Repton Dubai is proud to highlight the achievement of Year 11 student Viktoria Leusheva, 15, following the launch of the latest version of her ‘Vika’app —a pioneering AI-assisted rhythmic gymnastics judging app designed to provide athletes with transparent and objective performance feedback.

The launch also marks the introduction of the Vika DubAI Open 2026, an international online rhythmic gymnastics tournament open to participants worldwide.

Inspired by her own experience as a competitive gymnast, Viktoria developed the Vika app to help athletes better understand how routines are evaluated and to address concerns around subjectivity in judging. The platform allows gymnasts to upload routines for professional evaluation by Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) brevet judges, while AI tools help interpret scoring data, visualise performance insights and track athlete progress over time.

The project began when Viktoria was 13 and became increasingly interested in how technology could support fairer and more consistent performance analysis in gymnastics competitions.Now live globally, the app has grown to more than 3,000 active users across countries including the United States, Brazil, China, Japan and the Middle East.

Building on the platform’s international growth, Viktoria also launched the Vika DubAI Open 2026 on 1^st June, currently underway and expected to attract up to 1,000 athletes globally. The online competition features 10 categories, with participants placement rankings alongside performance grades designed to provide a clearer benchmark of technical achievement. Submissions will remain open until 15^th July, with results announced before 15^th August.

With support from Repton Dubai, Viktoria has also begun discussions with the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) to explore future opportunities to expand the app’s AI capabilities through automated video analysis as part of a planned Year 12 project.

Saiqah Amin, Head of Computer Science at Repton Dubai, said: “Viktoria’s project reflects the creativity, innovation and entrepreneurial thinking we encourage at Repton Dubai. Her ability to combine competitive sporting experience with emerging technologies to solve real challenges within gymnastics is an outstanding achievement, particularly at such a young age.”

Speaking about her hopes for the app, Viktoria Leusheva said: “I sincerely hope that my application will help athletes realise their potential and enable national team coaches from different countries to notice the brightest talents. It is very important to me that the application is being developed in one of the world’s key centres of artificial intelligence—Dubai.”

Looking ahead, Viktoria hopes to further expand the platform through future AI-supported features focused on athlete wellbeing, including injury prevention tools.

Alongside developing the app, Viktoria trained in rhythmic gymnastics for nine years and has won multiple international titles, including first place at the UAE International Gymnastika Cup 2023 and the GCC Grand Series Championship in Rhythmic Gymnastics 2022.

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The Midea Dubai Schools Games, organised by the Dubai Sports Council, successfully concluded its basketball, indoor cricket, and wall climbing championships. Held with the support of the Ministry of Sports, the Ministry of Education, and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), alongside operating partner ESM, the events saw wide participation and intense competition among public and private schools across Dubai. The tournament has firmly established itself as the largest school sports event in the emirate, serving as a foundational platform for talent identification and the development of future champions.

Essa Sharif, Director of Sports Events Management at the Dubai Sports Council, highlighted the vital role of the tournament, stating: “The Dubai Schools Games continues to solidify its position as the premier sports platform for discovering young talent in the emirate. The high technical levels observed in the basketball, cricket, and wall climbing championships reflect the rapid growth and development of school sports. They also underscore our commitment to providing a professional competitive environment that helps build a new generation of champions capable of representing our clubs and raising the UAE’s flag in international arenas, in line with the strategic objectives of the Dubai Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033.”

Sharif added: “Schools represent the true base of the sports pyramid and the primary launchpad for supplying the sports sector with promising talent. The tournament provided an ideal organizational environment for a large number of school students to showcase their physical and technical capabilities. Representatives from Dubai clubs closely monitor these competitions to scout outstanding players, register them, and track their development to strengthen national teams in the future.” He also expressed his appreciation for the fruitful partnership with the educational sectors, operating partners, and supporters who contribute to embedding sports as a healthy lifestyle within the school community.

Record Growth in Basketball

The basketball championship, held at the Basketball Hub Dubai academy, recorded a historic participation of 1,500 male and female students forming 124 teams across six different age categories. This marks a significant increase from the previous season, which saw 768 students participate, reflecting the growing impact of the tournament in expanding community sports participation.

