUTAL SCHOOLING METHODS TODAY HELPED TO MOULD HIM INTO WHAT HE HAS BECOME IN THE ST 21 CENTURY – A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESSMAN WITH A MILLION-DOLLAR COMPANY.

29

I

was born and raised in a small village called Jalameh, north to the city of Jenin in Palestine. I initially studied in an all-boys public school where I completed my primary and elementary education, where most of our subjects were taught in Arabic.

We then moved to Abu Dhabi, where I completed my secondary education at Abu Dhabi Secondary School.

Studying in public schools was both a challenge and an opportunity. It prompted me to be tough, smart, and competitive all at the same time. The inadequacy of the school environment propelled to success because I always envisaged a better future for myself.

Our classrooms were cramped with 40 students per class. We were deprived of physical education due to the unavailability of a gym or a playground, and the school canteen could cater to no more than sandwiches.

Theatres, laboratories, halls, and media rooms were utterly nonexistent.

Our teachers were very strict and would beat us with sticks when we misbehaved or committed mistakes. My experience in Abu Dhabi Secondary School, however, was much more conducive to learning; with free food and uniforms, as well as having 25-30 students per class. Teaching was delivered to a higher calibre.

It is delightful to recall a memorable experience I had with my elementary English teacher, which has left an indelible mark on me. He gave us a homework assignment to write 20 words that we had to recite in front of the class the following day. If the performance pleased the teacher, it saved the student the feared punishment of getting whipped fiercely on the feet.

I found it unacceptable and abhorrent, but my opinion bore no weight or significance. So, trying to be audacious to defend my stance, I did not do the homework in order to challenge this much-detested way of ‘disciplining’ students. When asked to recite, I said I hadn’t memorised the lines, and when asked to take my shoes off, I refused, explaining why such behaviour only creates a culture of fear that impedes student development. I even had to bring my father into school because of this, which is something he never did.

Years after this incident, that teacher became a very good friend of mine, and I happily realised that I had sent him a powerful message with what I have done. Despite the teacher himself not being inspirational, his degrading treatment compelled me to be courageous and stand up for what I believe in, which is something I’m grateful to have learned and honed.

front of my peers for my exceptional performance. Again, the teacher himself hadn’t been inspirational at all, but the incident taught me that with will and determination, a failure could be turned into a narrative of success. A person can either admit defeat or stand up with an intractable power and desire to rise above his complacency and make that failure part of a greater success story.

If our academic performance pleased the teacher, it saved the student the feared punishment of getting whipped fiercely on the feet

I joined my father’s food business immediately after I finished my degree in 1981. At a young age, I managed this business and became one of its pioneers, keeping it at the forefront of the industry for several years.

Under my management, the company’s influence in the market grew to affect the whole region. Now, I am also running a chain of over 50 successful award-winning stores in the fashion industry under the name of BRANDS.

I also remember an incident I had with my physics teacher. I came to school with an overwhelming excitement because I was dressed in a new suit. The teacher asked me a question, which I failed to answer. As a response to that failure, he insulted me badly in front of the class by telling me that I was not worthy of the suit I was wearing. That statement made me determined rather than degrading me though, and I promised myself to excel in his subject and prove that I am the best student in his class.

I started not only answering all of the challenging questions, but even showed several different ways to achieve the answer. The teacher became immensely proud of me and began praising me in

Education elevates the value of its seeker. My parents lived in a society where education was mostly given to the children of aristocrats. My advice to the children of today is to pursue knowledge and wisdom for a better tomorrow.

Education is a sacred privilege that opens doors towards a brighter future, full of peace, prosperity, and love.

My parents lived in a society where education was mostly given to the children of aristocrats

31

Rawpixel.com/shutterstock.com

ADVICE YOU CAN BANK ON THE FIRST STEP TO FINANCIAL FREEDOM BEGINS WITH HOW A PERSON THINKS ABOUT MONEY. ORGANISATION AND PLANNING SKILLS MUST BE DEVELOPED AS EARLY AS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TO PREPARE FOR THE DEMANDS OF THE MODERN WORLD. Parents are encouraged to allow their children to commit to saving a significant amount of money before spending it all on something expensive, such as a gaming console. By empowering them to do so, they are given the responsibility to hold a large sum of money and feel enormous satisfaction when they achieve their goal.

WHAT EXPERTS HAVE TO SAY “Parents should give the children small household chores for their pocket money.

This will teach them the basic life skills, learn the value of money, budget when they have a specific amount to spend and have an open mindset to do any work. This exposure will help them have empathy for the parents and build family bonding.”

Anita Singh, Vice-Principal, Shining Star International School, Abu Dhabi

“Today’s young minds need nurturing exposure that helps them excel in skills which are recognised globally.

Be it financial literacy or a strong emotional quotient; students need to be equipped with skill sets that prepare them for the multi-cultural and vibrant times that lie ahead of them.”

Dr Heena Rachh, Principal, Global Indian International School Abu Dhabi “Students don’t need to be taught anymore – they need to be prepared to constantly experience, share, accept failure, but strive for success and be empowered to be learners for life.”

Manuja Sharma, Marketing Manager, Murdoch University Dubai

HERE’S HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD LEARN BUDGETING SKILLS  Provide a piggy bank for savings  Let them earn their money by doing chores  Have them take responsibility for spending on entertainment  Most important of all, leave room for mistakes

32 Excellence In Schools

DIGITAL WELLNESS QUALITY NOT QUANTITY

P

arents, have you ever wondered about the ‘Digital Wellness’ aspect of your child’s upbringing in today’s technological world? How do you ensure that your child stays in tip-top condition online? Amal Shahine, Principal at Horizon Private School Branch, provides perspective on this topic.

How do you view technology usage amongst students?

Technology usage is becoming an integral part of youngsters’ lives. This is how they play, they communicate, they research, they read, they get to know others.

What do you consider to be a healthy amount of usage?

I believe children are spending time on technology much more than the ‘healthy amount’ of usage. However, I think it is more about the quality than the quantity of usage. A child can spend one-hour playing aggressive games or connecting with virtual people he knows nothing about, which can have a very negative impact! Alternatively, time can be spent doing research, or exploring new countries, or studying with classmates, benefitting the student considerably!

Amal Shahine is the Principal at Horizon Private School Branch.

Elnur/shutterstock.com

When does technology use become a problem?

When children become too involved in the virtual world and start getting disconnected from the real world in which they live. Also, when they let technology invade their privacy and, unintentionally, they start having their life details available to the public.

What are the consequences of over usage?

Children will develop very poor communication skills. They would not know how to communicate with adults, with peers, as well as with those younger than them. Similarly,

family relationships will be strongly affected. Children will spend time in front of the screen much more than they do with their family members.

How do you suggest youngsters find a balance?

Quality, as well as the quantity of technology usage, should be controlled.

Technology should be used as a helpful tool and not as an escape from the real world. There is true power in technology, but there is also a risk.

The school, community, and family should create a high level of awareness among youngsters to make them understand all the facets of technology.

ADVERTORIAL

Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Dr Omar El Dakkak, an Associate Professor of Mathematics at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (SUAD) and a Maître de Conférences at Paris Nanterre University, discusses Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, and the high-level training delivered by worldclass experts, available in these disciplines at SUAD. His main scientific contributions are in the fields of Discrete Probability and Empirical Processes, which are of fundamental relevance in the analysis of complex networks and in statistical learning.

Why Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi?

In today’s world, it has become a necessity to broaden possibilities, improve capacities and develop leadership skills. The Department of Continuing & Executive Education at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi offers specialised programmes that are designed for individuals and entities to enhance professional development and career growth. These programmes are tailored to the current market needs and can be also developed upon the request of private and public entities.

All programmes are prepared in collaboration with the academic teams of the Sorbonne University in Paris in order to meet the standards of excellence offered by Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi.

Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence For more information, please contact: Tel: +971 (0) 2 656 9555 Email: ceed@sorbonne.ae October 2019

sorbonne.ae

UNIVERSITY Contact ceed@sorbonne.ae www.sorbonne.ae +971 2 656 9555 Location Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi Social media @sorbonnead @sorbonnead

Dr Omar El Dakkak is an Associate Professor of Mathematics at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi.

EDUAE: Why is Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence important?

Dr El Dakkak: One can easily argue that the so-called fourth industrial revolution has Artificial Intelligence at its heart. In particular, the latest advances in Machine Learning, and especially Deep Learning, are dramatically transforming technology, since they enable much more accuracy in the devising of systems that are capable of accomplishing complex tasks. This is true if one thinks of all those systems devised for decision support, for complexity analysis tasks, for human-machine interactions, or to construct intelligent agents. All of this is happening, as particularly complex algorithms, based on recent discoveries in Mathematics, Computing and Robotics, are created/discovered. All of this poses our societies in front of opportunities and challenges of spectacular magnitude EDUAE: Who would benefit from the SUAD training programme?

Dr El Dakkak: The training programme targets professionals employed in highly

technological fields, whose mission also involves processing high-dimensional data. Such professionals would greatly benefit from this programme as they would discover state-of-the-art models and tools in Machine Learning and Data Science that will not only help them in accomplishing their routine tasks, but will enable them to bring about soughtafter innovation in today’s world.

EDUAE: What are the academic requirements to apply for this course?

Dr El Dakkak: Participants are expected to be familiar with basic to intermediate-level notions in Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science.

EDUAE: What are the skill sets and knowledge acquired from attending this programme?

Dr El Dakkak: Participants will develop competencies in modern tools associated with Artificial Intelligence.

They will also develop a mature understanding of the opportunities and challenges posed by large-scale-use

of Artificial Intelligence devices.

More specifically, the programme aims to provide participants with state-of-the-art competencies in:  Mathematical and computational tools of data processing and artificial intelligence  Computational tools associated with cloud computing and big data  Machine Learning models and, in particular, Deep Learning  Understanding the professional and regulatory opportunities and challenges linked to handling data, especially in the fields of insurance and risk management  Understanding the ethical issues associated with large-scale use of Artificial Intelligence

34 34 Excellence In Higher Education

WORLDS OF INFORMATION Abu Dhabi University (ADU) has announced that it has completed a comprehensive modernisation and development plan for its libraries on its Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Dubai campuses.

The upgraded libraries equip students with all of the necessary academic resources, including books, references, manuals, and technical systems.  Over 360,000 books are housed in ADU’s libraries  Over 120,000 periodicals cover law, engineering, literature, science, healthcare, and education  More than 60,000 books borrowed by students this year

SORBONNE UNIVERSITY ABU DHABI CHOOSES BLACKBOARD LEARN SaaS Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, established in association with Sorbonne University in Paris and specialising in the arts, law, humanities, business, and science degrees, has become the first university in the UAE to transition its virtual learning environment to the Software as a Service (SaaS) delivery model of Blackboard Learn.

Over 800 students and 100 educators will now experience anywhere-anytime learning with zero downtown updates

SHARJAH PERFORMING ARTS ACADEMY OPENS ITS DOORS Sharjah Performing Arts Academy (SPAA) has opened its doors as the first and only dedicated academy of its kind in the region. This world-class facility will shape future stars and technicians of the world stage.

