Graduates to receive American matriculation and International Baccalaureate Qualifications

Bahrain, 26th June 2007: Riffa Views Signature Estates celebrated the beginning of construction of the Riffa Views International School (RVIS) located in The Lagoons Estate. The school is set to be completed in September 2008, with registration to commence in September 2007. RVIS is being established under the operational direction of the world class International Schools Services (ISS) and it will provide an American curriculum program of international standards.

RVIS will initially admit students from ages four (pre kindergarten) to ten (5th grade). Additional grade levels will be added each year thereafter. Registration will be open not only to Riffa Views homeowners but also to foreigners and nationals residing in Bahrain. The school will receive 280 pupils for September 2008's academic year (in subsequent years as the school adds older grades the school's capacity will increase to 560 students).

ISS will ensure the highest international education standards by overseeing the certification, development, registration and operation of the school. Mr. Bruce McWilliams, Director of RVIS, holds a masters degree in the Administration and Supervision of International and Overseas Schools, coupled with extensive experience in administering American curriculum schools the Middle East.

Mr. Richard Browning, Riffa Views' CEO, commented: "Today's ceremony marks an important milestone in our overall development, and brings us further toward our goal of providing unrivalled standards of education in the Kingdom. ISS is well established as the world leader in the operation of overseas schools, and their management of RVIS will guarantee a superior standard of education for all students. Riffa Views, with its commitment to quality of life and a healthy lifestyle is an ideal setting in which children can be educated."

Mr. McWilliams commented: "It is an honor and a privilege to have been selected by ISS as the founding Director of RVIS. . Our goal is to provide a program that allows our students to develop their capabilities academically and athletically, as well as in the performing arts.  Students graduating from RVIS will be awarded an American matriculation or an International Baccalaureate (IB) qualification."

 "The technology our students will utilise is world class and unprecedented in Bahrain. This, coupled with the school's commitment to strong English and Arabic language programs is expected to appeal to a wide range of families in the Kingdom."

Riffa Views awarded the BD 8.2 million construction project to contractor CYBROC, a subsidiary of Cybarco PLC.

Mr. Costas Demou, General Manager of Gulf Operations for CYBROC, commented: "CYBROC is proud to be awarded such a prestigious project, which is sure to improve the quality of education for Bahrainis and foreigners residing in the Kingdom. We are confident that with the close co-operation of all parties involved in the project we will be able to complete work on-time for school operations to begin by the planned date of September 2008."

For more information on registration procedures for RVIS, please contact Patsy McWilliams at rvisadmin@riffaviews.com. For general information about the school contact Bruce McWilliams at 973 397-70173 or bmcwilliams@riffaviews.com.

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About Riffa Views Signature Estates
Riffa Views is a joint venture between Arcapita and the Bahrain International Golf Course Company (BIGCC) and is the first golf residential development in Bahrain. The 972-villa and townhouse project is a master planned concept for a luxurious lifestyle that will provide a comprehensive range of sports, leisure and shopping facilities, including an 18-hole signature championship golf course designed by the top international golf pro, Colin Montgomerie. Riffa Views Signature Estates will also feature a 9-hole executive golf course, a country club, a tennis facility in association with tennis great Boris Becker, a high-end shopping mall, and an international school managed by the renowned International Schools Services.

Press Release 2007