School places high on agenda for UAE expats

Posted by: SAM Wednesday, 21 March 2012 5:46 PM[UAE] - UAE

This is very true. As a parent who moved to Dubai from North America almost a decade ago, the availability of reputable schools that are recognized internationally was the most important criteria for accepting employment overseas. I am fortunate however, since I did not have to make my decision due to financial hardship or lack of employment opportunities.

Posted by: Lizzi Wednesday, 21 March 2012 4:35 PM[UAE] - UAE

I don't think thats the fundumental question of this article.
Obviously locals have just the same right as expats moving to the UAE to attend good schools. However from an expatriate perspective, i wouldn't move to the UAE, if my children weren't guaranteed international schooling, with a western educational system. I myself would want security my child was guaranteed a place, which is ever more difficult with such demand. With this problem, the only solution is simple economics- open more schools. Which will also drive the excessive prices the schools charge anyway. Benefits all round.

Posted by: Amused in Dubai Thursday, 22 March 2012 1:37 PM[UAE] - UAE

Hi Lizzi, this country is in two minds about the whole expat issue
-On one hand locals will complain about having too many expats, but that is the number required to keep their country working (lets not get started on the skill/willingness to work topic)
-They will complain about the poor quality of many expats (certainly true) and at the same time will start with the "airport road " discourse without understanding that any place willing to attract a foot-loose elite better offers something really good (and yes education is a key topic)
-They will remind us of our temporary status and then complain that expats are here only for the quick buck making no long-term investments/hiring
This in part reflects the tension between the need to move the country forward in terms of economic development, with all the implications it may have and the weight of the old sectors (government, oil, and Government linked companies) and in part the unique demographic composition of the place.

Posted by: John Wednesday, 21 March 2012 11:46 AM[UAE] - Qatar

Nothing surprising, the children of a nation have first right to its eduucational institutions before others

Posted by: Billy Wednesday, 21 March 2012 4:35 PM[UAE] - UAE

Agreed if the educational institutions are provided by the government, if they are a private institution then no such right should exist.