The latest phase of school assessments into how well the cultural values of the Emirates are being promoted in classrooms did not include any new "outstanding" ratings.
Private schools in Abu Dhabi are inspected in batches as part of the National Identity Mark programme, with the most recent group indicating there was room for improvement when promoting the UAE's culture and values.
Under the National Identity Mark inspections, conducted by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge, 153 schools have been evaluated in the past two years.
Eight received an outstanding rating, 33 were rated good, 79 were rated acceptable and 33 were marked as weak.
The National Identity Mark, first announced in May last year, is an annual school rating system to measure efforts to integrate core Emirati values into studies.
The current evaluations of 66 private schools in Abu Dhabi were derived from assessments conducted in the 2023-2024 academic year, while last year's results from 87 schools were released in August. Another 60 schools will be inspected before the end of the current academic year.
'Disappointed'
Of 66 schools inspected, none were rated outstanding in 2024. Last year, eight schools received the top rating out of 87 institutions inspected.
“While we are disappointed that no school has attained an outstanding ranking in this latest phase of assessments, there appears to be renewed determination among schools to continually improve and utilise the framework to continue providing parents with a comprehensive overview of the schools’ national identity effectiveness,” said Dr Sara Al Suwaidi, education quality assurance and monitoring office director at Adek.
“We strongly encourage all schools, regardless of their intake of Emirati pupils, to continue developing national identity programmes that are integrated into the curricula by engaging the entire school community, including parents, to create an enriched learning environment that extends beyond the classroom.
“Our aim is to empower all parents to make informed decisions when choosing a school that not only excels academically but also enriches their child’s understanding of and connection to Emirati culture and values.”
Six schools evaluated during the first phase of inspections asked to be reassessed, resulting in Yasmina Private School jumping from a weak to a good rating. One school rose from acceptable to good, while another progressed from weak” to acceptable. Two schools retained their earlier ranking.
What criteria are schools being inspected on?
The National Identity Mark covers three domains – culture, values and citizenship.
The culture category covers history, heritage and the Arabic language.
The values section comprises respect, compassion, and global understanding. Citizenship takes in topics such as a sense of belonging, volunteering, and conservation.
The rankings are assessed separately by Adek’s Irtiqa’a Inspection, which covers the performance standards of private schools in Abu Dhabi and provides recommendations for improvements.
Which schools were ranked outstanding last year?
The top eight schools earning the outstanding rating last year were: The British International School Abu Dhabi; Sheikh Zayed Academy for Girls; Sheikh Zayed Academy for Boys; Emirates National Schools, Mohamed bin Zayed City; Al Ittihad National Private School, Khalifa City; Al Ittihad National Private School, Shakhbout City; Emirates National Schools, Branch 3; and Adnoc Schools, Sas Al Nakhl.
British International School Abu Dhabi has pupils enrolled from 96 countries, with one in five at the school being Emirati.
The school was one among eight private schools in the emirate that were rated outstanding for promoting national identity by the Adek last year.
Spec%20sheet
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AVOID SCAMMERS: TIPS FROM EMIRATES NBD
1. Never respond to e-mails, calls or messages asking for account, card or internet banking details
2. Never store a card PIN (personal identification number) in your mobile or in your wallet
3. Ensure online shopping websites are secure and verified before providing card details
4. Change passwords periodically as a precautionary measure
5. Never share authentication data such as passwords, card PINs and OTPs (one-time passwords) with third parties
6. Track bank notifications regarding transaction discrepancies
7. Report lost or stolen debit and credit cards immediately
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Cadillac XT6 2020 Premium Luxury
Engine: 3.6L V-6
Transmission: nine-speed automatic
Power: 310hp
Torque: 367Nm
Price: Dh280,000
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
If you go
Flying
Despite the extreme distance, flying to Fairbanks is relatively simple, requiring just one transfer in Seattle, which can be reached directly from Dubai with Emirates for Dh6,800 return.
Touring
Gondwana Ecotours’ seven-day Polar Bear Adventure starts in Fairbanks in central Alaska before visiting Kaktovik and Utqiarvik on the North Slope. Polar bear viewing is highly likely in Kaktovik, with up to five two-hour boat tours included. Prices start from Dh11,500 per person, with all local flights, meals and accommodation included; gondwanaecotours.com
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if you go
The flights
Air France offer flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi to Cayenne, connecting in Paris from Dh7,300.
The tour
Cox & Kings (coxandkings.com) has a 14-night Hidden Guianas tour of Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana. It includes accommodation, domestic flights, transfers, a local tour manager and guided sightseeing. Contact for price.
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
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The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
Squads
Pakistan: Sarfaraz Ahmed (c), Babar Azam (vc), Abid Ali, Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Sohail, Mohammad Hasnain, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan, Usman Shinwari, Wahab Riaz
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1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
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