New School Scheduled to Start in April 2011 at Region's Technology Hub

Dubai-UAE: 16 March, 2010 - His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman and CEO of Emirates Group and Chairman of Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA), today laid the foundation stone for the International Indian High School (I.I.H.S.) at the high-technology park.

Hosted under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed, the ceremony was attended by Dr. Mohammed Al Zarouni - Vice Chairman and CEO of DSOA, His Excellency Sanjay Verma, Consul General of India to the UAE, Mohan Valrani, Honorary Chairman of Indian High School Dubai, Dr. Abdulla Al Karam, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director General of Knowledge & Human Development Authority (KHDA), as well as senior officials from DSO, KHDA and Indian High School Dubai.

In his capacity as patron of the Indian High School Dubai (IHS Dubai), His Highness Sheikh Ahmed also presented a cheque for AED100,000 on behalf of the IHS students to Mariam Othman, Director General of Rashid Paediatric Therapy Centre.

An initiative of IHS Dubai at DSO, the International Indian High School is scheduled to commence functioning from April 2011, offering Indian curriculum as prescribed by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). The academic focus will extend to IT, research and subjects such as nanotechnology. The new campus will be fitted out with state-of-the-art facilities such as an amphitheatre, cafeteria, activity room, gymnasium, swimming pool, and a temperature controlled indoor sports complex.

Dr. Zarouni said: "The opening of the International Indian High School in Dubai Silicon Oasis validates our commitment to expanding our portfolio and enhancing growth and productivity through education in the UAE.

"We are confident the International Indian High School will prepare students for higher education and equip them with the necessary technology background and knowledge."

The governing principle and driving force behind the institution will be 'Energy, Earthy, Elemental, and Eternal' - symbolizing the four elements of sun, wind, water and the silicon chip. The 'rising sun' will serve as the icon of the school, reflecting the life-giving forces and suggesting the dissemination of education from the school to the student.

Dr Abdulla Al Karam said: "We are delighted that this new school will be built. The Indian High School Dubai offers high quality education, which is what we aim for all of our children. We look forward to the same high standards at the new campus.

"Dubai Silicon Oasis is a fast-growing development; we have watched it grow from our own KHDA offices nearby. Dubai is used to seeing new communities grow out of nothing, and it is very important that they are built with facilities such as schools. One of the pillars of our work at KHDA is offering access to premium education, and we wish this new school every good fortune."

Mohan Valrani said: "The DSOA initiative acknowledges our dedication to quality education, as the Indian High School prepares to add another, perhaps the most significant, chapter in its history as an academic institution. This school will be embryonic with vaulting ambition, abiding by its vision - living by its motto - 'Shaping the Minds of the Future!'"

The new school will feature a well-equipped ICT department, virtual classrooms, smart boards and a wireless campus. Its central library will house manuals and materials for the continual improvement and updating of pedagogical practices.

Marking the event, four trees were planted by Dr. Mohammed Al Zarouni, Sanjay Verma, Mohan Valrani, and Dr. Abdulla Al Karam respectively.

DSOA continues to initiate various programmes for the benefit of youngsters, in keeping with its philosophy to train and create a talent pool of individuals from the region. The setting up of RIT Dubai campus, another leading global institution within DSO, also reflects its commitment to academic and educational programmes that help enrich the future generation of regional leaders.  

-Ends-

About Dubai Silicon Oasis:
Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA), a 100% owned entity by the Government of Dubai is a free zone, strategically placed on the Emirates road. DSOA's urban master-planned community spans 7.2 square kilometers of state of the art office towers, R&D and industrial zones, educational institutions, luxury apartments, villas, hotels, healthcare and a full range of lifestyle facilities which translate into a dynamic commercial and social environment. Businesses can flourish under the unrivalled package of incentives, including 100% ownership, and high end IT infrastructure that allows companies to begin operating immediately.

About the Knowledge and Human Development Authority
The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) is responsible for the future growth, direction and quality of education and learning in Dubai. We aim to support the people of Dubai in achieving their potential from birth and through life's journey as we work towards achieving the goals set out in the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015.

For further information, please contact:
Mazen El Dirany
Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority
Associate Manager - Corporate Communications
Tel: (+971 4) 5015102
GSM: (+971 50) 2266956
Fax: (+971 4) 5015200
Email: meldirany@dso.ae

Jan Dabrowa
Jiwin
Tel: +971 4 374 8566
Mobile: +971 5 922 3684
Fax: + 971 4 3688001
E-mail: jan.dabrowa@jiwin.ae

Mathilda Saad
JiWin
Tel: +9714 361 3879 (direct)
+9714 361 3333 (switchboard)
+97150 699 9890
Fax:  +9714 388 8001
Email: mathilda.saad@jiwin.ae

© Press Release 2010