SPAA offers the opportunity for talented candidates to study full-time Bachelor degrees in acting, production, and musical theatre, with programmes led by highly qualified professionals and educators using intensive, practice-based training with the very best equipment, technology, and facilities.

Facilities include:  432 seat main theatre  126 seat studio theatre  Dance, acting, and sound recording studio  Rehearsal studio  Greenn screen TV studio

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WORLD’S FIRST RESEARCH-BASED AI UNIVERSITY Abu Dhabi has announced the establishment of the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), the first graduate-level, research-based AI university in the world. MBZUAI will enable graduate students, businesses, and governments to advance artificial intelligence.

MBZUAI will introduce a new model of academia and research to the field of AI, providing students and faculty access to some of the world’s most advanced AI systems.  By 2030, AI could contribute nearly $16 trillion to the global economy  Experts now estimate that, by 2030, AI’s contribution to the UAE’s GDP will rise to nearly 14% – the largest GDP share in the Middle East  3,200 people have already started the application process  Majority of applicants are from UAE, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Egypt, India, and China.

GRADUATES PRESENT SOLUTIONS FOR A BETTER WORLD Global Grad Show, the world’s largest gathering of universities, returned to Dubai in November. Free and open to

the public during Dubai Design Week, it is the only exhibition of its kind, showcasing graduate projects from all over the world, in the fields of design, science, technology, and engineering.

Projects include a thermally regulating cocoon, designed by Nottingham Trent University, UK, for premature babies

born in low-income areas or developing countries, and an online platform that encourages people to live more sustainably from Collège des Ingénieurs, Italy.  Over 100 universities  43 countries participating

36 Excellence In Higher Education

DISTINGUISHED INSTITUTIONS IN THE UAE BUILDING A BETTER WORLD ONE STUDENT AT A TIME WITH SORBONNE UNIVERSITY ABU DHABI

Opening in 2006, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (SUAD) shares a close and unique association with the mother institution in Paris, which is acknowledged as one of the finest higher-education institutions in the world.

Students can be safe in the knowledge that they’re attaining a truly world-class education at SUAD. We speak to Dr Laurence Renault who gives us an insight into the rich history of Sorbonne and what makes it distinguished.

Dr Laurence Renault is the Acting Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director for Academic Affairs at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi. She specialises in modern philosophy and her research focuses on Metaphysics, Theory of Knowledge and Ethics.

Education UAE: Tell us about the background of Sorbonne in Paris.

Dr Renault: Sorbonne University was established as the Collège de Sorbonne during the Middle Ages in 1253. In 1971, it was named Paris-Sorbonne University following the closure of the University of Paris. In 2018, following the merger between Paris-Sorbonne University and the Pierre and Marie Curie University, it was renamed as Sorbonne University.

As one of the oldest universities in the world, Sorbonne University has achieved a remarkable legacy of academic excellence having educated some of the most celebrated thinkers throughout history including 32 Nobel Prize winners.

The university is consistently ranked as one of the finest academic institutions globally, and the number one university in France.

Education UAE: What are some of the university’s most notable achievements in both branches?

Dr Renault: In 2018, Paris-Sorbonne University and the Pierre and Marie Curie University merged to form Sorbonne University, France’s largest university including over 6,400 academic staff and 55,600 students. This new entity houses literature and humanities, social sciences, sciences, engineering and medicine under one roof. It is the leading university in France according to the Times Higher Education, Leiden, and Shanghai World Rankings, and is recognised as a top 100 global institution for academic research and study.

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi has graduated over 2,000 students including more than 600 Emirati citizens, firmly establishing strong roots in the United Arab Emirates. In 2019, SUAD was awarded the Best University in Humanities in the Middle East, at the Forbes Higher Education Awards.

37

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi has graduated over 2,000 students including more than 600 Emirati citizens

Education UAE: Why should students choose your university?

Dr Renault: Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi shares a close and unique association with our mother institution in Paris, which is acknowledged as one of the finest highereducation institutions in the world. Students can be safe in the knowledge that they’re attaining a truly world-class education at SUAD. Additionally, the United Arab Emirates is a rapidly developing, forward-looking country that cultivates the value of tolerance, promoting dialogue between cultures and bringing people together, which fundamentally connects to the ethos of SUAD in being ‘a bridge between civilisations’. We are a globally connected institution of academic excellence located in the epicentre of growth and development in the GCC. Education UAE: Are placements or study abroad on offer?

Dr Renault: Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi runs a number of exchange and summer placement programmes to give our students greater exposure to the world.

The 4EU+ European University Alliance brings together 6 leading European universities, including Sorbonne University, University of

Milan, Heidelberg University, Charles University, University of Warsaw and the University of Copenhagen as part of a unified framework to enhance mutual cooperation and promote the seamless mobility of education and students across borders. SUAD students, who are a part of the student body registered in Paris will benefit from this alliance very soon.

TO READ THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH DR LAURENCE RENAULT visit www.education-uae.com

Number of Graduates: 2,000+ Bachelor’s Degree Annual Fee: AED 215,100 for three years

Contact admissions@sorbonne.ae www.sorbonne.ae +971 (0) 2 656 9555 Location

Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi

38 Excellence In Higher Education

DISTINGUISHED INSTITUTIONS IN THE UAE ESMOD Dubai

The American University in the Emirates (AUE)

The only institute fully dedicated to fashion in the Middle East, ESMOD Dubai is a branch campus of ESMOD International Fashion Institutes & Universities Group, the oldest fashion school in the world, founded in 1841 in Paris, France.

ESMOD Dubai has contributed to the UAE economy with over 40 fashion brands established by its graduates since opening in 2006.

98% of graduates secure full-time employment within three months of graduating. It is the first fashion school in the world to have its own integrated Incubator retail store, which helps to support the brands of its graduates, as well as its own garment production facility.

ESMOD DUBAI was presented with the Best Achievement in Fashion Education award by the UAE Minister of State in 2017.

Specialist courses include, Ready to Wear, Luxury Ready to Wear, New Couture, Haute Couture, and Creator Costume.

CONTACT

LOCATION

 +971 4 429 1228  www.esmod-dubai.com  admin-office@esmod-



dubai.com

Block 4, Dubai

International Academic City, Dubai

Founded in 2006, AUE is known for providing an active American educational system, with six creative colleges, namely Media and Mass Communication, Business Administration, Law, Fine Arts and Design, Computer Information Technology, and Education. Students can choose from various specialisations, many of which are completely unique to the GCC region.

What sets AUE apart is the aim to create leaders spearheading their respective fields of study. AUE graduates are leaders, not followers, CEOs not employees, thinkers and problem solvers, not just average students, who contribute to the continuous advancement of the UAE. AUE caters to the current and future needs of all of the dominating and niche markets in the world today. It is set apart by its goals, which ensure that every student becomes a creative, effective, and productive leader in the community.

SAE Dubai

First established in Australia in 1976, SAE today has 51 campuses in 25 countries, with SAE Dubai being launched in 2005.

SAE Dubai provides expert training and education in the fields of new media to aspiring and creative individuals across the Middle East.

It works closely with industry professionals, employs specialist teachers with real-world experience, and delivers personalised education in world-class facilities. SAE Dubai proudly offers Tertiary Education and Quality Standards Agency (TEQSA) accredited Bachelor’s Degrees across five disciplines - Animation, Audio, Design, Film, and Games Development, in addition to short course certificates.

SAE Dubai prides itself on delivering exceptional programmes in world-class facilities. It ensures students receive an outstanding education, internationally recognised qualifications, and industry-relevant skills in order to develop a competitive edge. Almost 93% of graduates obtain full-time employment, become entrepreneurs or start postgraduate studies within their first year after their graduation.

CONTACT

LOCATION

CONTACT

LOCATION

 + 971 4 4499 000  www.aue.ae/en





International Academic City,

Email: info@aue.ae

Dubai

 +971 4 360 6456  www.dubai.sae.edu  hello@saedubai.com

Block 6 and 7, Dubai

Ground Floor, Block 2B,

Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai

39

American University of Sharjah (AUS)

The UAE’s topranked private university, AUS offers a range of merit-based scholarship and needbased financial grant opportunities for qualified students. Twothirds of AUS students receive scholarships or financial grants.

Firmly grounded in principles of meritocracy and with a strong reputation for academic excellence, AUS has come to represent the very best in teaching and research. It is accredited internationally and recognised by employers around the world for creating graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills, and drive to lead in the 21st century.

For students seeking to study in the region, AUS offers an American-accredited education taught by committed full-time faculty who are recognised in their respective fields. AUS is committed to the success of its graduates, with the 2017 AUS Graduate Survey finding that of those completing the survey, 88% were engaged in either full-time work or study.

The top 20 employers of AUS graduates include highly prestigious organisations such as Deloitte, Proctor & Gamble, Etihad Airlines, and Emirates Airlines.

Zayed University

With just over 10,000 students within its two campuses in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Zayed University offers 17 undergraduate programmes, several of them majors and 11 minors, thereby providing students with a wide range of study areas. There are also eight Master level programmes.

The university has institutional accreditation both nationally, through the Ministry of Education, and internationally through the Middle State Commission for Higher Education (MSCHE), one of six regional accreditation bodies recognised by the Department of Education in the USA. In 2018, it established a new Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship that includes a business incubator for students working on their start-up businesses during their college studies. This academic year will witness the first batch of around 10 start-up companies for students trained or mentored within the centre through a program called the Founders Programme.

CONTACT

LOCATION

CONTACT

 +971 6 515 5555  www.aus.edu  info@aus.edu



Sharjah

 +971 2 599 3111  +971 4 402 1111  www.zu.ac.ae/main  info@zu.ac.ae

University City,

LOCATION



Abu Dhabi Campus:

Zayed City



Dubai Campus:

Sheikh Zayed Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street

@MiddlesexDubai www.mdx.ac.ae admissions@mdx.ac.ae +971 (0)4 367 8100

ADVERTORIAL

AUS Students Exploring New Opportunities in Data Science The security and management of data, described as the Middle East’s ‘new oil’, will become increasingly important for individuals and organisations in the future. The merging fields related to data science will offer enormous opportunities for those who know how to capture, analyse, and present data.

UNIVERSITY

Contact info@aus.edu www.aus.edu +971 6 515 1000 Location University City Sharjah Social media @ausharjah @wwwausedu @AUSharjah AUS Sharjah American University of Sharjah

Students at American University of Sharjah (AUS) are well-prepared for this data revolution through degree programmes, courses, and minors. These include a new minor in data science that was launched this semester and is available to all undergraduate students, regardless of the degree they are seeking.

Related offerings include the Department of Marketing and Information Systems’ newly updated courses in digital marketing, digital security, data visualisation, and business analytics, and the College of Engineering’s Bachelor of

Science in computer science and minor in computer science.

Graduates with a strong knowledge of data science are valuable regardless of the industry they are entering.

From marketing to medicine, from engineering to space exploration, data scientists are required to ensure organisations are making evidence-based decisions. Whether it is optimising outcomes of cancer patients or increasing advertising-driven sales, the proper collection, management, and analysis of data can improve results and outcomes.

For AUS students an array of career opportunities await. Business intelligence developers, data architects, machine learning engineers, and infrastructure architects are just some of the roles that will require a background in data science. Some careers requiring a data science background may not even exist yet, escalating the need for universities such as AUS to build capacity in the area.

