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Teachers at several major Dubai schools said many parents had pulled their children out of classes early to travel abroad on holiday.
School leaders lamented the trend to travel early to take advantage of low prices, while the need to undergo PCR tests only 48 hours before flying was a major factor. Several told The National that some classes were half empty.
The cost of long-haul flights last week was thousands of dirhams cheaper than it would be this week. Most private schools in Dubai finish at the end of this week.
Brett Girven, principal of Arbor School Dubai in Jebel Ali, said a number of pupils were absent on Sunday.
It is important pupils see the value of school and this is eroded when parents take their children out of school early in any situation
James Monaghan,
North London Collegiate School
"We have seen an increase in the number of people departing earlier than we would usually expect to see at this time of the year," he said.
"We have made a distinction between those who are departing early, those who are sick and those who are remote-learning because of Covid-19. The remote-learning programme is designed to be offered to those who are remote because of Covid.
"Whilst that’s frustrating as a school leader, I can understand the position of parents."
James Monaghan, principal at North London Collegiate School, said it was regrettable that pupils did not finished the school year.
"Fortunately, not many families have taken early holidays. Most of the early leavers are missing a few days this week," he said.
"It is important pupils see the value of school and this is eroded when parents take their children out of school early in any situation.
"Of course this year has been extraordinary but the community is still something to consider when making our own personal family decisions.
"There are final assemblies and a celebration of achievements. Pupils should always be a part of these celebrations as this means a lot to them.
"The main reason is that they have travel plans and they do not want to risk their children being in contact with any positive cases in the days running up to travelling, particularly where a PCR test is required for travel," he said.
Laetitia Tregoning, whose son attends Foremarke School in Barsha, said only five out of 22 pupils attended class on Sunday.
“My son has only five pupils in his Year 3 class this week because so many parents have taken their children out early,” she said.
“It says something about the grasp that Covid still has on our lives, that parents are willing to take their children out of school, so as to make the most of the summer holiday.
“I understand that people have to take every opportunity to see family and it is so complicated now with the need to quarantine in countries like the UK.”
Under-18s do not need to be vaccinated to travel to most countries. Instead, children are generally required to undergo a PCR test 48 or 72 hours before boarding a flight.
Fiona Cottam, principal at Hartland International, said most families at her school would travel once the holidays start officially.
"The majority of pupils have not travelled and our attendance is still up," she said. "Very few families applied for extraordinary leave."
She advised parents that the last week of term was one of the best weeks for pupils.
"It’s a wonderful week as we have celebratory events and it’s important for young people to get closure," she said.
"If the pupils are not here, then they don’t get the sense of finishing something."
SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20APPLE%20IPHONE%2014%20PRO%20MAX
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Omar Yabroudi's factfile
Born: October 20, 1989, Sharjah
Education: Bachelor of Science and Football, Liverpool John Moores University
2010: Accrington Stanley FC, internship
2010-2012: Crystal Palace, performance analyst with U-18 academy
2012-2015: Barnet FC, first-team performance analyst/head of recruitment
2015-2017: Nottingham Forest, head of recruitment
2018-present: Crystal Palace, player recruitment manager
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Company%20profile
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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
What can you do?
Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses
Seek professional advice from a legal expert
You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor
You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline
In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support
Company Profile
Name: JustClean
Based: Kuwait with offices in other GCC countries
Launch year: 2016
Number of employees: 130
Sector: online laundry service
Funding: $12.9m from Kuwait-based Faith Capital Holding
The specs: 2018 Opel Mokka X
Price, as tested: Dh84,000
Engine: 1.4L, four-cylinder turbo
Transmission: Six-speed auto
Power: 142hp at 4,900rpm
Torque: 200Nm at 1,850rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L / 100km
GRAN%20TURISMO
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Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
Under-21 European Championship Final
Germany 1 Spain 0
Weiser (40')
Three trading apps to try
Sharad Nair recommends three investment apps for UAE residents:
- For beginners or people who want to start investing with limited capital, Mr Nair suggests eToro. “The low fees and low minimum balance requirements make the platform more accessible,” he says. “The user interface is straightforward to understand and operate, while its social element may help ease beginners into the idea of investing money by looking to a virtual community.”
- If you’re an experienced investor, and have $10,000 or more to invest, consider Saxo Bank. “Saxo Bank offers a more comprehensive trading platform with advanced features and insight for more experienced users. It offers a more personalised approach to opening and operating an account on their platform,” he says.
- Finally, StashAway could work for those who want a hands-off approach to their investing. “It removes one of the biggest challenges for novice traders: picking the securities in their portfolio,” Mr Nair says. “A goal-based approach or view towards investing can help motivate residents who may usually shy away from investment platforms.”
The Bio
Favourite holiday destination: Either Kazakhstan or Montenegro. I’ve been involved in events in both countries and they are just stunning.
Favourite book: I am a huge of Robin Cook’s medical thrillers, which I suppose is quite apt right now. My mother introduced me to them back home in New Zealand.
Favourite film or television programme: Forrest Gump is my favourite film, that’s never been up for debate. I love watching repeats of Mash as well.
Inspiration: My late father moulded me into the man I am today. I would also say disappointment and sadness are great motivators. There are times when events have brought me to my knees but it has also made me determined not to let them get the better of me.
Company%20profile
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White hydrogen: Naturally occurring hydrogen
Chromite: Hard, metallic mineral containing iron oxide and chromium oxide
Ultramafic rocks: Dark-coloured rocks rich in magnesium or iron with very low silica content
Ophiolite: A section of the earth’s crust, which is oceanic in nature that has since been uplifted and exposed on land
Olivine: A commonly occurring magnesium iron silicate mineral that derives its name for its olive-green yellow-green colour
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