The final matches of the basketball championship concluded with GEMS Winchester School – Jebel Ali securing first place in the Under-13 Boys category, followed by Jebel Ali School in second place, and Kent College in third, while player Zaid S. clinched the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. In the Under-13 Girls category, GEMS Winchester School – Jebel Ali also took the top spot, with South View School finishing second, GEMS Metropole third, and Janine P. named the tournament’s best player.

In the Under-15 Boys category, Jebel Ali School won first place, with Deira International School coming second, GEMS Winchester School – Dubai third, and Michael T. receiving the best player award. In the Under-15 Girls category, The Millennium School claimed first place, followed by Kent College in second, and GEMS Winchester School – Dubai in third, while Avneetha M. secured the best player award.

Delhi Private School Dubai topped the Under-17 Boys category, with The Westminster School Dubai finishing second, GEMS International School third, and Parth T. winning the best player award. In the Under-17 Girls category, GEMS Metropole captured first place, followed by Kent College in second, International School of Choueifat in third, and Kinzy A. named the category’s best player.

Thrilling Action in Indoor Cricket

Danube Sports World hosted the indoor cricket championship, which featured 30 teams and a total of 300 players competing across the Under-11 and Under-15 Boys categories. The tournament showcased high tactical and physical skills in batting, bowling, and fielding amidst a highly competitive, fast-paced atmosphere.

GEMS schools dominated the top positions in the cricket tournament. In the Under-11 Boys category, GEMS Modern Academy clinched first place, GEMS Legacy School (A) finished second, and GEMS Winchester School – Jebel Ali came third, with Javish M. from GEMS Legacy School winning the best player award. In the Under-15 Boys category, GEMS Legacy School secured first place, GEMS Wellington Academy – Al Khail finished second, and GEMS Winchester School – Dubai took third, while Aarav G. from GEMS Legacy School was named the best player.

Physical and Mental Challenges in Wall Climbing

The wall climbing championship concluded at GEMS World Academy with wide student participation representing 19 schools from across Dubai. The competitions tested the students’ physical and mental capabilities as they navigated complex and challenging climbing routes.

GEMS World Academy swept the top three positions in the Under-11 Girls category through students Kinu Hara (first), Audrey Dresdner (second), and Saku Hara (third). In the Under-11 Boys category, Thomas Gazda from GEMS Dubai American Academy won first place, followed by Michal Gazda from the same academy in second, and Grayson Riley from Al Manar School in third.

In the Under-13 Girls category, Al Dana Badr from Dubai College claimed first place, Isabella Gazda from GEMS Dubai American Academy took second, and Eva Sakhno from Ranches Primary School finished third. In the Under-13 Boys category, Alexander Clark from Jebel Ali School won first place, Ivan Losic from Dubai Heights Academy came second, and Sebastian Bromley from Nord Anglia International School finished third.

Furthermore, Alexandra Kozhenko from GEMS World Academy was crowned champion in the Under-16 Girls category. In the Under-16 Boys category, Blake Sutherland from Nord Anglia International School secured first place, Aarav Goyal from The English College Dubai came second, and Mikhail Rogachev from the Swiss International Scientific School finished third.

Strategic Vision and Sustainable Talent Discovery

The organization of these diverse tournaments, combining traditional team sports and non-traditional individual activities, underscores the Dubai Sports Council’s commitment to expanding talent discovery pathways within an ideal competitive framework. The objectives of this edition align directly with the “Dubai Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033,” specifically targeting programs aimed at increasing the number of practitioners and developing the foundational base of national sports talent through the school sector to build future global champions.

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From sleep scores to step counts, productivity hacks have infiltrated modern life, creating an optimisation culture that many are beginning to question. New research from Nord Anglia Education shows parents believe that constant tracking and optimisation of daily life is making us more anxious and less happy.

The Permission to Play Report, based on responses from more than 500 UAE parents, as well as education experts, explores attitudes towards play, wellbeing, and modern life in an era increasingly defined by performance, measurement, and achievement.

Elizabeth Lamb, Regional Managing Director – Middle East, Nord Anglia Education, said:“Play is an integral part of a balanced, healthy society. But somewhere along the way, adults have forgotten that.

“Children rarely need permission to play, but many adults feel they need permission to stop. Our research shows that while we understand the value of play, modern life has made it increasingly difficult to prioritise.