For AUS graduate Kevin Rose Dias, data science has opened many doors to interesting work.

Now employed as a senior data analyst in Toronto, Canada, he explained: “Data science is ever-evolving, which means new challenges and opportunities for disruptive work constantly emerge all around the world. I have worked on large-scale data projects for multinational corporations, and am now employed by a global marketing agency. If you have an insatiable curiosity and value innovation and technological change, I would highly recommend considering a career in data science.”

It’s your time.

American University of Sharjah will help you make your mark on the world.

International opportunities including study abroad programs, study tours, community service trips and global sporting events Full-service campus with a wide range of sports facilities, labs and student activities Comprehensive range of merit-and need-based grants and scholarships available for all AUS students, including incoming first-year students More than 360 full-time, highly qualified faculty from the world’s top educational institutions

AUS graduates occupy leading roles in government, business and industry across the globe, and are represented in master’s and PhD programs at some of the world’s top universities, including MIT, Yale University, Harvard University, University of Cambridge and University of Oxford.

www.aus.edu

42 Excellence In Higher Education

MY KIND OF TOWN GOING TO UNIVERSITY IS NOT JUST ABOUT THE QUALIFICATION YOU GET AT THE END OF IT. IT’S THE OVERALL EXPERIENCE! IT’S SENSIBLE, THEREFORE, TO TRY AND GET A FEEL FOR WHAT IT’S LIKE TO BE A STUDENT THERE. READ THROUGH THE PROSPECTUS, LOOK ON THE WEBSITE, AND CONSIDER TRANSPORT LINKS IF YOU’LL BE COMMUTING.

Bristol is such a vibrant and inclusive city; there is something for absolutely everyone.

asiastock/shutterstock.com

43

In this issue we speak to students Leah De La Hunty (University of the West of England - UWE) and Arohi Bangera (Harvard University). They rate their universities in terms of facilities, clubs, and events, tell us what they think about the town, and explain why they made the choice they did.

REDPIXEL.PL/shutterstock.com

LEAH DE LA HUNTY University of the West of England (UWE), UK I applied to five universities across the UK, all of which were in cities that I had visited before, aside than Bristol. This made the prospect of going there more exciting, but also daunting. I spoke with people on social networking sites that attended the various universities to see what they thought, and out of all of them, I got the best response from students at UWE. Currently, I am in the third year of my Fashion Communication undergraduate course. I believe that this course has prepared me to work in the fashion industry, and has provided me with a vast portfolio of work that I am proud of and feel I can take to employers after I graduate. The course has many guest speakers come in from various professions, from art directors to PR and marketing managers. We can then have direct contact with these professionals to gain work experience.

Perhaps the best thing about the university is my lecturers. All of my course lecturers come from different creative backgrounds and help to mould us into industryready creatives. From graphic design, e-commerce, and fashion photography, they offer different outlooks on the industry, which is great to have, as not every student wants to go down the same route.

1 Lazy Oaf Project

The students at UWE are heavily involved with how their course is run and give feedback on what they would like to change. I had the opportunity of being a student rep in my first and second years, and I delivered feedback on behalf of my cohort to my course leader. We were then given steps on how they were going to action each of the feedback points given. This has helped to tailor the course to our exact needs, which I think is really important.

Bristol is famous for its nightlife. It’s such a vibrant and inclusive city; there is something for absolutely everyone. There is never a quiet night here. There are many student social nights throughout the year, especially at the start of term - this is a great way to meet other students and expand your social circle. Many people come to Bristol for what it has to offer; people rarely leave to seek other things.

The best thing about going out and about in Bristol is the bus service. I have never felt the need to drive or catch a cab, unlike some of my friends at other universities. The bus service in Bristol runs 24 hours and offers great student deals.

Bristol is a very liberal and openminded city, where people from different backgrounds and places are welcomed with open arms. It is the number one city in the UK for students remaining after they graduate - that tells you something!

I feel like Bristol is my home now. I don’t consider where I grew up in the north-west of England as my home anymore. I have a great social circle, a lovely house, and many prospects for after university. I really like Bristol.

44 Excellence In Higher Education

AROHI BANGERA Harvard University, USA I chose Harvard because of the programme they were offering. The first step in my selection process was identifying areas that interest me, which are technology, design, and development. Once I had that sorted, I began looking at universities that would offer a flexible programme. After a rigorous search, Harvard and Stanford were the only two universities that were offering me a programme that interested me. The programme at Stanford was a Masters in Design Impact, but I ended up opting for a Masters in Digital Media Design at Harvard University because it managed to meet a lot of my requirements.

I absolutely love the city of Boston. I like to call it a student town because the entire area is dedicated to Harvard.

Jannis Tobias Werner/shutterstock.com

The programme is blended with online and on-campus learning, which means I get to pursue my degree while working a full-time job and travelling to campus as much as is needed. My degree combines the areas of technology, digital media, design, business, development, and art. Other factors that contributed to why I chose Harvard include its legacy and the opportunities that it would open up to me once I had my degree.

The student experience at Harvard is amazing. I am currently the director of communications for the Harvard Extension Student Association, one of the student bodies at the university. Through this student body and several clubs at the university, we can bridge the gap between distance learning and on-campus students.

The facilities, clubs, and events do a great job of building a community that is inclusive and all-encompassing. The people are friendly and, most importantly, you learn a lot from one another.

I absolutely love the city of Boston, too.

I like to call it a student town because the entire area is dedicated to Harvard.

45

Our classes spread across the whole city at different locations, and you feel very much at home. People are friendly and always willing to help. Since the town is as big as the campus, you will definitely get lost, but there are students and other locals always ready to help.

everything possible/shutterstock.com

I visit the town regularly. Some of my favourite attractions are the Boston Public Garden, Boston Common, the Memorial Church, Boston Back Bay, and the Charles River. I love museums of all kinds, and I am in luck because Boston has way too many! The best part is that I get access to all of them for free or a discounted rate with my Harvard student card.

46 46 Know Know It All It All | Academics

AI: UNDERSTANDING YOUR CHILD Geoffrey Alphonso is the CEO of Alef Education. He is a thought leader in the field of Education Technology and has an MBA from London Business School.

At every family get-together, children are always badgered with the inevitable question: what do you want to be when you grow up? As teenagers step into their final years of schooling, their answer becomes less and less confident as they are faced with a certain amount of uncertainty in the many decisions they have to make.

W

ouldn’t it be easier if someone would come up with highly intelligent and personalised technology, that tells you which career paths you will thrive in? And then it even shows you how to get there?

Has someone already done this?

We speak to Geoffrey Alphonso, the CEO of Alef Education, to understand what the future holds for the new generation of learners.

“Alef Education provides a holistic solution driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI) that engages learners to provide a futuristic education experience,” Geoffrey states. “We use a data-rich ecosystem to provide real time and instant feedback to all education stakeholders in the learner ecosystem from students to teachers to school leaders and parents.”

At its core essence the Alef platform collects data every time a student, teacher, or parent interacts with it. With this data, machine learning and algorithms can drive key insights into the entire education ecosystem, providing for a level of information that is usually a black box in traditional education systems.

47

“We care about every student’s long-term development, including their ability to be engaged and reach their full learning potential. We want to provide teachers with tools that save time and allow them to focus on core instruction in their classrooms,” shares Geoffrey.

The Education Factor “At Alef Education, driving an AI-first approach requires a plethora of data, and once this data is accessible, the ability for machines to process and draw insights that can be used to better the entire education ecosystem is limitless,” Geoffrey explains.

Geoffrey shares, “The promise of AI technology is to empower human beings to perform tasks with incredible precision, capacity, and speed. As envisioned by futurists and technology experts, the algorithms of AI may one day understand human beings more than we understand ourselves; however we must always understand that machines will never replace humans, they will provide us with insights that will require human intelligence to infer and analyse data in a way that has never been done before.”

The AI focuses on every child individually at the same time, something a teacher isn’t able to do for everyone in the classroom at once. The personalized nature of the learning across all core curriculum subjects in the Alef Platform allows for the cross examination of skills. For example, the system can detect if a student struggling at a science concept is linked to a missing skill from a previous topic or from a different core subject. The teacher can then help facilitate learning to close missing skills.

The future hypothesis is that data rich ecosystems powered by machine learning and AI will drive student insight and help guide our future leaders into the right future careers.

WHO’S ON IT NOW? UAE 150+ schools USA 3 schools

Contact www.alefeducation.com +971 2 204 0100 Social media @AlefEducation @alefeducation @AlefEducation

48 Know It All | Academics

THE BEST JOBS FOR CREATIVE THINKERS

Fadi Abdul Khalek is the Managing Director at SAE Dubai.

TAXI DRIVERS WILL SOON TAKE THE BACK SEAT OF A DRIVERLESS CAR, AUGMENTED REALITY WEARABLE DEVICES WILL DISRUPT TOUR AGENCIES, AND ROBOTS AND 3D PRINTERS WILL REPLACE WORKERS IN THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY. FADI ABDUL KHALEK BELIEVES THESE ARE JUST A FEW EXAMPLES OF HOW CAREER LANDSCAPES CAN SHIFT WITH THE ADVANCEMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND EVERYTHING THEY TOUCH.

49 alphaspirit/shutterstock.com

industries that are creating many of the jobs of the future, albeit, at the expense of some traditional jobs.

No matter what change technology might bring, creative thinkers, people with imagination and innovative ideas, will always prevail

Take a career in marketing, as an example, within any industry. While AI algorithms are replacing certain marketing roles (telemarketing, digital Ad placement, etc.), more creative roles within the marketing function - marketing content design and production, for instance - are only filled by people with the right set of creative skills. Likewise, a career in art and design, which covers a wide range of activities, demand a certain set of creative skills. These skills will drive a successful career, which machines can never fully replace.

If your children are fans of Freej, an Emirati 3D computer-animated television series, it may be because your kids are good at animation or visual graphics. Again, these are the jobs of the future, for creative thinkers, who explore and create new ways in their own traditional career paths.

Since the online world has become an integral part of our life, communication and brand reputation managers have also become a necessity for many organisations. The penetration of smartphones has opened a new avenue of app development. Mobile apps have become a new norm, from mobile banking, communication, food delivery, ride-hailing - the list is endless.

Videogaming is another booming industry where designers, animators, programmers, and engineers are paving solid and sustainable career paths through their innovation, imagination, and creative thinking.

Evgeny Atamanenko/shutterstock.com

We are on the verge of what experts are calling a Fourth Industrial Revolution.

For many, this presents an alarming challenge. On the other hand, however, this same advancement presents an enormous opportunity for those who are adequately skilled and equipped.

And there is no doubt that one of the most common words that will influence future careers is the word ‘creative’.

On the soft skills level, creative thinkers can add value to any job with their ability to generate, develop, and express unique and original ideas and apply a creative approach to problemsolving. On the technical level, creative industries are fast replacing the traditional ones. From animation and 3D modelling to robotics, data science, and artificial intelligence, these are

Flexibility, agility, adaptability, and creative problem solving are all important skills for the future.

