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Abu Dhabi to introduce mandatory parent-school contracts in new academic year

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Abu Dhabi’s Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has announced a groundbreaking initiative that will require all private schools in the emirate to implement an annual Parent-School Contract, beginning with the 2025-2026 academic year. This new requirement aims to establish clear expectations and mutual responsibilities between schools and parents, ensuring a more collaborative approach to student well-being and academic success.

Clear Expectations and Mutual Accountability

The Parent-School Contract will be mandatory for all parents before student enrolment or re-enrolment and must be signed each year. Schools that fail to comply with this regulation face legal consequences and potential penalties.

One of the central features of the contract is that parents must formally acknowledge and accept a wide range of school policies. These include expectations around student behavior, adherence to school values, responsible digital conduct, and cultural sensitivity. ADEK’s goal with this initiative is to ensure that all parties are aligned in their commitment to a positive and transparent educational experience.

Monitoring students’ progress

As part of the new policy, schools will be required to use multiple platforms — including emails, SMS, apps, and printed letters — to keep parents informed about their children’s progress. In emergencies, a group notification system must be in place to deliver urgent updates promptly, ensuring that parents are always kept in the loop.

In addition to these measures, schools are encouraged to engage parents in discussions around healthy nutrition and provide regular updates on student performance. Schools will also be required to facilitate direct communication with support staff, including counselors, inclusion assistants, and social workers, to address any academic or personal concerns a student may face.

Parent Code of Conduct: Upholding Values and Integrity

As part of the contract, parents will be expected to commit to a Code of Conduct that reflects the ethical and cultural values promoted by ADEK. Among the key expectations outlined in the contract are:

  • Respect for the School’s Mission and Environment: Parents must engage with the school community in a professional and respectful manner, treating all members—including staff, students, security, and maintenance workers—with dignity.
  • Support for Student Behavior Standards: Parents are expected to ensure that their children adhere to the school’s rules and discipline standards.
  • Social Media Responsibility: The contract includes a provision that parents should avoid posting defamatory or culturally inappropriate content about school-related matters on social media.
  • Academic Integrity: Parents must support their children’s academic efforts, supervise homework, and provide honest documentation and communication with the school.
  • Engagement in School Activities: Parents are expected to attend parent-teacher meetings, cooperate with the school’s recommendations, and support additional learning interventions when necessary.

Failure to meet these expectations could result in restricted access to school premises, reinforcing the importance of maintaining a respectful and supportive relationship between families and schools.

Schools’ Responsibilities: Transparency and Support

Schools will also have specific obligations. These include maintaining open and respectful communication with parents, sharing curriculum details and assessment strategies, and encouraging active parental involvement in both academic and extracurricular activities.

Schools will be required to organise at least one parent-teacher meeting per term to ensure regular interaction between educators and families. They will also be expected to promote mental health awareness and digital well-being, fostering an environment that supports the holistic development of students. Additionally, schools must maintain fair, VAT-free fee structures and obtain parental consent before sharing student data with third parties.

A Step Towards Stronger Collaboration

The introduction of the Parent-School Contract marks a new chapter in Abu Dhabi’s educational landscape, emphasizing collaboration, transparency, and mutual responsibility. By outlining clear expectations for both parents and schools, ADEK aims to create an environment that supports the well-being and academic growth of students while fostering stronger partnerships between families and educational institutions.

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

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Flying during FIFA World Cup? This Dubai airline will show every match live 

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Football fans travelling with Emirates this summer won’t have to worry about missing any FIFA World Cup 2026 action. Dubai’s flagship airline Emirates, has announced that it will broadcast every match of the tournament live onboard its flights through Sport24, its dedicated live sports channel available on the award-winning ice entertainment system.

Passengers will be able to follow every moment of the world’s biggest football tournament while flying at 40,000 feet. The move ensures customers can stay connected to the action no matter where they are travelling, with live coverage available throughout the competition.

Emirates said the complete FIFA World Cup 2026 broadcast schedule is featured its ice magazine, allowing passengers to plan their journeys around key fixtures and follow their favourite teams during the tournament.

The live coverage will be available on most Emirates aircraft equipped with Sport24 and Sport24 Extra, although availability may vary depending on aircraft type and route. Selected FIFA World Cup matches will also be shown in Emirates Lounges across Dubai, giving travellers additional opportunities to catch the action before departure.