“In a culture that celebrates productivity and optimisation, play can often feel like a luxury rather than a necessity. Yet the evidence is clear: play is not time wasted. It is essential to our wellbeing, relationships, creativity, and resilience.”

The results come amid growing discussion around “optimisation culture”, fuelled by the rise of wellness tracking, productivity content, and self-improvement influencers. While many parents recognise the benefits of ambition and personal growth, the report suggests there is growing concern about the pressure to constantly improve every aspect of life.

Dr Ruba Tabari, Consultant Educational Psychologist, commented:“We seem to live in an age where the pressure to optimise every aspect of life has become almost unavoidable. But there is an irony in trying to achieve wellbeing through constant measurement.

“By becoming so dependent on external indicators, we may gradually lose touch with our inner sense of direction. Intuition, presence, and the ability to trust our own experiences are difficult to quantify, yet they are central to understanding ourselves.

“As we grow older, playfulness often fades because it can seem trivial or unproductive. Yet those carefree moments can help us relax, strengthen our relationships and bring us joy. In our efforts to extend life, we may sometimes lose sight of how to enjoy it.”

This sentiment is echoed in the survey findings. While 91% of parents say play and enjoyment are important for adult wellbeing, more than half feel guilty spending time on activities with no productive output. A majority 53% fear constant tracking and optimisation of our activity is making us more anxious. Only 8% believe it makes us happier.

The report builds on Nord Anglia Education’s recent Permission to Play campaign, launched last week on International Day of Play. The campaign saw students write permission slips for their parents, encouraging them to switch off, spend time together, and rediscover the joy of play.

The findings highlight an important lesson that children instinctively understand: not everything needs a measurable outcome to be valuable.

Kathryn Kelly, Assistant Head – PYP Coordinator, Swiss International Scientific School Dubai, added:“In a culture increasingly driven by optimisation and measurable outcomes, play reminds us that curiosity, wellbeing, creativity, and human connection are not distractions from success, they are foundations for it.

“One of the greatest misconceptions about play is that it sits outside of learning. In reality, play is how children learn best. It’s through play that children build relationships, develop confidence, practise communication, solve problems, and learn to navigate challenges.

“As educators, we see every day that children do not separate play from learning, creativity from achievement, or enjoyment from growth. Play is a vehicle for deep learning rather than something separate from it. Perhaps there is something adults can learn from that.”

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Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) Dubai Campus has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Fluid Codes, Dubai, an Ansys (part of Synopsys) Elite Channel Partner, to establish the MAHE Dubai x Fluid Codes Centre of Excellence for Engineering Design & Simulation. Ansys (part of Synopsys) is among the world’s leading engineering simulation software providers, enabling organisations across industries including aerospace, automotive, energy, electronics, healthcare and manufacturing to model, test and optimise products and systems before physical deployment.

The collaboration marks a significant step towards strengthening simulation-led engineering education in the UAE and advancing the integration of industry-grade engineering technologies into academic learning. The Centre of Excellence (CoE) is designed to support teaching, research, innovation, professional training and industry collaboration through advanced computational tools and applied learning experiences.

The Centre of Excellence was formally inaugurated by H.E. Yaqoob Al Ali, Executive Director & Private Advisor, Office of His Highness Sheikh Juma Bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, in the presence of senior leadership from MAHE Dubai, Fluid Codes, industry representatives, faculty members, and students. The launch was also attended by several distinguished industry and sustainability leaders, including Eng. Azmi S. Aboul-Hoda, CEO & Managing Director of EMergy; Dr. Paul Prabahar, President of TEPA UAE; and Amb. H.E. Dr. Srividhya Sukumar, ESG Advocate and Global Ambassador to the United Nations, whose presence underscored the significance of the initiative.

The CoE will operate across four core pillars: teaching and curriculum integration, research and innovation, industry collaboration and professional training, and institutional branding and outreach. Planned initiatives include simulation-based coursework, capstone design integration, faculty-led research using advanced computational tools, collaborative R&D with UAE engineering firms, professional training programmes, industry certification pathways, workshops, competitions and regional technical events.

