In the UAE, education experts have studied the local impact in recent months. Dr Natasha Ridge, head of research at the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research, found vulnerable, disadvantaged children and those who were already behind were affected most. "Without a doubt there is a risk of a learning gap developing," she said. "There will be an alienating gap emerging with issues around access to technology, hardware, laptops, and access to the internet, especially for families in lower socio-economic groups. "Pupils who are at the top-end are self-motivated would study and work hard even if there may be some disadvantages, but middle and low achievers would miss out on learning and jeopardise their chances of going to university."
The Fine Arts Festival in Ras Al Khaimah is abuzz with artists from around the world showcasing their works under the theme Connected Communities.
Marking its eighth edition, the Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival (RAFAF) showcased talented local and international artists, photographers and filmmakers this year. Held in the northernmost part of the UAE, the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah translates from Arabic to mean “the top of the tent”, and its flagship arts festival runs until March 31st.
In response to a ministry decision to scrap homework at hundreds of public schools in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Dr. Natasha Ridge highlighted the important role homework can play in boy’s education.
The UAE’s Ras Al-Khaimah Fine Arts Festival recently kicked off its eighth edition in the Al-Jazirah Al-Hamra Heritage Village. The festival brings with it a packed program that includes thought-provoking exhibitions, keynote speeches and more than 100 local and international artists hailing from 33 different countries.
Middle East fashion magazine, Grazia, heralded the Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival as the “mother of all regional festivals” in their article highlighting the Festival’s expansive spread of art.
US Honorary Guest Artist to the Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival, Kiliii Yuyan gave a number of presentations to students from local programs and universities, including the American University of Ras Al Khaimah.
Hi Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi opened the Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival on January 31st at the Al Jazirah Al Hamra Heritage Village. The VIP opening was also attended by ambassadors, dignitaries, festival partners, and local and international artists.
With more than 100 artists from 33 countries exhibiting their work over the course of the festival this year, the Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival (RAKFAF) will celebrate the theme of Connected Communities with numourous local and international artists, painters, sculptors, designers, filmmakers and photographers over a two month period. Here are just a few to look out for from 31 January to 31 March, 2020.
UAE schools have been urged to do more to protect children after a major international survey found nearly a third are regularly targeted by bullies. A direct link was found across the world between rates of bullying and classroom disorder, so improving discipline could also help improve student happiness and reduce bullying rates, Natasha Ridge of the Al Qasimi Foundation, said.