Cranleigh Abu Dhabi and Dubai College have been named among the best 100 private schools in the world in a new league table.
The inaugural Spear's Schools Index compiled the rankings based on academic results, preparation for university and how well pupils are prepared for life beyond academics.
The list was devised by Spear's, a luxury and wealth management magazine, in partnership with Carfax Education, a UAE-based international education consultancy.
Brummana High School in Lebanon, Doha College in Qatar and Kings Academy in Jordan, were included on the list of the top five schools in the Middle East.
It is wonderful to hear this news after a six-month period in which we have moved from fully physical to fully digital to fully blended learning
The aim of the index is to help parents navigate school admissions and choose the school best suited to their child.
"We know that finding the right school can be a daunting experience and we hope that this comprehensive list will assist many families through what can be a confusing time," Fiona McKenzie, head of Education at Carfax Education UAE, said.
The authors of the index said Dubai College successfully focused on innovation, even though it was one of the oldest not-for-profit schools in the region.
They also hailed Cranleigh Abu Dhabi's focus on pupils' wellbeing, sustainability and community.
Both schools follow the British curriculum.
Michael Lambert, headmaster at Dubai College, was delighted that staff and pupils can share in the accolade following a challenging year disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Dubai College has strived for excellence in each of its 42 years and we never take our success for granted," he said.
“It is wonderful to hear this news after a six-month period in which we have moved from fully physical to fully digital to fully blended learning."
Michael Wilson, principal of Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, was also pleased that the school's achievements had been recognised.
“With so many excellent schools in the Middle East, we are delighted to be listed as one of the top 100 private schools in the world according to Spear’s Schools Index 2020," he said.
The index included schools in the UK, Switzerland, Europe, USA, Middle East, China and, Southeast Asia.
Among the top 20 senior schools in the UK were Eton College, Charterhouse and Cheltenham Ladies College.
The United States had 15 representatives, including The Brearley School in New York and Choate Rosemary Hall in Connecticut.
Europe's entrants included The International School of Monaco and Letovo School in Moscow.
The list is divided into regions, with the 100 chosen schools not placed in a specific ranking.
Tips%20for%20holiday%20homeowners
%3Cp%3EThere%20are%20several%20factors%20for%20landlords%20to%20consider%20when%20preparing%20to%20establish%20a%20holiday%20home%3A%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cul%3E%0A%3Cli%3E%3Cstrong%3ERevenue%20potential%20of%20the%20unit%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20location%2C%20view%20and%20size%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3E%3Cstrong%3EDesign%3A%20furnished%20or%20unfurnished.%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Is%20the%20design%20up%20to%20standard%2C%20while%20being%20catchy%20at%20the%20same%20time%3F%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3E%3Cstrong%3EBusiness%20model%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20will%20it%20be%20managed%20by%20a%20professional%20operator%20or%20directly%20by%20the%20owner%2C%20how%20often%20does%20the%20owner%20wants%20to%20use%20it%20for%20personal%20reasons%3F%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3E%3Cstrong%3EQuality%20of%20the%20operator%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20guest%20reviews%2C%20customer%20experience%20management%2C%20application%20of%20technology%2C%20average%20utilisation%2C%20scope%20of%20services%20rendered%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3C%2Ful%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cem%3ESource%3A%20Adam%20Nowak%2C%20managing%20director%20of%20Ultimate%20Stay%20Vacation%20Homes%20Rental%3C%2Fem%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Miguel Cotto world titles:
WBO Light Welterweight champion - 2004-06
WBA Welterweight champion – 2006-08
WBO Welterweight champion – Feb 2009-Nov 2009
WBA Light Middleweight champion – 2010-12
WBC Middleweight champion – 2014-15
WBO Light Middleweight champion – Aug 2017-Dec 2017
Seemar’s top six for the Dubai World Cup Carnival:
1. Reynaldothewizard
2. North America
3. Raven’s Corner
4. Hawkesbury
5. New Maharajah
6. Secret Ambition
'Worse than a prison sentence'
Marie Byrne, a counsellor who volunteers at the UAE government's mental health crisis helpline, said the ordeal the crew had been through would take time to overcome.
“It was worse than a prison sentence, where at least someone can deal with a set amount of time incarcerated," she said.
“They were living in perpetual mystery as to how their futures would pan out, and what that would be.
“Because of coronavirus, the world is very different now to the one they left, that will also have an impact.
“It will not fully register until they are on dry land. Some have not seen their young children grow up while others will have to rebuild relationships.
“It will be a challenge mentally, and to find other work to support their families as they have been out of circulation for so long. Hopefully they will get the care they need when they get home.”
Tips for used car buyers
- Choose cars with GCC specifications
- Get a service history for cars less than five years old
- Don’t go cheap on the inspection
- Check for oil leaks
- Do a Google search on the standard problems for your car model
- Do your due diligence. Get a transfer of ownership done at an official RTA centre
- Check the vehicle’s condition. You don’t want to buy a car that’s a good deal but ends up costing you Dh10,000 in repairs every month
- Validate warranty and service contracts with the relevant agency and and make sure they are valid when ownership is transferred
- If you are planning to sell the car soon, buy one with a good resale value. The two most popular cars in the UAE are black or white in colour and other colours are harder to sell
Tarek Kabrit, chief executive of Seez, and Imad Hammad, chief executive and co-founder of CarSwitch.com