While it is almost impossible to predict what the workforce of the future will look like, the way we work is going through a fundamental transformation. The conclusion is straightforward; no matter what change technology might bring, creative thinkers, people with imagination and innovative ideas, will always prevail.

50 Know It All | Academics

A LOOK INTO INDEPENDENT LEARNING WHILE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION WITHIN THE CLASSROOM SETTING HAS BEEN INCREASINGLY PREVALENT IN THE PAST FEW DECADES, RECENT RESEARCH CONDUCTED

BY MICROSOFT SUGGESTS THAT STUDENTS DO NOT SIMPLY WANT AUTOMATION OF THEIR LEARNING. INSTEAD, THEY WANT TO CHOOSE AND USE TECHNOLOGY TO CREATE AND BE CREATIVE AND, MORE IMPORTANTLY, THEY HIGHLY VALUE THE ROLE OF THEIR TEACHERS. “Two years ago we asked 4,000 students across five countries about their aspirations, expectations and experiences in schooling,” says Mark Sparvell, Education Leader at Microsoft. “The students were clear that they did not want to be stuck in front of a computer and have the computer teach them. They wanted teachers who knew them well as people and as learners. They value their relationship with their teachers; they wanted it, which surprised us.

LightField Studios/shutterstock.com

“However, they did say that they wanted the teacher to provide them with the skills they needed to become more autonomous learners. And technology plays a really important part in supporting students to do this.”

But how effective are technologies such as Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR), and are they good for learning?

Mark Sparvell believes so. “Last year, we published another research paper, a metaanalysis called Mixed Reality: New Places and Spaces for Learning. It turns out mixed reality is beneficial in many ways.

“One way is that beyond engaging young people, it allows them to interact with three-dimensional objects, which they would normally do in the real world.

But often for students, they have to take two-dimensional diagrams they see on paper and try to imagine them in threedimensions. In an AR or a VR setting, they can take that object and manipulate it as they would do in the real world.

These mixed reality experiences also allow students to do things that would not normally be possible or safe, for example, conduct experiments in space.

Students do not simply want automation of their learning “MERGE Cube, one of our partners, has built a little physical cube that students can hold and, through the phone, can bring out a whole range of content, such as exploring how sharks swim or learning how water cycles operate, within the palm of their hands.

That’s the power of AR overlaying on the real world; it’s a technology that activates a part of a student’s brain where their full senses are being used.”

Know It All | Debatable 51

On Top of the World …

Without Straight A’s

Images credited to shutterstock.com

STEVE JOBS FINISHED HIGH SCHOOL WITH A 2.65 G.P.A. (WHICH IS BAD IF YOU ARE TRYING TO GET TO COLLEGE); J.K. ROWLING GRADUATED FROM UNIVERSITY WITH ROUGHLY A C AVERAGE; AND CHINESE BUSINESS MAGNATE JACK MA TOOK FOUR YEARS TO PASS HIS COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAM. SO DOES THIS PROVE THAT STRAIGHT A’S ARE UNNECESSARY FOR A SUCCESSFUL CAREER? “It does! Good schools provide multiple pathways to tertiary education for students of all abilities. We see a great demand in universities for students that have completed BTEC courses, and, even with traditional A-level grades, there are a wealth of opportunities for students to gain access to good universities with less than perfect grades.”

Brendon Fulton, Executive Principal at Dubai British School Jumeirah Park “We all know someone who has a way with words or can charm anyone with their charisma. These natural skills are not learned and do not require a university degree. The rise of awareness of ‘emotional intelligence’ in the workplace now means that it is not only

a degree or grades that get you a job, but your ability to lead, work as a team, and deal with confrontation. Personality trumps intelligence!”

Heather Heatly, a French and English Teacher at Falconcity Nursery “As teachers, it is vital to understand that each child is different when it comes to both learning and pace, while some may be quicker to grasp concepts than others, they may not necessarily be smarter or more intelligent. Pressurising children to do well sometimes does just the opposite of that.”

Dr Heena Rachh, Principal at Global Indian International School Abu Dhabi

“Grades don’t impress us as much nowadays because the curriculum has so much more to offer. This means enjoying a high-quality education and developing values while focusing on all-round development, creativity, and entrepreneurship.”

Ms Ashwini, parent of student at Global Indian International School Abu Dhabi

Have an opinion? Are straight A’s important for your child’s future?

Visit www.education-uae.com to participate in our poll

52 Know It All | My Journey

Alan Williamson is the CEO of Taaleem.

MY JOURNEY FROM NAVAL OFFICER TO CEO

53

HAVING JOINED TAALEEM AS CEO IN JULY 2019, ALAN WILLIAMSON DISCUSSES HIS AMBITIOUS AGENDA FOR EXPANSION, FURTHER IMPROVEMENT AND INNOVATION, AS WELL AS HIS OWN PERSONAL JOURNEY AND VISION FOR THE FUTURE. Tell us about the start of your professional career?

The inspired and passionate teachers at school really led me to love education. One of the highlights of my school days was at the time of the Cold War in the 1980s. I vividly remember my teachers that led an educational and inspirational school trip to St. Petersburg, Russia. It was partly this experience that led me to go to university, influenced my field of study and to join the Royal Navy; this was my original, ambitious career path and one that I was encouraged to take by my school.

After qualifying for Officer Training at The Royal Naval College at Dartmouth, I joined the Royal Navy Unit at the University of Glasgow to study a Master’s in History and Russian Language. As my career developed, I realised that I was losing my passion for being isolated in the middle of the North Atlantic on a Type 42 Destroyer! Although the navy would have been an interesting life and it is both noble and honourable to serve your country, my heart was increasingly set on a teaching career. I still believe that it was being part of a uniformed organisation that also fostered the desire to work in education and ultimately my passion for teaching.

Who have been the biggest influences on your teaching career?

When I went to the Shetland Islands, I had to seek accommodation and the deputy head of the school offered me a room in his house. During my formative years in education, having dinner with that gentleman was inspirational. During our meals together and away from school, I realised that here was a man that saw the ‘big picture’; he was discussing and engaging me on a constant basis on issues of school leadership; he was talking about global issues and global education. My family has also been very influential as although my dad didn’t go to university, he was an educated man and therefore, had a huge impact on my way of thinking. Then there were my sports coaches. I played rugby union at a respectable level; their collective mantra about learning from failures and successes on the sporting field was inspirational.

54 Know It All | My Journey

consistently ‘outstanding’. Our aim is to offer a world-class education at an affordable price point.

Dubai is a microcosm of what the rest of the world should be like Why Dubai and the UAE? Some of my earliest experiences of international education were through teaching in the global classroom organised by my school in the Shetland Islands. I realised that I really wanted to develop my global outlook. I was fortunate enough through The Anderson School to have the opportunity to go and teach in Japan and to learn about a totally new culture. I also furthered my interest in Russia, having visited on several occasions to understand more about its rich history and develop my language skills. In my opinion, travelling is a wonderful experience and it is essential to have a truly international perspective. Therefore, it wasn’t a difficult decision to come to the United Arab Emirates and live in such a dynamic place as Dubai with so many nationalities, cultures, and customs.

What attracted you to the role at Taaleem?

Taaleem was known to me as a highly respected schools group built on solid core values. They had schools in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and a variety of international curricula, therefore in many ways, I think that answers the question in terms of moving my ambitions further forward from a single U.K. curriculum organisation where I was previously the CEO.

The opportunity to work with a diverse and revered school group, which was in a strong financial position with clear ambitions for growth was one not to be missed and it has been a great experience.

What are you looking to achieve at Taaleem?

The Dubai education market, in particular, has become exceptionally competitive. The Taaleem Schools exclusively cater for what is known as the premium sector. Therefore, we have to ensure the services we offer to our parents, to our staff, and particularly our students are

Alan Williamson with KG2 students at Jumeirah Baccalaureate School.

The quality of a school never exceeds the quality of its teachers, and therefore recruiting, retaining and developing our staff is a top priority. Our first class schools have to go on what I refer to as ‘a further journey to excellence’; they have to be ‘even better than outstanding’.

We have other schools, such as our Charter Schools in Abu Dhabi, that are on that pathway too and my role is to use our collective knowledge to accelerate their aspirations.

Taaleem is proud of its local ownership and its Arabic and Emirati heritage, therefore we also believe passionately in delivering and being central to the national agenda. As part of that, we are pioneers and partners in the Mohammed bin Rashid Scholarship scheme, an initiative that awards talented Emiratis scholarships to study in our schools. We are also in partnership with ADEK in Abu Dhabi where we have our four Charter Schools; former government schools that are now being led and managed

by Taaleem. This partnership is a very exciting part of our development and an opportunity to make a difference not only in our premium private schools but for the nation at large.

At Taaleem, we’re inspiring the learners of today to become the leaders of tomorrow.

‫أوﻗﻒ ﻣﺮﻛﺒﺘﻚ‬ ‫ﻣﻦ أﺟﻞ اﻟﻤﺎرة‪.‬‬

‫‪Pause for‬‬ ‫‪pedestrians.‬‬

‫اﺣﺘﺮم ّ‬ ‫ﺣﻖ اﻟﻤﺸﺎة ﻓﻲ‬ ‫ِ‬ ‫أوﻟﻮﻳﺔ اﻟﻌﺒﻮر‪ّ .‬‬ ‫ﺧﻔﻒ ﺳﺮﻋﺘﻚ‪.‬‬

‫‪Respect pedestrians‬‬ ‫‪right of way. Slow down.‬‬

‫‪8009090 rta.ae‬‬

‫ﻣﺒــﺎدرة ﺗـﻮﻋﻮﻳﺔ ﺑــﺪﻋـــﻢ ﻣــــــــﻦ‬ ‫‪Safety initiative supported by‬‬

ADVERTORIAL

SCHOOL TRANSPORT

Leadership and Excellence in School Transport Since its foundation in 1981, Emirates Transport (ET) has been the leading provider of school transport services, with the highest standards in the industry when it comes to the safety of students. Indeed, despite the wide spectrum of services provided by ET, school transport remains at the forefront and a priority in terms of importance, still accounting for the bulk of its human and material resources.

It was nearly 20 years ago that ET first introduced university transport services.

These currently take in universities and colleges in Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, and the Central Region. A few of the schools that use ET bus services include Al Mawakeb Schools, Al Nahda National Schools in Abu Dhabi, International School of Creative Sciences, School of Modern Skills, Choueifat International School in Sharjah, and BEAM Education schools, among many.

In the wider context, school transport

is essential for the development of education standards, enhancement of quality of life, and for ensuring the prosperity and stability of the community. Thus, the development of school transport has become a strategic objective of the UAE government, with ET keen to support the sector through continuous improvement in the quality of provided services, the diversity of methods used, updating technological systems, and the development of related legislation and laws.

ET has a proud record in corporate social responsibility, with an emphasis on community support and a firm commitment towards sustainable business practices. It organises, for instance, the Emirates Transport Awards for Safety and Traffic Education, designed to spread awareness of safety during the transfer process. The awards focus on the principles of traffic education, creating a competitive platform between the various elements and categories within the school community. In addition, ET holds hundreds of programmes and training courses per year, targeting students, parents, drivers and bus supervisors.

