Heads of Dubai’s private schools have said the new Metro Blue Line will make schools more accessible, shorten travel time for pupils and reduce transport costs for families.
Head teachers also said older pupils will be eager to use the Metro as public transport is sustainable and better for the planet.
The newly announced Dubai Metro Blue Line means the network will connect five urban regions – Bur Dubai/Deira, Downtown/Business Bay, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai Marina/JBR and Expo City Dubai.
When complete, it will be 131km long and encompass 78 stations served by 168 trains.
Schools in these areas will be able to benefit as pupils, parents and staff will have more travel options.
Sam Truman, chief operating officer at Dubai school operator Taaleem, said: “It will certainly open new commuting options for our Uptown International School and American Academy for Girls, both in Mirdif.
“We foresee a growing trend of older students choosing the Metro for their daily commute, drawn by its efficiency and the significant environmental benefits it brings."
He said embracing more sustainable transport was key in efforts to address climate change and foster a healthier environment for all.
“Operationally, the expansion of the Metro is set to broaden the reach of existing schools located near stations," he said.
"Additionally, the expansion of the Metro network presents fresh possibilities in our strategic planning. It enables us to venture into and establish educational facilities in areas that we have not yet considered."
Punit Vasu, Indian High Group of Schools' chief executive, said he had seen huge benefits because of the existing Metro network. Two of its three campuses, one in Oud Metha and another in Al Garhoud, were already served by the Metro.
With the Metro Blue Line, its third campus in Dubai Silicon Oasis will also have a Metro connection. More than 13,000 pupils are enrolled at the Indian High Group of Schools.
“I think it gives a lot of flexibility and economies of scale to parents, as well as the teaching and non-teaching staff in terms of being able to access the Metro," said Mr Vasu.
"We know a large percentage of our older pupils will want to use the Metro.
"Another advantage is the preferred rates on travel for students. With greater connectivity, they're also able to travel at discounted fares, which means greater savings for them. I think that is a very important thing for families because this will help them reduce costs."
Mr Vasu also hopes to see further development and investment with the new Metro line in place.
The expansion is part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, launched in January last year, which made easier commuting one of its top priorities to cater for a fast-growing population.
The project is scheduled to be finished in 2029, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the Dubai Metro.
Zafar Raja, group chief operating officer at Gems Education, said the expansion would positively impact many of their schools including Gems Wellington Academy – Silicon Oasis and Gems Royal Dubai School in Mirdif.
"We are sure this will help ease transport challenges in a very sustainable way as the city’s population continues to grow. It’s very timely news for the week of the Cop28 launch," said Mr Raja.
Pretty Khosla, principal at Apple International Community School, said: "In terms of enrolment, definitely this is going to help us because our catchment area for this particular school is Karama, Bur Dubai and Mankhool. We have children coming from Downtown, Business Bay and Marina.
"This line is going to help in terms of enrolment because parents will have more access to the school.
"From the staff's point of view, they will be pleased to have this kind of convenience. This will be very convenient for them and save travel time."
She also said using the Metro will help children take a step towards sustainable travel and encourage them to be independent.
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The stats
Ship name: MSC Bellissima
Ship class: Meraviglia Class
Delivery date: February 27, 2019
Gross tonnage: 171,598 GT
Passenger capacity: 5,686
Crew members: 1,536
Number of cabins: 2,217
Length: 315.3 metres
Maximum speed: 22.7 knots (42kph)
ONCE UPON A TIME IN GAZA
Starring: Nader Abd Alhay, Majd Eid, Ramzi Maqdisi
Directors: Tarzan and Arab Nasser
Rating: 4.5/5
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
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
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What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
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The specs: 2018 Jaguar F-Type Convertible
Price, base / as tested: Dh283,080 / Dh318,465
Engine: 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 295hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque: 400Nm @ 1,500rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 7.2L / 100km
Nayanthara: Beyond The Fairy Tale
Starring: Nayanthara, Vignesh Shivan, Radhika Sarathkumar, Nagarjuna Akkineni
Director: Amith Krishnan
Rating: 3.5/5
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
Day 3, Abu Dhabi Test: At a glance
Moment of the day Just three balls remained in an exhausting day for Sri Lanka’s bowlers when they were afforded some belated cheer. Nuwan Pradeep, unrewarded in 15 overs to that point, let slip a seemingly innocuous delivery down the legside. Babar Azam feathered it behind, and Niroshan Dickwella dived to make a fine catch.
Stat of the day - 2.56 Shan Masood and Sami Aslam are the 16th opening partnership Pakistan have had in Tests in the past five years. That turnover at the top of the order – a new pair every 2.56 Test matches on average – is by far the fastest rate among the leading Test sides. Masood and Aslam put on 114 in their first alliance in Abu Dhabi.
The verdict Even by the normal standards of Test cricket in the UAE, this has been slow going. Pakistan’s run-rate of 2.38 per over is the lowest they have managed in a Test match in this country. With just 14 wickets having fallen in three days so far, it is difficult to see 26 dropping to bring about a result over the next two.
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if you go
The flights
Air Astana flies direct from Dubai to Almaty from Dh2,440 per person return, and to Astana (via Almaty) from Dh2,930 return, both including taxes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Ritz-Carlton Almaty cost from Dh1,944 per night including taxes; and in Astana the new Ritz-Carlton Astana (www.marriott) costs from Dh1,325; alternatively, the new St Regis Astana costs from Dh1,458 per night including taxes.
When to visit
March-May and September-November
Visas
Citizens of many countries, including the UAE do not need a visa to enter Kazakhstan for up to 30 days. Contact the nearest Kazakhstan embassy or consulate.
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Yahya Al Ghassani's bio
Date of birth: April 18, 1998
Playing position: Winger
Clubs: 2015-2017 – Al Ahli Dubai; March-June 2018 – Paris FC; August – Al Wahda
West Asia Premiership
Dubai Hurricanes 58-10 Dubai Knights Eagles
Dubai Tigers 5-39 Bahrain
Jebel Ali Dragons 16-56 Abu Dhabi Harlequins
