Dr Amal Al Qubaisi, the director general of Abu Dhabi Education Council, met with expatriate teachers living at Reem Island to offer her condolences for the death of their American colleague who was killed last week.
Ibolya Ryan, an American mother of three, was stabbed to death in a bathroom stall in Boutik Mall on December 1. A 38-year-old Emirati woman suspected of the murder, and of planting a nail bomb outside the home of an Egyptian-American doctor, was arrested by Abu Dhabi Police less than 48 hours after the attack.
Dr Al Qubaisi assured the teachers that the crime was an individual act of terrorism that does not in any way reflect the customs or attitude of the Emirati community and assured them they had Adec’s unwavering support.
“We are one family and we are all partners in a united home. Adec, as always, makes every effort to guarantee the well-being and safety of its employees and is always ready to provide everything they need in way of support and care to ensure their security and happiness,” Dr Al Qubaisi said.
The meeting was attended by delegates from Abu Dhabi Community Police and the victims affairs office.
Dr Al Qubaisi said the murder was a “repulsive criminal act of treachery, exploitation and extremism against innocent people living in safety” and was “condemned by the entire community”.
She said that it was an individual act that could take place anywhere in the world.
“The leadership’s keenness to strengthen security and safety is embodied in the country’s strategies to develop the education sector and make knowledge and education accessible, as well as the plans to offer incentives to workers in the educational field, be they Emirati or expatriates,” Dr Al Qubaisi said.
Earlier this week, Dr Al Qubaisi visited Al Oula School where Mrs Ryan taught, to speak to staff. She also met the twin sons of Ibolya, Aidan and Adam Ryan, 11.
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