ET’s efforts to promote safety awareness have been well recognised. It has received numerous awards over the years, including the 2018 International Arab Ideas Award in the category of technology for its project, ‘Safety Risk Assessment on School Bus Routes’.

ADVERTORIAL

How we ensure student safety A motion sensor works after Icon two minutes of turning off the bus engine, and if it detects any movement within the bus the system immediately sends alerts to the operating room, and also issues a voice alert inside and outside the bus A satellite tracking and Icon GPS signals the location of every single bus to the operating room at all times

The numbers this academic year alone tell the story

708

258,000

753

7,000

10,000

8,700

public and private schools university buses university students

school students school buses routes

The benefits of using school bus transport 



ids make new K friends



I t teaches them time management skills



I t is a more economically beneficial option L esser vehicles on the road make for a greener society

Facilities that keep your children safe 

C CTV system with audio and video recording capability which is accessed wirelessly



External and internal cameras



ll seats on the bus are equipped A with seat belts

An emergency button is located Icon next to the driver used in emergency situations, which sends alerts to the operations room in cases of an accident or a breakdown



F ixed monitors for school buses, connected to the internal networks of the school transport service stations, to display awareness and educational material during the transport trips

Contact For general enquiries:

aaref.ha@et.ae For school enquiries:

marketing@et.ae

www.et.gov.ae 8006006 Location Marakesh Street, Dubai Social media @EmiratesTrans @EmiratesTrans

58 Know It All | Our World

THE ECO-HEROES TACKLE PLASTIC POLLUTION The third book in ‘The Ecoheroes’ series is 6-10 now available YRS in English and Arabic, with everyone’s favourite environmentalists highlighting how plastic is present in so many aspects of our daily lives without us realising the impact.

The ‘Eco-heroes and the Plastic Planet’, written by Colette Barr and illustrated by Leona Collins, two Dubai residents, is filled with plenty of humour, touches on traditional local culture, family, and friendship, whilst delivering a clear message on plastic pollution and ocean conservation.

AED

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Magrudy’s Bookstore or www.saveourworld.ae

CURRICULUM GROUNDED IN AN ETHOS OF SUSTAINABILITY Fairgreen International School has implemented six new initiatives to further the sustainable ethos that is woven into the curriculum of the school. From a single, plastic-free campus to growing healthy food in tower gardens, designing solar powered robotic cars, and developing creative recyclable art, the school is providing fun-filled ways for their students to support the wellbeing of the planet, while educating them to be leaders in practicing environmental sustainability.

As the region’s first fully sustainable school, Fairgreen’s educational programme is driven by academic achievement and innovation, offering

100% PAPERLESS BY 2021 Cuts Annual Paper Consumption by 74 Million Pieces Saves 3.5 Million Hours of Work Poi NATTHAYA/shutterstock.com

Saves AED335 Million

Fourteen Dubai Government entities, implementing the Dubai Paperless Strategy 2021, have successfully reduced their consumption of paper. The ultimate aim is to digitise all internal and external government and consumer transactions, rendering them all 100% paperless.

The programme stands to economise over one billion pieces of paper used by Dubai Government every year, saving 9,173 trees. It will additionally save Dubai’s residents and visitors over AED40 million and 125 million hours a year that would have been spent on paper transactions.

a curriculum that incorporates sustainability in all its forms. The school’s campus in Dubai’s Sustainable City provides the ultimate learning environment for future generations to play a leading role in building a sustainable future. Designed to have a minimal environmental impact, the school is powered by solar energy, recycles water for agricultural use, and utilises the community’s biodome for health and wellness learning experiences.

HAVE YOU DOWNLOADED THE SALAMA APP YET? The Salama mobile application specialises in issues of general safety and focuses on traffic awareness.

Published by the Traffic Department, Traffic and Roads Agency of RTA, the platform is geared for children aged 7-14.

Available in both Arabic and English, the app contains games, audiobooks, videos, and a monthly magazine that combines illustrated stories and comics with short narratives written especially for children.

APP Store

Google Play

A Student’s Perspective 59

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH UP TO 12.7 MILLION TONNES OF PLASTIC ENTER THE OCEAN EVERY YEAR. OVER 36 BILLION TONNES OF CO2 WAS EMITTED IN 2015. APPROXIMATELY 550 PEOPLE PREMATURELY DIE EACH YEAR DUE TO ACID RAIN. HOW MANY MORE NEED TO JOIN THEM FOR PEOPLE TO FINALLY START CARING ABOUT THEIR OWN HOME?

Divaya Raina, is a sixth form student at Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS).

In my opinion, the biggest problem is corporate greed. The constant need for profit, regardless of the cost to society and the environment, is ruining our planet. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not just the fault of big business. We, as consumers, keep consuming products that we know aren’t helping our environment. But somehow, the narrative has almost shifted to alienate those who use plastic straws or plastic bags for their shopping, while ignoring big business.

Yet big business is the main culprit when it comes to rising CO2 emissions, and it all stems from profit maximisation. As futile of an endeavour as it may be, I believe that a UN implemented regulatory body made up of the most influential lawyers and climate change activists should be given full global jurisdiction. Strict regulations would be put into place to prevent any other firm from committing these heinous crimes in the future.

Approximately 550 people prematurely die each year due to acid rain.

DisobeyArt/shutterstock.com

I also believe the companies that have polluted our planet to this extent should be sued for ruining our home without our consent, and any monetary gain from court cases should be donated to environmental agencies. The Amazon was burning, yet no one came to help. But when Notre Dame Cathedral was burning, billionaires from around the world were begging to donate large sums of money. Where were they when our biggest rainforest and most abundant source of oxygen was burning? No one was even sent to put these fires out; Mother Nature had to do it herself.

I may be young, and I may be naive, but at least I care enough to speak out. Can you say the same?

60 60 The Lounge

SAY YES TO ADVENTURA FREE ENTRANCE

STEP INTO DUBAI’S QURANIC PARK Quranic Park, developed in Khawaneej at a cost of AED200 million, provides a magnificent insight into the Holy Quran.

Free to enter, there is much to enjoy across the 60-hectare park, which aims to enhance the Islamic values of peace, love, and tolerance. A wide range of different plants mentioned in the Holy Quran and the Sunnah can be seen in the Glass House (an AED5 entrance fee applies), while a stroll through the fertile Islamic garden is both calming and inspiring. There are a total of 12 gardens in all, plus shops that sell herbs and plants mentioned in the Holy Quran.

The Cave of Miracles, the only other attraction in the park with a small entrance fee (AED5), illustrates some of the most remarkable events mentioned in the Holy Quran with the help of interactive technology.

NEXT GENERATION SNACKING

There is a new player on the UAE’s organic snack scene! Humm Organic, founded in 2017 by three mums, was recently launched in Dubai and already has a retail presence, taking the market by storm.

The brand’s healthy organic, sweet, and savoury snacks for on-the-go families are already a big hit with health-conscious individuals. With nine different products, including sweet cookies, biscuits, bars, and savoury crackers, the Humm Organic range is a great addition to kids’ lunchboxes.

Humm Organic’s products can currently be found at Ripe Markets, Organic Food&Café, Bio Organic Markets, Greenheart, Sprii and Karakoy Gourmet.

Action-adventure park, Aventura, is to reopen for the new season complete with all of your favourite outdoor activities.

Experiences include tree-climbing, rope-swinging, zip-wire, and bridge-balancing activities, plus some brand new offerings, as well as a mini kids club with nature trails focused on sustainability and education. Located in Mushrif Park, it’s great fun for people of any age, whether you’re taking the kids for an exhilarating day out or just want to be a big kid yourself! Open Sun to Wed (1pm to 8pm), and Thurs to Sat (9am to 10pm)

AED150 for kids AED185 for adults

CLYMB™ ABU DHABI TO OPEN RECORD-BREAKING EXPERIENCES Following much anticipation, CLYMB™ Abu Dhabi is set to open its doors as an ultimate indoor adventure venue on 29 November, 2019 on Yas Island.

A fully indoor facility, its geometrically-designed building houses the world’s biggest indoor skydiving flight chamber (10 metres wide and 25 metres high) and the world’s tallest indoor climbing wall.

Flyer prices from AED125

Climber prices from AED95

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FUN IN THE SUN AND AFTER SUNSET AT KITE BEACH

SPEND AED150 ENJOY KIDS MOVIES

Treat your friends and family to some tasty bites at a range of newly opened eateries, such as Ice Cream Lab and Shazoma, at Kite Beach.

Cool down during the day at the Splash ‘n’ Party water park, with splash pads and waterslides, or for those with a love for the open water, indulge in a spot of kayaking, canoeing, or kite surfing.

Dubai Exiles Since 1966

dubaiexiles.com hello@dubaiexiles.com

Sevens Stadium E66

Netball

U7 to Adult

FRESHTOHOME.COM CREATING 1,000 JOBS FreshToHome.com, the world’s largest online fresh fish and meat store, has announced that it is set to invest AED50 million in the UAE and Saudi Arabia over the next two years, creating 1,000 jobs, as the company formally launches operations in the UAE. FreshToHome’s regional expansion is being supported by CE-Ventures, the corporate venture capital platform

of UAE-headquartered multinational company Crescent Enterprises.

The planned investment will support infrastructure development and user acquisitions, including backward integration on farming, with FreshToHome acting as a micro financier to fishermen and farmers, and working closely with them to deploy the latest technologies to increase yields.

Want to see for yourself?

Visit ae.freshtohome.com

62 The Lounge

Bloukrans Bungy (216 metres) Highest bridge bungee in the world in South Africa - 2018

Saying YES to New Adventures

You may not think it, but teachers can be a pre tty eccentric bunch.

Combining a thirst for knowledge and experien ce with a desire to push boundaries can result in some unusual ho bbies and interests.

White Water Rafting in Al Ain - 2018

ling shot Human s beach at Kite 2019 Dubai -

Dubai Marathon (42.2km) - 2017

Teachers take these passions to the next level.

Hannah Winstanley, a primary school teacher and subject leader, frequently stops the world and gets off for an hour or two.

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19 Circus class - 20

13,000 ft 2018

Jebel Ali shooting range - 2018

Camino de Santiago 300km trek

- 2019 Inflight Dubai

al challenge “A love of adventure and person nnah, “as well are what spur me on,” says Ha my fears as a determination to overcome d deep water. and phobias, such as heights an something I love a challenge. Preferably, rt zone.” that takes me out of my comfo racing in Dragon Boat - 2018 a in Dubai Mar Parasailing in Abu Dhabi 2018

Skydive Dubai desert - 2018

For Hannah, life begins at the end of her comfort zone.

Scuba Diving with sharks in Dubai Mall Aquarium - 2019

64 The Lounge

INSPIRATION ON EVERY PAGE MOST GREAT TEACHERS ARE ALSO VORACIOUS READERS. A STUDENT’S FAVOURITE TEACHER PROBABLY HAS A LIST OF FAVOURITE AUTHORS AS LONG AS A FAIRLY SUBSTANTIAL NOVEL! WITH THIS IN MIND, WE SPOKE TO FOUR LEADING EDUCATIONISTS IN THE UAE TO FIND OUT WHICH BOOKS THEY ARE ENJOYING RIGHT NOW.

