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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.

India

Dubai-based Indian businessman Dr C.J. Roy dies by suicide in Bengaluru

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Dubai-based Indian expat businessman Dr C.J. Roy, Chairman and owner of Confident Group, has died by suicide at the age of 57, according to news reports.

As per reports, Dr Roy was found dead at his office in the Anepalya area of central Bengaluru, Karnataka, on Friday. Police said the incident came to light after staff members alerted authorities, following which senior officials and forensic teams reached the scene. He was declared dead at the spot.

Investigation Underway

Initial police inquiries indicate that Dr Roy was alone at the time of the incident. Authorities have registered a case of suicide and initiated standard procedures, including forensic examination and a post-mortem. Police have not confirmed the recovery of a suicide note and said investigations are ongoing to understand the circumstances surrounding his death.

Officers are examining both personal and professional aspects of his life and are speaking with family members, colleagues and close associates. Authorities have urged the public to refrain from speculation until the investigation is complete.

About Confident Group

Founded in 2005, Confident Group is a well-known real estate and infrastructure developer with projects spanning residential apartments, villas, commercial complexes and mixed-use developments across Karnataka and other parts of India. Over two decades, the company built a strong presence in both mid-segment and premium housing markets.

Dr Roy, a native of Kochi, Kerala, was widely regarded as a hands-on entrepreneur who played a central role in the company’s growth, strategy and operations.

Movie Projects

In addition to his work in property development, he was actively involved in the film and entertainment industry, producing and co-producing several Malayalam and Kannada films, including Casanovva, Ladies and Gentleman, Mei Hoom Moosa and Identity. He also co-produced the National Award-winning epic Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham and served as a prize partner and sponsor for Bigg Boss Kannada Season 10, integrating Confident Group branding into the popular reality show.

His movies include Mohanlal’s big-budget release Casanova, and the yet to be released project Anomie, starring Rahman and Bhavana.

Industry Reaction and Next Steps

News of his death sent shockwaves through business and real estate circles, with employees and industry peers expressing grief and disbelief. Several associates described him as a driven entrepreneur with a strong work ethic and sharp business acumen.

Company sources said internal discussions are underway to ensure leadership continuity and operational stability. Ongoing projects are expected to continue as planned, though a formal review of the management structure may be announced in the coming days.

Broader Conversation on Mental Health

The incident has renewed conversations around mental health and the pressures faced by entrepreneurs and senior executives, particularly in sectors such as real estate that have been grappling with rising costs, regulatory demands and financing challenges.

Source: NIE

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Dubai Metro extends operating hours this Sunday for marathon

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Dubai Metro will start services earlier than usual on Sunday, February 1, to support runners and spectators attending the Dubai Marathon 2026.

In a social media update, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced that Metro services will operate from 5am until midnight on marathon day, ensuring smoother travel across the city.

On regular Sundays, Dubai Metro typically begins operations at 8am, making this a special early opening to accommodate the major sporting event.

Supporting Dubai Marathon Runners and Spectators

The extended operating hours are aimed at easing congestion and helping thousands of participants reach the marathon start line on time. The Dubai Marathon, now a long-standing annual fixture in the city, attracts runners from around the world as well as local fitness enthusiasts.

The event features three race categories:

  • 42km full marathon
  • 10km road race
  • 4km fun run

Races are set to begin at 7am, with participants ranging from elite international athletes to first-time runners and families, creating a strong community atmosphere across the city.

Plan Your Journey

RTA has advised residents and visitors attending the Dubai Marathon to plan their journeys and make use of public transport to avoid road closures and delays.

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Dubai approves City Terminal Project allowing passengers to check-in anywhere in the city

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Dubai has approved a major travel innovation that could reshape the passenger experience at the world’s busiest international airport.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, has approved the City Terminal Project, enabling travellers to check in for flights at multiple locations across Dubai before heading to the airport.

The initiative will serve passengers flying from Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), making air travel faster, more efficient and more convenient.

How The City Terminal Will Work

Under the new system, passengers will be able to:

  • Complete flight check-in procedures within the city
  • Drop off luggage at designated locations
  • Travel directly to the airport departure halls via secure, dedicated transport

The project aims to reduce congestion around DXB, streamline passenger flow and support Dubai’s long-term transition toward Al Maktoum International Airport as its primary aviation hub.

Who Is Leading the Project

While official check-in locations have not yet been revealed, the initiative is being led by Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP) in collaboration with:

  • Dubai Police
  • Dubai Airports
  • Dubai Civil Aviation Authority
  • General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs, Dubai
  • Emirates Airline
  • e& Group

Part of the Dubai 10X Initiative

The City Terminal Project is one of three future-focused initiatives approved under the Dubai 10X Initiative, which aims to position Dubai 10 years ahead of other global cities through innovation and government collaboration.

The other approved projects include:

  • 20-Minute City, led by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), ensures residents can access 80 per cent of essential services within 20 minutes using sustainable transport
  • Disease Early Detection System, led by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), focused on proactive and predictive healthcare

Together, these initiatives target key sectors including mobility, health and travel, with a strong focus on improving quality of life.

Why It Matters

Dubai handles tens of millions of passengers annually, and projects like City Terminal are expected to:

  • Ease airport congestion
  • Improve traveller comfort and efficiency
  • Support the gradual shift to DWC
  • Strengthen Dubai’s reputation as a global aviation and smart-city leader

The three initiatives were selected from 79 proposals developed by more than 120 employees across 33 government entities, and were evaluated for impact, speed of implementation, cross-government integration, and quality-of-life outcomes.

What Sheikh Hamdan Said

Sheikh Hamdan said the Dubai 10X Initiative has driven a major shift in government operations by embedding a culture of innovation and collaboration.

“Accelerating government performance is central to our future vision. We will continue to empower government entities to pioneer bold, high-impact projects that redefine excellence in public service,” he said.

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