The Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA) and international education provider GEMS have announced the development of the first technology-enabled next generation school in the United Arab Emirates. The school will be located within the Dubai Silicon Oasis, a high-technology park for the microelectronics and the semiconductor industry.

The GEMS-DSO Smart School will offer state-of-the-art science and technology facilities including hands-on microelectronics and nanotechnology labs, an on-campus science park, botanical garden and community workspaces. The core building will offer an environmentally friendly design utilizing alternative energy sources and green building technologies.

The School will offer the National Curriculum for England to 2,200 students. The IB diploma may also be offered by 2010, subject to approval of the International Baccalaureate Organization. GEMS is aiming to develop an academically robust curriculum offering internships, work-learning programs and accredited courses. There is an emphasis on helping students experience emerging technologies firsthand, providing the regional IT community with opportunities for collaboration, and developing a skilled pool of talent to lay the groundwork for a knowledge economy.

Shahla Ahmed Abdul Razak, Deputy Chief Executive Officer - Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA), said: “Partnering with GEMS satisfies our objective in contributing to the development of the UAE’s knowledge based economy.”

Commenting on this partnership, Sunny Varkey, Chairman of GEMS network, said:“The school in DSO builds on the (GEMS) group’s tradition of providing education that goes beyond classrooms. In today’s highly competitive global economy, knowledge is paramount and technology is the way forward; this is critical for education.”

“We envision the DSO School as a major contributor to creating the right pool of talent required to position Dubai as a knowledge economy by 2015, as envisioned in the Dubai Strategic Plan announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum,UAE Vice President,Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. GEMS has already appointed an executive principal from the United Kingdom to head the new school, and is in the process of recruiting experienced head teachers and leaders for its primary and secondary sections. All GEMS DSO Smart School teachers will be highly qualified in their specialist areas and internationally experienced.”

By working side-by-side with schools and universities, the Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority wants to familiarize students with the microelectronics industry from an early age. The DSO School is expected to play a role in furthering academia and the provision of advanced technological infrastructure to students in the UAE.