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Barry Cooper, Deputy Head, Brighton College Dubai ‘The Witcher’ books by Andrzej Sapkowski are my current reads. This is because a few of my pupils encouraged me to read them after they mentioned an upcoming television series. It’s about a monster hunter, but it has a broader resonance as a lot of the elements of the tales come directly from the northern European mythology I grew up with. They were originally written in Polish. Still, even in translation, they are some of the best-observed fantasy books I have read and well worth investigating before the Netflix series drops in December.

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Stephen Artus, Teacher of Drama, Brighton College Dubai My current book is ‘Some Kids I Taught and What They Taught Me’ by Kate Clanchy.

As a teacher of 30 years, she delves honestly into her past experiences, with the most illuminating parts cover her work in the school’s Inclusion Unit. Then how she nurtured her multicultural poetry group, full of migrants and refugees, to help them find their voice and produce work of heartbreaking brilliance. This book will provoke strong reactions to some of her ideas – but even as I find myself disagreeing with her theories, I have to admit that they make the book all the more compelling.

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Patrick Hould, Principal, Dunecrest Secondary School In our busy, fast-paced lives, we are very fortunate to encounter exceptional human beings who unselfishly care more about the people they serve than about themselves. In his book, ‘The Fred Factor’, author Mark Sanborn details such an extraordinary human being, after encountering none other than his postman: Fred. While most people would consider delivering mail as tedious, unpleasant drudgery, Fred took the time to discover golden opportunities to make a difference in the lives of those he unselfishly served.

This amazing book describes in user-friendly verbiage, “How passion in your work and life can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary.” (Sanborn). The premise of this book is centered on four ‘Fred Principles’, which are:  Everyone makes a difference  Success is built on relationships  You must continually create value for others, and it doesn’t have to cost a penny, and  You can reinvent yourself regularly.

Brett Girven, Principal at Arbor School www.trumpeter.athabascau.ca I am currently reading the latest issue of ‘The Trumpeter’, which is an environmental journal dedicated to the development of an ecosophy, or wisdom, born of ecological understanding and insight. It serves the critical exploration and analysis of environmental concerns at every appropriate level: metaphysics, science, history, and politics. The article I am enjoying presently is ‘The Ecological Ethics and Systemic Thought of Pope Francis’ by Fritjof Capra.

*THE BOOKS ARE AVAILABLE AT MAGRUDY BOOKSTORES. nrey/shutterstock.com

66 66 Parent Corner

ENTREPRENEURSHIP When Small Ideas can be

BIG!

Suzette Layoun is the Founder of Suzette Layoun Voice to Choice.

Her qualifications include Entrepreneur – Certified International Corporate and Youth Coach and Mentor, Accredited Personality Profiler, CBT and NLP Certified, and she is fluent in Arabic and English.

With genuine passion, hard work, an innovative concept, and a gift for learning, anyone can become an entrepreneur. We spoke to Suzette Layoun, Founder of ‘Suzette Layoun Voice to Choice’ about how to empower youth through coaching and prepare them for life’s choices when it comes to both academic and career decisions.

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We began by asking whether she thinks schools and parents today are providing youngsters with the right support and platform to hone their entrepreneurial spirit. “Teaching entrepreneurship in schools helps students gain transferable skills they can use to excel in various areas in life,” Suzette begins. “Different schools have several interventions aimed at coping with the ‘modern world’ of ideas and technology and the current generation’s needs. Also, parenting strategies in most cases are evolving to embrace the concept

of integrating academic development with specific life and leadership skills.

I have had the privilege of working with schools, parents and teenagers on nurturing, coaching and mentoring this development aspect. The good news is that if you don’t have entrepreneurial traits now as a student, you can still develop them down the road to improve your chances of success in whatever line of business you believe in: lots of the characteristics or skills required for successful businesses can be taught, coached, and practised over time.”

Suzette believes that teaching teens to set goals and take responsibility and accountability of their actions is an effective way of building and developing grit. “Letting students solve age-appropriate problems is an entrepreneurial skill that can only be developed through experience. Interventions aimed at developing a flexible and stretchable mindset are crucial in fostering an entrepreneurial spirit.”

Interventions aimed at developing a flexible and stretchable mindset are crucial in fostering an entrepreneurial spirit So what business advice would Suzette offer to youngsters who are eager to start a business? “Kids know what they like but don’t always know what they stand for. Create a personal brand by choice and not by default. This allows you to introduce yourself to the world and create a positive digital footprint.

Beyond skills, the ability to think critically and creatively is what often separates the most successful from the average. The rising generation needs to develop approaches that can be used to create products and services people need and industries lack. The willingness to change plans, adjust methods, display flexibility, and practice an open mind is key,” Suzette concludes.

TierneyMJ/shutterstock.com

Becoming a successful, young entrepreneur can be challenging. Putting a plan into action requires many things, most importantly a great idea, but it also requires:

1 PERSISTENCE Be prepared to get rejected in any start-up journey

2 THE ABILITY TO MANAGE MONEY This is vital as a business owner, and a human being

3 MAKING THE PRODUCT OR SERVICE STAND OUT Presentation is important

4 SHARPENING THE ANALYTICAL SIDE OF THE BRAIN Look at the numbers, the data, not just the vision

5 GOOD COMMUNICATION The most crucial skill of all

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SEPARATION ANXIETY NEW MUMS BACK TO WORK It’s normal to be concerned about the wellbeing of loved ones. However, people with adult separation anxiety disorder experience high levels of anxiety, and sometimes even panic attacks, when loved ones are out of reach. This is particularly true for young mums with babies and toddlers.

S

ylvian Sanad is one such mum, returning to work when her baby was just 10 months old.

“I won’t lie - it’s hard at first,” she says. “The reality is that you go from being with your baby all day to just a few precious hours. I seriously considered quitting my job after giving birth, and I did resign. But the company that I worked for gave me an opportunity and full support with the flexible hours I requested, and they rehired me after 10 months.”

Many mothers, of course, report feeling guilty and anxious, and often worry that they will be replaced by the childcare provider in the eyes of their child.

“This is true, and it’s a feeling that doesn’t go away,”

Sylvian explains. “But it’s vitally important that the caregiver is going to love and make your baby happy, and that your baby will return those feelings.”

So what advice would Sylvian give to other mothers who are looking to return to work? “Find the support system around you, chat with your partner, as well as girlfriends who have been through the same situation. Make sure you are 100% happy with your childcare. Knowing for certain that your baby is in good hands helps you to feel less anxious. Last but not least, ease yourself in and look after yourself. You are going through a major adjustment!”

70 Parent Corner

MEDITATION IS THE KEY There are thousands of studies showing the positive impact of meditation on our health and wellbeing. And these fantastic benefits aren’t just for adults! Meditation is the key to raising children with a sense of focus and happiness. It can alleviate stress, anxiety, frustration, fear, anger, restlessness, and many more symptoms youngsters suffer from in the increasingly hectic world in which we now live.

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NadyaEugene/shutterstock.com

72 Parent Corner

All children are naturally curious and creative, and meditation can fine-tune these abilities

New Africa/shutterstock.com

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“With regular practice, children show signs of being calmer, better focused, and with more enhanced creativity and concentration,” says Amrit Chand Schmidt, founder and CEO of Dubaibased Miracles Wellbeing Centre.

“Children with behavioural issues benefit from daily meditation.”

CHANGE YOUR THOUGHTS, CHANGE YOUR WORLD Meditation is a continual process of training your mind to focus and redirect your thoughts. A few benefits of meditating as validated by scientific research include increased self-awareness, concentration, selfesteem, creativity, and calmness.

Awareness By looking inside of themselves, children discover what they’re passionate about and what they would like to do in life. They begin to understand how they react and why they react, and learn how to better respond in challenging situations.

Through meditation, young people can also develop a level of independence where they follow their intuition instead of just following the crowd.

Concentration Learning how to focus and concentrate is at the heart of meditation, helping children to read, study, and learn much more effectively. Teachers have reported considerably less hyperactive behaviour, ADHD symptoms, and inattentiveness in their students when they mediate regularly.

Self-Esteem Meditation helps youngsters to learn how to pay attention to their thoughts, feelings, and emotions. In doing so, they can be more empathetic and more compassionate toward others.

They even become better listeners.

Creativity All children are naturally curious and creative, and mediation can finetune these abilities. Psychologists at Leiden University in the Netherlands, for instance, found that, after doing short meditation exercises, participants performed better on tasks that required them to produce fresh creative ideas.

Calmness Modern technology is a boon and sometimes a curse. Children are especially predisposed to the side effects of too much technology, such as shorter attention span, less patience, and anxiety. It’s essential to offset all this exposure to technology with some quiet time, and meditation is the perfect complement. In a British study across 15 schools, where 96% of students had low relaxation levels or high hyperactivity, 85% of students reported feeling calmer and more relaxed after practising meditation.

IT’S NOT ALL IN THE MIND The benefits of meditation are not only ‘in the mind’ either. It can also change the body in surprising ways.

Studies have shown, for example, that mediation has a direct influence on the way our hormones are released and regulated. And when we meditate, our mind impacts the body on a cellular level, helping to regenerate and balance the body by regulating the endocrine system.

Meditation has also been shown to regulate parts of our nervous system directly. Indirectly it even helps to control our blood pressure to some extent. Various researchers point out that meditation practices are effective in assisting in the prevention and mitigation of heart diseases.

Other benefits include:  Reduces pain: a 2016 study found that meditation significantly reduces the intensity of pain in the body  R educes inflammation: a study at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, found that meditation changes the genes acting upon cellular structure in the body, reducing inflammation  H elps asthma symptoms: a metaanalysis published in August 2017 in the Journal of Asthma found significant evidence to suggest meditation increases quality of life in people with asthma, as well as helping relieve symptoms

HOW TO BEGIN The fact is that so much of what parents want for their children is accessible through meditation – the impact on young people can quite literally be lifechanging! But how does a child begin to learn how to meditate? “Children learn best with a facilitator or guide,” Amrit says. “The personal touch allows them to connect better with this practice and lays the foundation of a beautiful habit that they can carry into their adulthood.

“Books and DVDs can be additional support for them and their parents, as families that meditate together receive immense benefits.

“They should begin with just five or so minutes every day. It’s not easy for them in the beginning, but with regular practice, they can increase the duration. The easy ones, to begin with, are deep breathing, a few simple Pranayama techniques, chanting mantras, candle meditation, sound bowl and gong meditation, or meditating with crystals. Children respond better with sensory support.

“Youngsters should practice meditation first thing in the morning before they begin their day, and in the evening once they start to unwind from the day’s exertions,” Amrit continues.

“And guided meditations can help enormously as they allow children to follow a script that lets them explore their imagination, without losing their way. The facilitator subtly guides them through the experience to achieve the target of the topic of the meditation.”

Meditation can change your life and even a sense of who you are. There is a reason it has been around for thousands of years and practised by people from all walks of life and in every corner of the world. But how do children know if they are doing it ‘properly’? Well, they are successfully meditating if they meditate; it’s not rocket science. Simply taking a moment to discover what is going on inside their own minds, without engaging in any kind of dialogue, is all that is required. The result of this observation is the beginning of an extraordinary and magnificent journey!

