German International School in Abu Dhabi marks 50th anniversary
The German International School in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, is marking the 50th anniversary of its founding. The institution opened in 1976, four years after diplomatic relations were established between the UAE and Germany. The school teaches according to German methods and curricula, while also offering Arabic and English language studies and UAE social studies.
More than 80 students from the UAE currently study at the school. Some enrol in kindergarten and continue their education through Grade 12. The anniversary coincided with the state visit of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Germany, The National reports.
Education in an international environment
The school’s new principal, Birgit Spiekermann, attributes the institution’s longevity to the combination of German education and an international school environment. According to her, students become familiar with Emirati culture, languages and traditions, while celebrations of the UAE National Day are an important part of school life.
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The school was officially recognized as part of the network of German schools abroad in the 2006–2007 academic year. Senior grades were later introduced: students can prepare for the German International Abitur and apply to universities in Germany and other countries.
Scholarship for children from the UAE
The institution’s ties with the Emirati community are supported by the Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Scholarship. The full scholarship gives children from the UAE an opportunity to start studying in kindergarten and learn German from an early age. According to Spiekermann, approximately five to ten Emirati students join the programme each year.
Seventeen-year-old Grade 12 student Hamdan Al Zaabi has attended the school since the first kindergarten group, speaks Arabic, English and German, and plans to apply to a university in Germany. Students Hala Al Nuaimi, Rashed Al Mehrezi and Fatima Al Hosani also noted the opportunity to learn German and the diversity of the school community.