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Dubai’s RTA to build one of its largest pedestrian and cycling bridges in city

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Dubai is set to strengthen its position as a global leader in smart urban mobility by constructing one of the emirate’s largest pedestrian and cycling bridges.

Stretching 730 metres across Dubai–Al Ain Road, the landmark structure will connect the rapidly growing communities of Liwan and Dubai Silicon Oasis, offering residents a safer and more convenient way to travel. The project forms part of the Roads and Transport Authority’s wider plan to build 31 new pedestrian bridges and tunnels across the city by 2030, enhancing connectivity, road safety and sustainable transportation.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has approved a five-year plan that will introduce new pedestrian crossings at key locations across the emirate. The projects will be developed along major roads, including Sheikh Zayed Road, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street, Al Ittihad Road, and Omar bin Al Khattab Street, helping residents and visitors move more safely and efficiently throughout the city.

Enhancing safety and connectivity

The expansion aims to improve accessibility, strengthen links between residential communities and public transportation networks, and provide safer crossing options for pedestrians. Authorities selected project locations following detailed studies that assessed population growth, pedestrian movement patterns, public transport access, and proximity to commercial and tourist destinations.

Landmark bridge

One of the standout projects currently under development is a 730-metre pedestrian and cycling bridge that will cross Dubai–Al Ain Road. The structure will serve as a critical connection between Liwan and Dubai Silicon Oasis, two rapidly developing communities that continue to attract residents and businesses.

Once completed, the bridge will become one of the largest pedestrian and cycling crossings in Dubai, offering a safer and more convenient route for commuters, cyclists, and residents.

Advanced safety features

The upcoming bridges and tunnels will incorporate modern safety technologies, including firefighting systems, emergency alarms, remote monitoring capabilities, and dedicated cycling lanes. These enhancements are designed to improve user safety while supporting Dubai’s ambition to achieve zero traffic fatalities.

As the city continues to expand, the new pedestrian infrastructure projects are expected to play a key role in promoting sustainable mobility, reducing road risks, and strengthening Dubai’s reputation as a global leader in smart urban development.

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Kuwait launches 15-year residency visa: How it compares to UAE Golden Visa

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Kuwait has unveiled a new long-term residency programme that will allow eligible foreign investors and business leaders to live in the country for up to 15 years, marking one of the region’s latest efforts to attract international capital and strengthen economic growth.

The residency scheme is designed to provide greater stability for investors looking to establish, operate and expand businesses in Kuwait, while supporting the country’s broader plans to diversify its economy and enhance its competitiveness as an investment destination.

Who can apply?

Under the new framework, residency permits of up to 15 years will be available to:

  • Foreign investors meeting approved investment criteria
  • Immediate family members of eligible investors
  • Senior executives accredited by approved investment entities
  • Recognised business partners linked to qualifying investment projects

Authorities say the programme aims to encourage long-term commitments from investors while creating a more attractive business environment.

Investment requirements

To qualify, applicants must satisfy a number of conditions set by Kuwaiti authorities.

Eligible investors must own or be associated with investment entities licensed by the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA). Businesses must also maintain active operations within Kuwait and comply with national workforce requirements, including quotas related to the employment of Kuwaiti citizens.

The framework requires a minimum investment capital of KD1 million in approved business activities. In addition, licensed investment entities must maintain a total investment value of at least KD5 million.

Officials believe these requirements will help attract high-quality investments that contribute to economic development and job creation.

How it compares with UAE Golden Visa

One of the most prominent examples is the UAE’s Golden Visa programme, which was launched in 2019 and offers eligible individuals residency of up to 10 years.

The scheme is available to investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, scientists, exceptional students, creatives and humanitarian contributors. It allows holders to live, work and study in the UAE without requiring a national sponsor, while also enabling them to sponsor family members.

The programme has become a key pillar of the UAE’s strategy to attract talent, innovation and long-term investment, helping cement its reputation as one of the region’s leading destinations for business and residency.

Kuwaiti authorities said the programme builds on existing investment legislation and forms part of ongoing efforts to modernise Kuwait’s business and regulatory environment.

Kuwait’s latest move reflects a growing trend across the Gulf, where governments are introducing long-term residency options to attract investors, entrepreneurs and highly skilled professionals.

Countries across the region have increasingly adopted residency programmes designed to encourage foreign investment, support economic diversification and attract global talent.

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