74 74 Bon Voyage | Travel Near

A Winter Wonderland Tour in Dubai In a country that is famous for its sun and desert safari, it is still possible to experience a traditional Winter Festival, with carols, snow fights, and a fantastic array of food and drink!

There is no better way to experience the festive season in Dubai than on a Big Bus Tour, with Mike Lees, Regional Director Middle East, Big Bus Tours explaining: “Dubai outshines with fun family activities during the festive season. At Big Bus Tours, we combine the opportunity for families to hop on board and learn more about this fantastic city from our live guides and multi-language commentary, with the flexibility to hop off at any of Dubai’s iconic locations to enjoy the season’s celebrations with children, family, and friends.”

Don’t want to miss out on other stops? Join the Big Bus Tours Beach Tour to get the full festive experience across downtown Dubai!

Book your tickets from www.bigbustours.com/en/dubai and get 25% off!

The Souq Madinat Jumeirah has something for everyone and is the most visited place in Dubai during the festive season. Live music, seasonal treats such as gingerbread biscuits, and the Reindeer Rodeo all compete for visitors’ attention.

Advice: Don’t miss out on the four-lane bungee jumping and the all-famous snow fight zone for kids!

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Over in Dubai Mall, a magical winter wonderland, complete with twinkling lights and shiny festive decorations, will feature a range of food trucks lined up alongside the Dubai Mall fountain, which will provide an exhilarating light show displayed on the world’s tallest tower. Don’t miss the festive lights adorning Souq Al Bahar which make for a memorable picture moment.

Advice: Arrive at Dubai Mall in the afternoon to avoid the New Years Eve traffic.

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3

At Mall of the Emirates, known for always having

the biggest tree, Ski Dubai will offer Snow Park packages and activities where kids can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, bobsledding, climbing walls, and much more in the -4 degree Celsius snow.

Advice: Weighed down with shopping bags? Keep your eyes peeled for the surprise bellmen.

6 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE BIG BUS TOURS THIS FESTIVE SEASON I t’s the easiest way to rediscover and explore multiple destinations in one day

1 2

ou’re not just going on a Y bus tour; you’re going on a cultural experience with a live guide

3

Recorded audio commentary is available to keep you engaged

4

A one hour relaxing boat cruise through Marina

5

Centralised AC or open air? You get to pick on the double-deck bus

6

nd best of all - free WiFi to A instantly share pictures on your social media platforms!

76 Bon Voyage | Travel Near

IT’S BEAUTIFUL OUT THERE Jumeirah Al Wathba Desert Resort & Spa Deserts are some of the finest places on Earth for adventure and relaxation.

And deep within the desert landscape of Abu Dhabi is Jumeirah Al Wathba Desert Resort & Spa, an intimate retreat suffused with natural beauty and serene tranquillity. Inspired by classical dwellings, its 103 guest rooms and villas feature traditional artwork and Arabesque accessories, alongside a range of dining destinations showcasing the dunes to panoramic perfection.

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YOUR ACCOMMODATION Exceptional comfort and delightful garden views. Soak up the desert’s sights and sounds from the comfort of your Arabian Deluxe Room - a sumptuous, dune-facing space where traditional design elements meet unmatched facilities and the latest in in-room technology.  Complimentary falcon show daily  Complimentary access to 1,000m2 pool overlooking the desert  Complimentary access to Talise Spa facilities  Complimentary access to Sinbad Kids Club

Number of people: 2 adults, 2 children Complimentary breakfast available Multilingual staff Family-friendly Children’s activities Price: AED1,326 for 2 adults and 2 children (if at least 1 child is below 4 years of age) for one night stay

BOOK FOR 3 NIGHTS AND PAY FOR 2 NIGHTS

FOUR REASONS TO VISIT JUMEIRAH AL WATHBA DESERT RESORT & SPA Rejuvenation with Talise Spa Tucked away within lush gardens, Talise Spa is the perfect place to escape from the city. Thirteen treatment rooms, including two couples’ rooms, are built around a picturesque garden area, allowing you to relax and reflect, lulled by the sounds of trickling water and resident wildlife. Along with relaxation areas, there is a sauna, steam rooms, plunge pools, snow cave, a traditional Turkish hammam, salt rooms, and a unique cryo experience.

Price: AED580

Archery Start your journey in becoming an archer, learning the five stages of shooting. A great fun filled activity for the whole family.

Price: AED150 Fat Bike Dune Your fat bike has very wide tyres to float over sand as your leader guides you through the desert, with its fossil dune formations, rolling sand dunes, and animal tracks.

Price: AED150 Endurance Horse Racing Village & Wathba Hill Tour Discover the world of endurance horse racing in our exclusive tour to Al Wathba’s local endurance village and horse racing track. Learn about their 4,500-year history and the legend of the Al Khamsa bloodline.

Price: AED150

Contact JAWReservations@jumeirah.com www.jumeirah.com +971 2 204 4444

Curious about the cuisine offered at this resort?

Flip to page XX to find out!

Location Al Wathba South, Abu Dhabi Social media @JumeirahAlWathba @JumeirahAlWathba

78 Bon Voyage | Travel Far

CHASING NORTHERN LIGHTS IN LAPLAND Finnish Lapland is as close as reality gets to those who dream of a winter wonderland. The hustle and bustle of towns and ski resorts are just minutes away from the peace and quiet of the wild wilderness.

Images credited to shutterstock.com

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WHAT TO DO

Riding with Huskies and Reindeers Lapland offers phenomenal rides – would you prefer to be shown around by a pack of happy hounds or Santa’s reindeer?

Price: AED566 for two people

A Day at Santa Claus Village Watch the joy on your children’s faces when they come face-to-face with Santa Claus in his Finnish Lapland home.

Price: Free entry to event Pointer: Your family can get free entry to the Arctic Circle Husky Park where they can pet and hug huskies!

Oulanka National Park Welcome to Finland’s ‘Wild East’! There is even a chance to cross the Finnish-Russian frontier and visit Paanajärvi National Park.

Price: Free entry. Guided group tours are AED203 per hour Hint: Pets are welcome!

Witness the Magical Northern Lights The more traditional ways to go Aurora spotting are snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or snowmobile, and sledge dog touring.

Price: Free Note: The northern lights are a natural phenomenon and sightings cannot be guaranteed.

The average temperature in Lapland in December is -6°C, but temperatures do vary, with highs of -3°C and lows of -9°C

WHAT TO EAT

WHERE TO STAY

Karjalanpaisti (Meat Stew) This ravishing meal is one of the world’s simplest comfort foods. It is cooked in a special pot for several hours, so the meat melts in your mouth.

Arctic Snow Hotel & Glass Igloos

Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna

Feel the Arctic cold on your face, savour a drink from a glass made of ice, and enjoy the Northern Lights.

Located in the centre of Rovaniemi, this hotel is a high-class, international hotel featuring the finest Lappish hospitality.

Karjalanpiirakka (Rice Pies) A very popular pastry in Finland, Karjalanpiirakka is originally from the region of Karelia. The rye crust is traditionally filled with rice porridge and topped with egg butter.

Graavilohi (Cured Salmon) Relish in this Nordic dish made from raw salmon, cured in salt, sugar, and dill, and often served as an appetizer.

Number of people: 2 adults, 2 children

Number of people: 2 adults, 2 children

Complimentary breakfast available

Complimentary breakfast available

Multilingual staff

Multilingual staff

Family-friendly

Family-friendly

Price: *AED1,500 per night for 1 room, 2 adults, and 1 child

Children’s activities Price: *AED1,699 per night for 1 room, 2 adults, and 1 child

*Prices are based on the respective hotel’s website during festive and New Year weeks and are subject to change.

LAPLAND IN FIGURES

190,000 Reindeer

749 Fells

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Santa Claus

Flight time: 9 hours, 25 minutes

A Taste of Winter

AVAILABLE AT DUBAI MALL, LEVEL 2

Conquer the cold AVAILABLE AT DUBAI MALL, LEVEL 2

84 84 Health and Nutrition | What's Good for Me?

THE IMPORTANCE OF DENTAL HYGIENE The prevalence of caries in the UAE is unacceptably high, with many studies claiming that 70 to 90% of all children suffer from cavities. But with a few simple changes, it doesn’t have to be that way.

Parents, for instance, should always supervise young children when they are brushing their teeth. The general rule is that children should not brush alone until they are nine years old. Some parents will say, ‘my kids don’t allow me to brush’. My advice to them is to try to change the language. Tell your child ‘I will help you’; kids are more prone to accept the word ‘help’ but may not accept the words ‘I will do it for you’.

Another trick is to allow them to brush first and then check how well they did.

However, the latest research has confirmed that it is not only the brushing of teeth that is vital. It is also very important to floss, even for children. If the child is above six years old, it is also good to use mouthwash and fluoride-based toothpaste. It is crucial to note, though, that each age requires a special concentration of toothpaste.

According to the European Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, children aged six months to two years should have 500 ppm (parts per million) of fluoride, two years to six years 1,000 ppm of fluoride, and six-plus 1,450 ppm of fluoride

QuickFacts

Dr Mina Charopeme is a Pediatric Dentist at Dr Joy Dental Clinic in the Mirdif branch. He graduated from European University College and did his Canadian Dental Specialty Core Examination in 2017.

 The general rule is to brush teeth twice a day, each time for a minimum of two minutes  Brush after breakfast and before bed  The brush bristle should always be soft  Check the toothbrush packaging for the correct bristle size and purchase accordingly. The toothbrush will mention if it is suitable for children under three years old  Adults and children should have a dental checkup and clean every six months, and if needed dental X-rays to check if there are any cavities  Mouthwash is very important.

Mouthwash helps to kill bacteria in the mouth that causes cavities

Move the brush in a semicircular motion from the gums to the teeth (from pink to white) at least 10 times The most common problem that a pediatric dentist faces is deep dental cavities in children at a very young age, sometimes at two or three years old.

I believe in the saying prevention is better than cure. The best way of preventing cavities is to eat healthily and ensure good oral hygiene.

Aside from cavities, the staining of teeth can also be a problem. The most common stains come from what we drink, particularly coffee, juices, and sodas. I recommend that children should drink with a straw if possible, and after any drink, especially after coffee, have a sip of water.

And remember that dental anxiety is very common in children, and because of this they can become very uncooperative on the dental chair. To reduce this anxiety I always advise and recommend that treatment should never be carried out on the first visit, especially if it is the child’s first visit in their entire life.

SUGARY FOODS TO LIMIT Candy, Gummy bears, Flavoured milk

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It is not recommended to perform whitening for children under 18 years of age. It is only done in very rare cases

bbernard/shutterstock.com

86 Health and Nutrition | What's Good for Me?

EVERY CHILD NEEDS PROTEIN Dubai Municipality has developed a series of #Food_Heroes characters that represent the six main food groups, and help deliver the message to school children that consuming these food groups is not only a healthy thing to do, but fun too!

THIS ISSUE’S RECIPE is inspired by Saleem who represents the protein group, including chicken, meat, fish and legumes. Saleem is rich in B-vitamins, zinc, iron, and magnesium; he helps build muscles, bones, skin, and blood, as well as enhancing memory.