Speaking on the significance of the collaboration, Dr. S. Sudhindra, Pro Vice Chancellor, MAHE Dubai, said, “Universities have a responsibility to anticipate the capabilities that future industries will require, rather than simply respond to changes in the market. Engineering is increasingly being shaped by digital design, simulation, advanced manufacturing and data-driven innovation, making exposure to these technologies essential rather than optional. Through this collaboration with Fluid Codes, we are creating an ecosystem where learning, research and industry engagement come together, enabling our students to develop the technical depth, problem-solving ability and industry readiness needed to contribute to the UAE’s long-term economic and technological ambitions.”

Against this backdrop, the Centre of Excellence will help MAHE Dubai equip engineering students with the ability to model, simulate, validate and optimise solutions before they move into physical prototyping or deployment. It will support learning and research across areas including computational fluid dynamics, structural analysis, electronics, electromagnetics, thermal systems and multiphysics modelling.

The collaboration will provide MAHE Dubai students and faculty with access to industry-standard simulation technologies, creating one of the region’s most comprehensive academic simulation environments.

Discussing the academic impact of the initiative, Dr. Rajiv Selvam, Associate Dean – School of Engineering & IT, MAHE Dubai, said: “Engineering is increasingly becoming a simulation-first discipline, where ideas are tested, refined and optimised in virtual environments before they are implemented in the real world. Through this Centre of Excellence, we are embedding that mindset into the learning experience by giving students and faculty access to industry-standard simulation tools, certification pathways and applied research opportunities. Beyond strengthening technical capabilities, the initiative will enable closer collaboration with industry, support innovation-led projects and equip graduates with the skills required to contribute effectively in highly specialised engineering environments.”

The announcement comes at a time when the UAE is accelerating its focus on advanced industry, local manufacturing, research and future-ready technical talent. Under Operation 300bn, the country aims to increase the manufacturing sector’s contribution to the national economy from AED 133 billion to AED 300 billion by 2031, while raising industrial R&D investment from AED 21 billion to AED 57 billion. Globally, workforce requirements are also shifting rapidly, with the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 estimating that 22% of today’s jobs will be affected by structural labour-market transformation by 2030, and that 39% of workers’ existing skill sets could be transformed or become outdated over the same period.

Highlighting the industry relevance of the initiative, Mr. Ajay Parihar, CEO, Fluid Codes, said, “Engineering organisations today rely heavily on simulation to accelerate innovation, reduce development cycles and improve product performance long before physical prototypes are built. As industries across the UAE continue to invest in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, clean energy and emerging technologies, simulation expertise is becoming a critical engineering capability and workforce requirement. Through this Centre of Excellence, we are enabling students and faculty to work with the same technologies used across industry, helping bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world engineering practice.”

Fluid Codes will also deliver structured workshops using Ansys CFD, Ansys Mechanical for structural simulation, and Ansys Electronics Desktop, including HFSS and Maxwell. The collaboration further includes faculty enablement sessions, technical workshops on simulation best practices and emerging technologies, certificates of completion for workshops, participation acknowledgements, and joint collaboration opportunities with UAE engineering firms.

The Centre of Excellence will be supported by MAHE Dubai’s high-performance computing capacity and dedicated simulation laboratory infrastructure. It will enable simulation modules to be embedded across Mechanical, Civil, Electrical and Mechatronics engineering programmes, while also supporting capstone design projects, faculty research, industry problem statements and student certification pathways.

By integrating advanced simulation technologies into teaching, research and industry engagement, MAHE Dubai aims to strengthen graduate employability, accelerate research outcomes and contribute to the development of engineering talent equipped to thrive in an increasingly digital and innovation-driven economy.

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“Nurturing local talent has always been a priority for Chalhoub Group. We strongly believe that the future of our industry, and of the UAE’s continued success, depends on our ability to invest in the next generation, empowering young people with the skills, confidence and opportunities they need to thrive.

Through our partnership with the American University in Dubai, we aim to create meaningful pathways between education and employment, giving students direct exposure to the realities of the luxury retail sector while helping them develop future-ready capabilities, practical experience and professional networks.

We are particularly proud to support the growth of Emirati talent. By connecting academic learning with real-world industry insights, we hope to inspire and equip a new generation of leaders, innovators and changemakers who will contribute to shaping the future of the retail sector and driving the UAE’s knowledge-based economy forward.

