Abu Dhabi is to have three new charter schools that will be free for Emirati pupils.
The schools in Zayed City will be ready to welcome pupils in September 2024. They are expected to accommodate 5,360 pupils.
Charter schools work on the public-private model, under which the government builds the infrastructure and then lets a private partner manage the school.
The construction contract has been awarded to Australian company Plenary Group and Belgian group BESIX, but the private school operator will be decided later.
The new campuses will be built sustainably with all the modern facilities and will be better spaced out to limit the spread of Covid-19.
“With its world-class standards, the three new schools will empower more pupils to access quality education opportunities, to learn and thrive in a healthy and safe environment,” said Dr Tareq Al Ameri, executive director of the licensing sector at Abu Dhabi's Department of Education and Knowledge.
The concept of charter schools was introduced in Abu Dhabi in 2019 when the management of a dozen government schools in the emirate was taken over by private sector operators.
They are free for their exclusively Emirati pupils, who live in the neighbourhood where the school is located.
Currently, there are 16 charter schools in Abu Dhabi city and Al Ain offering the American curriculum to children in primary school. Higher classes will be added as pupils graduate.
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2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
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The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
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Name: Garbine Muguruza (ESP)
World ranking: 15 (will rise to 5 on Monday)
Date of birth: October 8, 1993
Place of birth: Caracas, Venezuela
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Andor
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Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
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