100 public schools to be built or refurbished in Abu Dhabi

The Abu Dhabi Executive Council last week approved the building or refurbishment of 100 schools by 2018 to keep up with the growth in demand for places for Emiratis. As part of the project, 24 sustainable schools will be constructed across the emirate. The project is part of the Abu Dhabi Education Council's ten-year plan to overhaul the public education system and replace old school buildings in the capital, Al Ain and the Western Region. There are currently 268 public schools in the emirate. The Education Council opened 21 schools and kindergartens ahead of the current academic year in response to growing demand. Article continues below Several initiatives have enhanced what the schools offer in line with the New School Model, which includes the use of a biling-ual curriculum in addition to the latest equipment, whilst attempting to encourage interest in science. "We are also planning to open another two schools and three kindergartens during the 2012-13 academic year," said Humaid Ebrahim Abdullah, divisional manager of student services at the Education Council. "The schools will be located in Khalifa City A and Mohammad Bin Zayed City, while the kindergartens are to be built in Al Ain."