This partnership reflects our long-term commitment to developing local talent, creating opportunities for young people to realize their potential, and contributing to a more sustainable and prosperous future for the communities we serve.”

Nasser Alblooshi – Managing Director of Chalhoub Group UAE

“The value of a degree is increasingly defined by its proximity to industry intelligence. The partnership with Chalhoub Group ensures that AUD’s academic rigor is directly informed by practical luxury retail operations, equipping our graduates with the specialized professional literacy required to lead in a volatile, hyper-competitive economy. Our long-term collaboration has already proven its value, with Chalhoub Group being a trusted destination for our alumni. We look forward to seeing our students helping drive the retail sector growth.”
Dr. Kyle Long, President of the American University in Dubai

Dubai, United Arab Emirates— Chalhoub Group and the American University in Dubai (AUD) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen talent development for the luxury retail sector in the UAE and the wider region.

The partnership highlights the role of the American University in Dubai (AUD) as a leading higher education institution in Dubai, recognised for its focus on experiential learning and the integration of academic programmes with professional practice. With over 2,395 active students enrolled each year across a wide range of disciplines including Business Administration, Architecture and Design, Engineering, Communication and Information Studies, International Studies and related fields, AUD contributes to a diverse and internationally oriented academic community.

For Chalhoub Group, the agreement is closely aligned with Vision 2033 “Bringing Horizons”, which places people development, wellbeing and the empowerment of future generations at the centre of its long-term priorities. It reflects the Group’s commitment to education as a driver of opportunity and sustainable growth for young people in the region.

The initiative connects academic learning with real-world experience, enabling students to develop the skills and awareness needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving retail, luxury and beauty landscape. By combining classroom learning with practical exposure, case study analysis and scenario-based thinking, it supports a clearer understanding of career pathways and the capabilities required for future professional roles.

Beyond its educational dimension, this partnership aims to contribute to a stronger talent pipeline for the UAE and the wider region, supporting the development of a workforce that is better prepared for the private sector and more closely aligned with the evolving needs of the vibrant local economy.

The partnership will be delivered through a structured roadmap designed to progressively deepen engagement and create meaningful pathways between education and employment.

Phase 1: Foundational Engagement

This phase, which will begin in September 2026 and run throughout the academic year, includes the following initiatives:

• Internships for students from the Schools of Business Administration, Architecture and Design, Communication and Information Studies, International Studies and Engineering, offering hands-on exposure to business operations and project-based learning within a luxury retail environment.
• Access to Chalhoub Group’s Apprenticeship Programme, providing structured learning within specific job families and a clearer understanding of career pathways.
• Part-time employment opportunities, enabling students to combine academic learning with workplace experience and build practical skills.
• Guest lectures and engagement sessions delivered by Chalhoub Group leaders, bringing real business insights and case studies into the academic environment.

Phase 2: Enhanced Collaboration

Building on Phase 1, the partnership will be further strengthened through a framework for longer-term initiatives, based on student needs and the evolution of the market, to strengthen alignment between academic programmes and evolving industry requirements.

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In a significant step towards bringing globally benchmarked educational opportunities to the UAE, Queen Elizabeth’s Global Schools, part of GEDU Global Education, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM), United Kingdom, one of the world’s most respected and forward-thinking music conservatoires. The collaboration marks a major milestone in the school’s vision of delivering an internationally connected learning environment, where students gain access to educational experiences and mentorship associated with some of the world’s leading institutions.

Under the partnership, RNCM will provide educational support through a framework of specially designed collaborative initiatives, including side-by-side training opportunities, masterclasses, performance-based learning experiences and talent development programmes. The partnership will formally commence in September 2026and will explore a broad range of opportunities spanning music and performing arts education, student enrichment, performance opportunities, professional development for staff, summer schools, short programmes, and university guidance. Meaningful opportunities will be created for RNCM faculty members, associates and senior students to engage with the school community through workshops, mentoring sessions, lectures, performances and curriculum enrichment initiatives.

