A surge of admissions since the start of this year surpassed expectations at the Russian International School in Dubai. All photos: Pawan Singh / The National
Many pupils were born in Dubai and have known each other since kindergarten
Flags are displayed in a school with pupils drawn from 24 countries
Sofia Savula, of grade 10, is from Ukraine and was born and raised in Dubai
Marina Khalikova, school principal, seeks to foster an atmosphere of tolerance and friendship
The school located in Dubai's Muhaisnah area was established in 1996
Marina Cherkasova, a teacher from Mariupol, Ukraine, speaks of the tragedy of war and wants to foster an atmosphere of togetherness
Pupils say nothing will alter their friendship with many ties dating back to kindergarten
Lizaveta Papova, of grade 10, is from Belarus and Amir Muhammad Fruzi, also of grade 10, is from Russia. They say the student community supports each other and communication is key
Vladimir Zolotopikh, of grade 10, is from Russia. He says nationality does not matter and relationships with people count
Pupils have initiated international friendship, anti-bullying and tolerance days
Art, culture, history and technology are given equal importance
A view inside the Russian International school in Dubai
Students attend a physics class
The school follows the Russian federal curriculum
KG2 pupils at the school
Pupils limit their discussions about the war and its impact
Pupils believe strong friendships and open dialogue can resolve conflict
