Dubai, a city renowned for its futuristic skyline and innovative infrastructure, is once again at the forefront of urban development with a major upgrade to its road network. Designed to improve traffic flow, enhance safety, and accommodate the city’s rapid growth, these changes are set to redefine the commuting experience. Here are the four key changes every resident and visitor should know about:

1. Expansion of Key Highways

The first significant upgrade involves the expansion of Dubai’s key highways. Sheikh Zayed Road, the main artery that runs through the city, is undergoing a massive widening project. Additional lanes are being added to alleviate congestion during peak hours, promising smoother and faster commutes. The expansion extends to other critical routes such as Emirates Road and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, ensuring that the city’s growing traffic demands are met with efficiency.

2. Introduction of Smart Traffic Management Systems

Dubai is embracing smart technology to revolutionise its traffic management. New intelligent traffic systems (ITS) are being installed across the city, featuring advanced sensors and cameras that monitor traffic conditions in real-time. These systems can automatically adjust traffic signals, provide live updates to drivers via digital sign boards, and even reroute traffic during emergencies. The result is a more responsive and adaptive traffic flow, reducing delays and improving overall road safety.

3. Enhanced Pedestrian and Cycling Infrastructure

Recognizing the importance of sustainable and healthy transportation options, Dubai is significantly enhancing its pedestrian and cycling infrastructure. New dedicated bike lanes and pedestrian paths are being constructed, particularly in busy urban areas and around popular attractions. These paths are designed to be safe and accessible, encouraging more residents and tourists to opt for walking or cycling as their preferred mode of transport. The initiative not only promotes a healthier lifestyle but also helps to reduce the city’s carbon footprint.

4. Upgraded Public Transportation Hubs

The upgrade extends beyond roads to include public transportation hubs, integrating them seamlessly with the road network. Major metro stations, bus terminals, and tram stops are being revamped to offer better connectivity and convenience. New park-and-ride facilities are being introduced, making it easier for commuters to switch between driving and public transport. The improved hubs aim to make public transportation a more attractive option, thereby easing the load on the city’s roads.

These major upgrades to Dubai’s road infrastructure are a testament to the city’s commitment to innovation and excellence in urban planning. By expanding highways, implementing smart traffic systems, enhancing pedestrian and cycling paths, and upgrading public transport hubs, Dubai is paving the way for a more efficient, safe, and sustainable future. As these projects come to fruition, residents and visitors alike can look forward to a transformed commuting experience, befitting a city that continues to lead the way in modern urban living.

The General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments said that the decision is aimed at ensuring the safety of worshippers during the summer months.The directive is applicable from Friday, June 28, until the start of October.

According to the UAE’s National Center of Meteorology, summer temperatures in the Gulf country frequently exceed 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit), with some areas experiencing highs of up to 50 C (122 F).

Private schools in Dubai will not be subject to comprehensive inspections throughout the 2024-25 academic year, as per a new directive from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). The only exception to this policy applies to newly established schools that are entering their third year of operations during the upcoming academic year. This recent decision was communicated to all Dubai schools via a circular issued by the KHDA. The authority aims to streamline the inspection process, focusing on institutions at a critical stage of their development while temporarily relieving more established schools from the full inspection regimen.

The KHDA circular reads, “We would also like to inform you of an important update to school inspections during the 2024-25 academic year. Full school inspections will not be conducted across all private schools in Dubai, except for new private schools that will be in their third year of operation during the academic year.”

However, schools may request a comprehensive inspection from the Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau (DSIB). Such requests will be reviewed and approved at the discretion of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). Schools are required to submit their requests by July 5, 2024. The KHDA issued, “Schools with approved requests will be notified during Term 2 of the 2024-25 academic year.”

Dubai schools traditionally undergo annual inspections, during which they are evaluated and assigned ratings. However, these inspections were suspended during the pandemic. The ratings, which span from ‘Outstanding’ to ‘Weak’, are determined based on a defined set of criteria.

What is the current status of the ongoing inspection of schools under the KHDA?

The latest circular also mentions, “DSIB will conduct other visits that target specific focus areas and include ongoing monitoring activities. Schools will be notified ahead of time on the areas of focus and priorities for the next academic year.”

All schools are required to regularly update their ‘Self-Evaluation Form’ and online school profile over the course of the next academic year. It is imperative for schools to ensure that all necessary information is readily available for review by DSIB. Additionally, schools must consistently administer all critical external benchmark assessments.

Belrehif stated, “The School Self-Evaluation Form is an essential part of schools’ ongoing cycle of review and improvement planning and helps them measure how well they are doing in different performance indicators outlined in the UAE School Inspection Framework.”

Impact on School Rankings and Fees

The ability of schools to increase their fees is contingent upon their most recent evaluation by the DSIB. Schools that receive higher ratings are typically allowed to impose more substantial fee hikes. In April 2024, the KHDA introduced an Education Cost Index (ECI) set at 2.6 percent which would enable schools to modify their tuition fees for the 2024-25 academic year accordingly. The private schools in Dubai had been granted permission to raise tuition fees by up to 5.2 percent, as determined by their latest KHDA inspection outcomes.

In a recent interview, Fatma Belrehif,  DSIB CEO, announced, “The School Fees Framework is the mechanism by which schools can adjust their fees annually. The rate by which schools can adjust their fees is tied to each school’s most recent inspection rating. Any fee adjustment by schools must be approved by the KHDA. Schools will be notified in case of any changes or updates to the fee framework.”

How does this circular affect schools and parents?

Schools: Schools may need to adapt their internal quality assurance processes, relying more on self-evaluation and external feedback to maintain and improve standards.

• Strategic Planning: With the absence of formal inspections, schools might focus on alternative ways to attract and retain students, such as enhancing their curriculum, extracurricular offerings, or investing in teacher development.

• Performance Monitoring: Schools will need to find new methods to monitor and report their performance, potentially increasing collaboration with parent-teacher associations and using third-party evaluators.

Parents: Guardians and Parents may find it more challenging to assess the quality and performance of schools without the KHDA’s annual inspection reports. They might need to rely on word-of-mouth, online reviews, and direct engagement with schools to make informed decisions.

• Engagement and Feedback: The halt in inspections could encourage more proactive engagement between parents and schools. Parents may need to take a more active role in communicating their expectations and concerns to ensure their child’s educational needs are met.

• Financial Considerations: With the potential stability in school fees, parents might experience a degree of financial predictability. However, they should stay informed about any changes schools might implement to maintain quality in the absence of inspections.

As the educational community awaits further details and guidance from the KHDA, stakeholders are keenly observing how this decision will shape educational practices and policies in Dubai for the upcoming academic year.