The German International School of Dubai announces ground-breaking ceremony of new campus; Project estimated at AED 120m

New school campus to be located in Dubai Academic City

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (November 19, 2014): The School Association of the German International School of Dubai (DISD), today announced the ground-breaking ceremony of its new campus located in Dubai Academic City. The AED 120 million facility will serve as an anchor for comprehensive education programs catering to pre-school, kindergarten, primary and secondary school children.  The new school, a collaboration between the Board of the German School and Sharaf Group, comes as a proactive response to the UAE Vision 2021 launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to make the UAE among the best countries in the world.

The ceremony was hosted by His Excellency Consul General of German Stefan Gallon, in the presence of Dr. Abdallah Al Karam – CEO of KHDA, the German School board members, VIP guests and dignitaries.

“The German International School in Dubai is a cornerstone of the relationship between our two nations, and the new campus is a testament of our commitment to further strengthening this association, said the German Consul General. “Today’s ceremony is a milestone in the life of the school, which has dynamically grown and established itself in the academic sector in Dubai. I would like to express my profound gratitude to all those who made this endeavour possible, and reiterate that the school will aim to be a good corporate citizen to the vibrant city of Dubai, and continue to impart a solid education that will help students grow both, personally and professionally.”

The 17000 sqm campus will offer several amenities for its students, including football courts, track and field facilities, indoor multi-purpose hall, a swimming pool, a gymnasium, an  auditorium, arts room, as well as physics and chemistry labs, a gymnasium hall and a library. The new campus, which will accommodate 1000 students, is anticipated to open in September 2015.

Speaking on behalf of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), Director General Dr. Abdulla Al Karam said: “The German International School has provided good quality education to students in Dubai for the past 10 years. The new campus will be able to serve more families, adding to the diversity of Dubai’s schools community and offering parents even greater choice.”

“We are extremely happy to collaborate with the board members of the German International School of Dubai (DISD), said Major General Sharafuddin Sharaf, Sharaf Group Vice Chairman. “This initiative is in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, who recently launched the UAE Vision 2021, which aims to strengthen the nation’s knowledge-economy, through collaborative education based on innovation and the best utilisation of modern technology.”

Academia Management Solutions International (AMSI) will play the role of consultant to the German International School. Representing AMSI at the event, CEO, Mr. Adonis Nasr said that AMSI has over two decades of experience in education sector and its expertise lies in academic solutions. He added that AMSI represents a global perspective of leading education systems from around the world, and he hopes that students will benefit from its vast and in depth knowledge.

Palma Holding is the owner’s representative, Planquadrat Middle East is the consultant and Dubuild the construction partner.

Speaking on behalf of Palma Holding, CEO Kareem Derbas said that the new German International School campus at Academic City represents a major construction project and once completed, will be a significant addition to Dubai’s education landscape. “Palma Holding is very pleased to have been selected as the project developer. Developing the facility to meet the high standards needed for a good educational environment is an exciting challenge for us, and we are looking forward to starting this project,” he further added.