School with Swiss values opens in Arab Emirates
A new school with Swiss values has been officially opened in the United Arab Emirates. The private institution is first of its kind in the Middle East.
The Swiss International Scientific School in Dubai (SISD)External link offers curriculums in English and Arabic as well as German and French for up to 2,000 pupils and students, according to a statement.
It also provides 350 international boarding places, making it the largest Swiss style school abroad, although it is not among the 18 official Swiss schools abroad.
The SISD was formally inaugurated with a ceremony attended by dignitaries from the emirates and the Swiss canton of Valais, - the official Swiss patrons, who support with advice but not financially - on Monday.
The school, which is an initiative of Swiss residents in the emirate in the Middle East, boasts an eco-friendly campus and pledges to promote healthcare careers, a sector which is apparently thriving in Dubai.
However, the school does not benefit from the support of the Swiss government, according to educationsuisse, the umbrella organisation of Swiss schools abroad.
The current network of the 18 official Swiss schools abroad is spread over several continents, notably in Europe and Latin America.
Last December, the Swiss School in Beijing – the first of its kind in China - was officially recognised by the Swiss government. The school opened a few months before.
In compliance with the JTI standards
More: SWI swissinfo.ch certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here. Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.