Speaking on the partnership, Caroline Pendleton Nash, CEO, Queen Elizabeth’s Global Schools, said, “The future belongs to young people who can combine academic excellence with creativity, adaptability and the confidence to thrive in a global environment. By bringing the calibre of Royal Northern College of Music into our educational ecosystem, we are creating opportunities for students in the UAE to engage with internationally recognised expertise, creative disciplines and progression pathways from an early age. This partnership reflects our belief that world-class education should not be defined by geography. Our ambition is not simply to prepare students for examinations, but to help them develop the curiosity, character and abilities required to lead and contribute meaningfully to a rapidly changing world.”

Professor Linda Merrick CBE, Principal of the Royal Northern College of Music, added, “Music education has the power to transform lives as it develops far more than artistic ability. It cultivates discipline, collaboration, curiosity, and the confidence to communicate with the world. At RNCM, we have long believed that exceptional talent can emerge from any part of the globe when young people are given access to the right opportunities and guidance. Our partnership with Queen Elizabeth’s School, Dubai Sports City, represents a shared commitment to educational excellence and to creating valuable inroads for the next generation of creative leaders. We are delighted to contribute our expertise to an institution that is setting ambitious new standards for holistic education in the UAE.”

With this collaboration, Queen Elizabeth’s Global Schools reinforces its commitment to bringing globally respected institutions, expertise and opportunities to Queen Elizabeth’s School, Dubai Sports City, offering students an educational experience that is truly international in aspiration, delivery, and outcomes.

For further information on Queen Elizabeth’s School, Dubai Sports City, please visit:www.qedubaisportscity.com

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Repton Dubai is celebrating the musical achievements of Year 11 student Radu Pop, 16, from Romania, who has independently written, performed, produced and released his original single, Keeps on Turning, on Spotify and other global streaming platforms.

Having spent more than four years developing his musical craft, Radu’s latest release is a remarkable demonstration of creativity, determination and technical skill. Entirely self-produced, Keeps on Turning showcases not only his songwriting abilities but also his talent as a multi-instrumentalist, with Radu performing every instrument featured on the track himself.

Inspired by the idea that life continues to move forward regardless of the challenges people face, Keeps on Turning explores themes of resilience, self-reflection and personal growth. The song encourages listeners to embrace change, learn from setbacks and continue pursuing their goals, even during difficult periods. Musically, the track draws inspiration from iconic bands including Tears for Fears and TOTO, while reflecting Radu’s own distinctive style and perspective.

What makes the achievement even more impressive is the breadth of skills involved. Largely self-taught, Radu has independently learned to play six instruments – piano, guitar, drums, bass, saxophone and vocals. He also wrote the lyrics, composed the music, and managed the production and engineering of the recording himself.

Music has long been part of Radu’s life. Growing up surrounded by instruments and inspired by his father, who is also a musician, he developed a passion for songwriting and recording from a young age. Alongside his studies at Repton Dubai, he dedicates his free time to both music and tennis, often finding inspiration for new melodies while studying.

The single was released through Spotify, allowing Radu to share his work with audiences around the world and gain valuable experience in the music industry.

Commenting on the release of his first single, Radu Pop said. “I wanted the song to remind people that life keeps moving forward, even when things don’t go as planned. Everyone faces challenges and moments of uncertainty, but growth comes from learning, adapting and continuing to move forward. Seeing people connect with the song has been incredibly rewarding and has motivated me to keep creating music.”

Since its release, the response has been overwhelmingly positive with support from friends, classmates and members of the wider community, many of whom have praised both the song’s message and its professional quality.

Peter Hopkins, Music Teacher at Repton Dubai, said:“Radu’s achievement is a wonderful example of what can be accomplished through passion, commitment and self-motivation. To independently write, perform, record and produce an original song at such a young age is incredibly impressive. He is a talented young musician with a genuine love for his craft, and we are delighted to see him sharing his work with audiences around the world.”

While Radu is proud to have released original music at just 16 years old, he remains focused on the creative journey rather than accolades. Looking ahead, he is already working on new material and hopes to release additional music in the coming months, with plans for a potential full album later this summer.

At Repton Dubai, students are encouraged to explore their interests both inside and outside the classroom. Radu’s achievement highlights how dedication, creativity and self-motivation can help young people turn a personal passion into something to be shared with a global audience.