Beefed up Scotch Quail Eggs INGREDIENTS (12 PIECES)  250gm lean ground beef  1tbsp Worcestershire sauce  1tbsp parsley, chopped  ½ tsp salt  ½ tsp fresh ground pepper  12 quail eggs, hard-boiled  1 egg, beaten  1 cup all-purpose flour  1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs  1 .5 litres vegetable oil

Saleem 03

STAY SAFE Always buy well-refrigerated eggs

Refrigerate and consume foods cooked with eggs within 3-4 days

Don’t buy dirty and cracked eggs

Don’t wash eggs because the protective coating will be removed

METHOD In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, What should I keep in mind parsley, salt, and ground pepper, and Eggs are a healthy and tasty part ofadvice our diet, mixhome? well with your hands. Divide but how do we ensure theywhen are safe to use?

I want to store my eggs at the mixture into 12 equal parts Dubai Municipality offers top tips: and shape them into small balls.

Check date of production for maximum freshness

Clean kitchen utensils and counters after handling egg products

Store them in the coldest part of the refrigerator

We recommended eggs be cooked until the yolk and whites are firm

3-4 Days

Keep an eye out for the rest of the Food Heroes who will be making cameos in our upcoming issues!

This recipe has been developed in collaboration with

Place a ball on your work surface and press it out flat. Lay a hardboiled quail egg on top of the mixture and roll it up, completely covering the egg. Repeat.

Place the flour, beaten egg, and breadcrumbs in three separate bowls. Place the quail egg stuffed meatballs in the flour, roll them around in the egg, and cover with breadcrumbs, ensuring the entire surface is evenly coated. Place the eggs on a plate and store in the fridge until ready to cook.

Heat 2-3 inches of oil in a medium skillet or wok set over the medium heat. Add the meat coated eggs and cook on all sides until the breadcrumbs are golden brown.

Transfer the Scotch eggs to a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess oil. Serve warm.

ADVERTORIAL

Eye Care for Youngsters Dr Namir Kafil-Hussain, a Paediatric Ophthalmic Surgeon and Consultant at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai, is a specialist in the care of children with eye and visual problems, and here explains about eye health and how to protect it in our young ones.

EYE

CARE

Contact www.moorfields.ae/dubai +971 4 429 7888 Location 3rd floor, Block E, Al Razi Building 64, Dubai Healthcare City Social media @MoorfieldsUAE @moorfieldsuae @MoorfieldsUAE

One in 20 children under the age of five years requires glasses. However, they are often not diagnosed at an early age because children, in general, are unaware of weaknesses in one or both eyes. There are, though, indirect signs that can alert parents to problems in the eyes of their children, such as sitting near the TV, reading very close to the iPad or book, blinking, headache, head tilt, nervousness and irritability, and running towards furniture and walls. Sometimes behavioural problems are diagnosed such as autism or deterioration in academic performance, when in fact what is needed is an eye test.

Eye problems in children can be divided into two groups: The first group is diseases caused

by refractive errors, squint, and lazy eye. These include more than 90% of cases of defective vision in children that can be treated successfully in childhood.

The second group includes uncommon eye diseases such as cataract, glaucoma, and tumours. Squint is the deviation of the axis of one of the eyes inward or outward, leading to lazy eye. It is normal in the first four months but abnormal after this age, so the child needs a comprehensive eye examination.

In all these conditions, a child’s vision needs to be examined with a specialist and assessed early in the child’s life.

When diagnosing refractive errors or strabismus in children, several treatments are currently available; glasses, eye patches, and squint surgery.

There are also certain measures that parents can take:  Reduce digital screen time to reduce the symptoms associated with digital eye strain.  Eat healthy foods such as eggs, fish, nuts, citrus fruits, and leafy greens.  Ensure annual screenings to detect any disorders at an early stage.  Wear Sunglasses while outdoors as ultraviolet rays may cause harm to various aspects of a child’s vision.

88 Health and Nutrition | What's Good for Me?

Roast Leg of Lamb A Festive Classic!

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The festive season is all about spending time with friends and family. Decorations throughout the entire home – even if it’s just paper chains and homemade snowflakes – with trees, candles, crackers, and good food … lots of it! If you want to create an authentic festive meal we’ve got just the thing for you: roast leg of lamb, courtesy of author and food artisan, Dima Sharif at www.dimasharif.com.

INGREDIENTS  3 sprigs of fresh rosemary  Pomegranate seeds for garnish  Chopped parsley for garnish FOR THE LEG OF LAMB  1 whole leg of lamb on the bone  6 garlic cloves, halved  2 tbsp yoghurt  2 tbsp tomato paste  ¼ cup olive oil  2 tbsp pomegranate molasses  1 small onion, grated  1 ½tsp My Basic Spice mix  ½ tsp dried rosemary, crushed  Salt and black pepper FOR THE ROASTED POTATOES AND GARLIC  4 large potatoes, peeled and quartered  2 whole garlic bulbs  ¼ cup olive oil  ½ tsp garlic powder  1 tsp dried rosemary leaves, crushed  Salt and black pepper

METHOD The night before roasting, trim any excess fat off the leg of lamb and score the flesh with a small knife, placing the halved garlic cloves inside the holes you just created.

In a small bowl, mix the yoghurt, tomato paste, pomegranate molasses, grated onion, seasoning, spices, and the crushed dried rosemary, mixing well.

Drizzle slowly with olive oil and mix all to emulsify.

Place the leg of lamb in a large zip-lock bag, and add the emulsified yoghurt mixture. Then rub the leg of lamb with the mixture to coat. Seal the bag and place in the fridge overnight.

The next day, place the garlic bulbs in a deep roasting tin and drizzle lightly with olive oil, then set aside.

In a small bowl mix the olive oil, seasoning, garlic powder, and the crushed dried rosemary. Set aside.

Peel and quarter the potatoes and rub well to coat with the seasoned olive oil mixture, and then place the potatoes in the roasting tin with the garlic bulbs. Top with a wire rack and place the marinated leg of lamb over the rack, then cover the tin tightly with foil paper.

Roast, covered, in a 200˚C preheated oven for one hour, then reduce the heat to 120˚C and roast, covered, for an extra hour.

Make sure to shake the tin frequently to prevent the potatoes from sticking and burning. Remove the cover and roast for 15 minutes extra or until slightly browned.

Transfer the leg of lamb and vegetables to a serving dish and place the fresh rosemary sprigs on the sides for garnish and sprinkle all with the fresh pomegranate seeds and chopped parsley.

Roast lamb is truly a classic dish to serve during the festive season, especially when you’re looking for an impressive meal to put together without too much fuss.

Roast lamb served with all the trimmings – perfect!

Health and Nutrition | What's Good for Me? 91

Festive Brunches It’s time to book your festive brunch, and here are our favourite familyfriendly destinations.

Festive Family Brunch

by Sheraton Mall of the Emirates This magical festive brunch includes oven roasted turkey with all the trimmings and classic desserts, a DJ, and a visit from Santa! Don your favourite Ugly Christmas Sweater for a chance to win the grand prize of AED1,000 credit to be used within the Sheraton MOE dining outlets.

A Festive Family Feast

by Hilton Traditional favourites are expertly prepared for a family feast, alongside Santa and a live band!

Price: From AED400 per person

Price: From AED199 per person, AED99 for kids aged 6-12 years

Al Mabeet Desert Camp

Offer: Kids below 6 years eat for free

Pan Arabic cuisine influenced

by Emirati culture, with live entertainment under the stars.

Date & Time: 25 December, 1:00-4:00pm  besh.dubai@sheraton.com  www.beshdubai.com/festive-specials

by Jumeirah Al Wathba Desert Resort and Spa

Price: From AED420 per person

 +971 4 377 2353

Offer: 50% discount for children age 4 – 12 years, kids below 4 years eat for free

Early Bird Offer: 20% off for bookings before 15 December

 Level 5, Sheraton Mall of the Emirates Hotel, Dubai

Date & Time: Thursdays and Fridays, from 7 PM onwards

Date & Time: 25 December, 1pm–4:30pm

 @sheratonmoe

 JAWRestaurants@jumeirah.com

 @sheratonmoe

 www.Jumeirah.com

Offer: Kids below 5 eat for free; kids 5-12 years dine at AED 150

 dining@hiltonalhabtoorcity.com  www.alhabtoorcityhotels.com/festive

 +971 2 204 4444

 +971 4 435 5577

 Al Wathba South, Abu Dhabi

 The Market, Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City

 @JumeirahAlWathba

 @hiltondubaiahc

 @JumeirahAlWathba

 @hiltondubaiahc

Health and Nutrition | What's Good for Me? 93

New Year’s Eve at Celsius Restaurant by voco™ Dubai

Papa Noël’s Brunch

by Anantara Eastern Mangroves Hotel ABu Dhabi Festive celebrations where parents unwind and rejoice in a seasonal feast with live cooking stations and homemade sweets for your little ones.

Price: From AED320 per person Date: 25 December, from 7pm  emdining@anantara.com  www.anantara.com/en/easternmangroves-abu-dhabi  +971 2 656 1000  Anantara Eastern Mangroves Hotel Abu Dhabi  @anantaraeasternmangroves  @anantaraeasternmangroves

Stylish yet comfy, friendly yet professional; join Celsius Restaurant for some love, laughter, and unhurried pampering.

Price: From AED349 per person; AED299 for kids of ages 6-11 Date: 31 December, from 12:30pm to 4pm  fbreservations.vocodubai@ihg.com  www.vocohotels.com/dubai  +971 4 308 0550

Shimmering Gala Dinner at Giornotte Restaurant

by Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal Ring in a sparkling New Year with a silvery setting and a sumptuous gourmet buffet including tapas and ceviche stations, sushi and sashimi, foie gras, oyster, and many more.

 Sheikh Zayed Road

Price: From AED695 per person

 @vocohoteldubai

Offer: 50% discount for kids aged 6-11 years; kids aged 5 and below dine for free

 @vocohoteldubai

Date: 31 December, from 8pm to 2am  abudhabi.restaurants@ritzcarlton.com  www.ritzcarlton.com/abudhabi  +971 2 818 8282  Al Maqta, Abu Dhabi  @ritzcarltonabudhabi  @ritzcarltonabudhabi

Village Brunch

by Jebel Ali Recreational Club Live cooking stations, international buffet, kids’ activities, and live music.

Price: From AED180 to AED350.

Kids under 6 years dine for free Date: Fridays, from 12.30pm to 4pm  info@jebelalirecreationclub.ae  www.instagram.com/jebelaliclub  +971 4 459 5100  The Clubhouse, Jebel Ali Recreational Club  @jebelaliclub  @jebelaliclub

94 Health and Nutrition | What's Good for Me?

Festive

New Year

EXECUTIVE EDUCATION AT SORBONNE ABU DHABI Innovative programmes for modern professionals and leaders Actuarial Specialist in Data Science (taught in English) Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence (taught in English) Gulf and Media Arabic Intensive Training Session (taught in Arabic) Archives and Records Management (taught in Arabic) For more information: T +971 (0) 2 656 9330/9143 ceed@sorbonne.ae

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