Ras Al Khaimah, 14 January 2020: RAKEZ Academic Zone has organised the first edition of the Principals and Deans Roundtable in Ras Al Khaimah, which welcomed K-12 school principals and directors of international branch campuses operating within the zone. The event served as an avenue to discuss the programme offerings and education quality assurance model that is being followed by the respective institutions.

The universities and schools present at the event were the University of Stirling, Munnar Catering College, Bath Spa University, Swiss Business School, University of Bolton Academic Centre, University of West London, Sarhad University of Science and Information Technology, GEMS Westminster School, Emirates National School, Wellspring School, Indian School - Ras Al Khaimah, International School of Choueifat, Indian Public School, Pakistan Higher Secondary School, and Bangladeshi English Private School.

Representatives of the institutions explored possible collaborations during the roundtable that would contribute to the development and growth of the educational landscape of Ras Al Khaimah, while simultaneously providing stepping stones for students who are transitioning from secondary school to colabilege and university.

“Ras Al Khaimah envisions to become a full-scale work, live and play destination in the region, and a major part of living is high-quality education for the young ones. Hence our continuous effort in enhancing the educational landscape in the emirate,” said Taner Topcu, Director of RAKEZ Academic Zone. “Through our Academic Zone, we are being active not only in attracting qualified schools and universities, but most importantly, creating an ecosystem that benefits both the education providers and students. We will be organising more events that encourage education industry experts to stay current on the best practices, and at the same time connects them to the learners and parents in the emirate.”

Commenting on the success of the event, Velanand SR, Managing Director of University of Stirling – Ras Al Khaimah Campus, said: “We would like to congratulate the RAKEZ Academic Zone team for this wonderful initiative and we look forward to joining many more events like this.

The roundtable served as a good way to connect with like-minded leaders and also discuss pressing and urgent issues facing education. It served as a conducive media for thought exchanges and knowledge enhancement, suggestions and self-improvement as educators.” 

Raj Nambiar, Campus Director of University of Bolton Academic Centre - Ras Al Khaimah, also commented: “The first Roundtable discussions between principals of high schools and deans of universities licensed by the Academic Zone provided for a healthy and open dialogue aimed at supporting each other in turn for the benefit of students seeking high-quality education opportunities.”

During the event, RAKEZ Academic Zone has unveiled that it will be hosting an exhibition and conference in 2020 where schools and universities can freely exchange ideas and expertise. More importantly, parents and high school graduates can visit the event find out more about the courses offered by the universities and the tuition fees. On the same event, a first-of-its-kind student recruitment in the emirate will be organised.

The authority is anticipating its branch campuses to exhibit, as well as other higher education institutions in Ras Al Khaimah and the K-12 schools that took part in the first Principals and Deans Roundtable.
-END-