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Zayed University and the Zayed Education Foundation have announced the launch of a partnership to strengthen future cooperation across five strategic domains: student success, research and innovation, leadership development, professional growth, and community engagement.

United by a shared commitment to the values and legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the two institutions will work together to create practical opportunities for students, researchers and emerging leaders, while supporting the UAE’s wider ambitions in education, innovation and human development.

Professor Dr. Kevin Hall, President and CEO of Zayed University, said, “This partnership represents an important step in creating more integrated educational and professional opportunities for our students. Together, we share a commitment to academic excellence, practical expertise, research, innovation, and national development. We believe that meaningful investment begins with empowering young people, helping them discover their potential, develop their capabilities, and prepare for the future with confidence. Through this collaboration, we look forward to developing initiatives that support students and researchers, advance knowledge, encourage innovation and entrepreneurship and support the UAE’s long-term progress.”

A Zayed Education Foundation spokesperson said, “We are pleased to formalise our partnership with Zayed University reflecting our shared commitment to supporting the UAE’s vision of investing in human capital as a cornerstone of sustainable development. The Ruwwad Zayed program is a flagship initiative that brings this partnership to life, empowering talented youth with the knowledge, values, and global perspective needed to lead with purpose. Through this collaboration, we aim to strengthen leadership and foster a generation capable of driving inclusive growth and prosperity.”

The collaboration reflects Zayed University’s commitment to strengthening strategic national partnerships that expand academic and professional opportunities for students, advance research and innovation, and contribute to the continued development of the UAE’s education sector.

The partnership also aligns with the mission of the Zayed Education Foundation to prepare the next generation of leaders through education, leadership development, research, and innovation.

Inspired by the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Foundation seeks to empower future leaders who are rooted in their values, connected to their communities, and prepared to contribute to progress at the national, regional, and global levels.

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Repton Dubai will return to Alserkal Avenue this June with the third edition of its annual Repton Schools Art and Design & Technology Exhibition, presenting nearly 100 student works in the school’s largest and most ambitious creative exhibition to date.

Taking place from 16th to 19th June 2026 at Alserkal Avenue, Jossa,within Dubai’s renowned cultural district, the exhibit will feature a collection created by Year 10 to Year 13students across fine art, mixed media, photography, lighting, furniture, textiles, storage, and product design. The works on display will highlight the breadth, creativity, and innovation emerging from Repton Dubai’s growing creative community.

Now in its third year, the exhibition reflects a stronger and more diverse body of work than previous editions, with students exploring a wider range of materials, media, and manufacturing techniques alongside new photography pieces and large-scale creative works.

Among the standout young talents profiled this year is Year 13 student Sana Khalid, an aspiring interior designer who achieved full marks in her AS Level Design & Technology portfolio and received the prestigious Cambridge Outstanding Learner Award — a globally recognised distinction awarded to top-performing students across more than 40 countries. Sana will continue her studies in Interior Design in London.

Her featured work, Sana’s Desk Organiser, designed for young teenagers, reflects a thoughtful and client-centred design process from concept to completion. Combining a range of materials and manufacturing techniques, the piece is elevated by the use of resin to encase organic objects within the base, creating a refined and functional final outcome that balances practicality with elegant design.

The exhibition will also showcase works by Maria CarlaIacoviello, a Year 11 student, and her sister Maria Eva Iacoviello,a Year 13 student, granddaughters of internationally renowned fashion designer Roberto Cavalli. While Maria Carlawill continue her creative studies through A Level Art at Repton Dubai,MariaEva has secured a place at Parsons School of Design in New York to further pursue her artistic education. Their exhibited works, consisting of Portraitures, further reflect the diverse artistic perspectives and global creative influences represented across Repton Dubai’s student community.

From handcrafted furniture and lighting concepts to contemporary photography and large-scale paintings, the collection demonstrates how students are increasingly pushing creative boundaries through experimentation, craftsmanship, and innovative thinking. The artworks reflect extensive creative development across the academic year and gives students the opportunity to present their portfolio within one of Dubai’s leading cultural destinations.

Michael Bloy, Principal of Repton Dubai School, said: “The creative industries are evolving rapidly, and young people today are engaging with art, design, and innovation in remarkably sophisticated ways from an early age. What makes this exhibition especially exciting is the individuality and ambition behind the work. Through our continued partnership with Alserkal Avenue, students have the opportunity to present their work within one of Dubai’s leading cultural destinations while building the confidence to communicate ideas through visual expression and design.”

Nitesh Joshi, Head of Design Technology & Innovation at Repton Dubai, added: “Presenting work within a professional exhibition setting such as Alserkal Avenue gives students an invaluable opportunity to engage with wider audiences and experience how creativity and design exist beyond the classroom. Moments such as these are a powerful reminder of why we became teachers. I am immensely proud of our Repton community, and incredibly grateful to the Alserkal family for the opportunity they provide us with each year.”

Gareth Pyper, Head of Creative Arts at Repton Dubai, added: “The introduction of photography to this year’s exhibition has been a fantastic addition, giving students a new visual language to explore storytelling, perspective, and identity. As well as consolidating the exceptional standard of work from our art students, seeing their work presented alongside design and fine art pieces at Alserkal Avenue really demonstrates the breadth of creative talent we have across the school.”

Year on year, the exhibition also recognises exceptional student achievement through four awards, includingDesigner of the Year, Innovation of the Year, Artist of the Year, and Inspiration of the Year. The recognition celebrates students who have demonstrated originality, dedication, and outstanding creative growth throughout the academic year.

The Repton Schools Art and Design & Technology Exhibition is open to the public from Wednesday onwards.Families, art enthusiasts, educators, and members of Dubai’s wider creative community are invited to experience the next generation of emerging artistic and design talent.

A special launch evening on Tuesday, 16th June will open the exhibition, before welcoming visitors from Wednesday, 17th June to Friday, 19th June.

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Two Year 5 students at Horizon English School,part of the Cognita family of schools, have created and donated 100 bespoke Maths, Reading and Writing workbooks for children in Malawi, transforming a classroom challenge into a project with international impact.

Working largely independently and with minimal adult support, Year 5 students, Marc SerrasMaksoudianand Myra Jain led the initiative as part of Cognita’s global Student Challenge, ‘Making a Difference’. Determined to support children served by the Sparkle Foundation in Malawi, the pair researched the educational needs of local students before designing resources tailored to support literacy and numeracy development.

The initiative soon grew into a school-wide campaign, bringing together students, staff and families across Horizon English School. Alongside the workbooks, the school community donated stationery, notebooks and classroom supplies to help ensure children had both the learning materials and the tools needed to use them effectively.

Over the course of a school term, Marc and Myra created the workbooks entirely from scratch, developing engaging activities in reading, writing and mathematics. They also taught themselves new digital design and formatting skills, coordinated printing and production, and managed the logistics required to deliver the resources.

To encourage wider participation, the students organised donation drives, designed promotional posters and delivered assembly presentations that inspired their peers to get involved.

The impact of the project became even more meaningful when students and teachers in Malawi sent a personal thank-you video. For Marc and Myra, the message provided a powerful reminder that their efforts had reached children thousands of miles away and were making a tangible difference.

Martin Cole, Principal of Horizon English School, said:“Marc and Myra have demonstrated remarkable leadership,compassion and determination throughout this project. They identified a genuine need, created a practical solution and inspired an entire community to contribute. What they have achieved goes far beyond their age and demonstrates the power young people have to create meaningful change when given the opportunity to lead.”

Marc Serras Maksoudian, Year 5 student at Horizon English Schoolsaid:“We wanted to help children have access to learning resources that could make a real difference to their education. We realised that something small from us could have a big impact somewhere else.”

The project also provided valuable learning experiences, requiring the students to overcome challenges and develop new skills along the way.

Myra Jain, Year 5 student at Horizon English Schoolshared:“One of the biggest challenges was organising the campaign and making sure the workbooks were engaging and useful for the children receiving them. It took a lot of teamwork and perseverance. Watching the thank-you video from the school in Malawi was probably our favourite moment because seeing the children smiling and thanking us made us feel incredibly proud and emotional.”

Beyond the resources delivered to Malawi, the project has fostered empathy, collaboration and social responsibility throughout the Horizon community, highlighting the impact young people can achieve when empowered to turn ideas into action.

For more information about Horizon English School Jumeirah, families can visit https://horizonschooldubai.com/.

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