Latest news with #EdwardHobart
Sharjah 24
26-06-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
DGR, UK Embassy to explore partnerships in various fields
The meeting was led by Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Government Relations, and Edward Hobart, British Ambassador to the UAE. They were joined by H.E. Sarah Mooney, British Trade Commissioner for the Middle East and Pakistan, and British Consul General in Dubai; Sheikh Majid bin Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director of DGR; Stacy Keating, Second Secretary (Political Affairs) at the British embassy in the UAE; Amanda Buckley, Cultural Affairs Officer at the British embassy in the UAE; and Martin Daltry, Country Director for the British Council in the UAE . During discussions, Sharjah outlined its planned government, community, and cultural initiatives for the next year, and dialogue also centered on identifying collaboration opportunities in shared priority areas, as well as facilitating information exchange regarding the UK's 2025 programmes . Strategic partnerships in intellectual and cultural exchange In his comments on the meeting, Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi emphasised that the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, is founded on the belief that culture and knowledge are among the most vital pillars for shaping strong international relations that can truly impact the course of human development. He stated that Sharjah views cultural and academic cooperation as a sustainable path for building bridges of understanding between nations . He added: 'Our meeting with the British Embassy delegation is an extension of this vision and a reflection of a deep-rooted belief that knowledge-based partnerships are the foundation of such engagement. These partnerships have already fostered a thriving cultural and intellectual movement within the emirate, enriching Sharjah's society and strengthening its position as an international hub for research and education. The unique integration of Sharjah's creative economy with its broader economic infrastructure enhances its capacity to host impactful collaborations with leading global institutions; an approach that is clearly reflected in the outcomes of this meeting .' Supporting higher education and academic exchange The delegates also explored collaboration prospects in higher education through the development of joint academic programmes between British universities and their counterparts in Sharjah. These programmes would focus on fields such as media, engineering, and the humanities, reinforcing Sharjah's position as a regional hub for knowledge and higher education . Development of creative industries and cultural events Additionally, the dialogue addressed support for the creative industries through partnerships encompassing arts, design, digital media, and content creation, and potential collaboration with the Sharjah Creative Quarter (SCQ) was also a key focus. Established in January 2025, the SCQ aims to enhance the emirate's creative economy by organizing joint cultural initiatives, facilitating expertise exchange, and empowering cultural entrepreneurs . This high-level meeting exemplifies a mutual commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation through strategic projects and initiatives designed to achieve shared developmental and cultural goals, thereby creating new pathways for institutional integration and knowledge exchange .
The National
08-05-2025
- General
- The National
VE Day: UK ambassador to UAE reveals personal link to end of Second World War
The UK's ambassador to the UAE has reflected on his personal ties to the end of the Second World War. Edward Hobart's great-grandfather was commander-in-chief of the Allied Naval Expeditionary Forces, and signed the naval surrender documents with defeated Germany. Admiral Harold Burrough served throughout the conflict. He was a leading player in Operation Pedestal, a perilous British mission to resupply the base of Malta, and was in command of Allied naval forces during Operation Torch in late 1942, the opening of a second front against the Axis powers in North Africa. Speaking to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day on Thursday, Mr Hobart reflected on the sacrifice and legacy of his great-grandfather through personal recollections, letters and family memories. 'He was a nice, old grandfatherly type of man,' said Mr Hobart, who was a small boy when his great-grandfather died. 'Then, as I got older, I knew from people in the village that he used to tell various stories.' Victory in Europe Day marks the end of the war with Nazi Germany in Europe on May 8, 1945. War in the Pacific would continue until September. Adm Burrough witnessed the German surrender at Rheims in northern France on May 7 and at a subsequent ceremony with the Russians in the ruins of Berlin. Photographs show him with Gen Walter Bedell-Smith, chief-of-staff of US General Dwight D Eisenhower, Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force, at the ceremony. One of the most poignant and memorable letters is one he wrote to his wife, Nell, after the German surrender. In it, he describes how hard it was to sleep after such a momentous occasion and also describes the horror of driving through the German capital in ruins. ' … I have never seen in my life such complete and utter destruction,' he wrote. 'Among other things, I saw Hitler's headquarters where presumably he met his end. The only thing I have seen in any way resembling Berlin in its present state is Pompeii.' The letter also details snapshots of regular life such as having to wait around for lengthy periods for the surrender, playing golf with the French and being impressed by the caviar laid on by the Russians. 'Actually, I played quite a good game (of golf), chiefly I think because I was so tired that I was not capable of lifting my head,' he wrote. 'As a man of action as he was, he's basically also quite bored by having to hang around all the time waiting for the things to line up so that people can do the signatures,' said Mr Hobart, laughing. And Mr Hobart said while he recognised the German surrender as a momentous occasion 'it was also completely his job and his duty'. Adm Burrough, born in 1888, joined the Royal Navy at 13 and spent his career at sea. Mr Hobart said historians have referred to him as the 'last sea-fighting admiral in the Royal Navy' and the family recall him telling stories about the death-defying operations he was involved in. During the Malta missions, for example, his ship was sunk. 'I remember the story about him smoking a cigar on the bridge and being the last man off his ship,' he said. 'I think he was that kind of leader of men.' Mr Hobart said he had respect for people from whichever side he came from. He had close relationships with the Russians because of the North Atlantic convoys taking provisions into what was then the Soviet Union but also respect for those on the losing side. 'He comments in the letters on how broken the German admiral looked but those comments aren't made with pride or with judgment. They are comments on 'Here's a guy who's been through hell'.' As a junior officer in the First World War, Adm Burrough participated in the Battle of Jutland in 1916, when one of his best friends was washed overseas and lost at sea. Experiences like this shaped him. 'He got several months off for nerves. The navy clearly recognised that he had post-traumatic stress disorder,' Mr Hobart said. 'He couldn't take it any more. There is a consciousness of psychological and mental vulnerability which sometimes we think people didn't have then. 'He was throughout much of the Second World War at sea with his fleet, which was quite unusual for somebody of his seniority.' Eighty years on, the war is being lost to living memory. The band of veterans dwindle while resurgent nationalism and renewed conflicts have flared across the world from Russia and Ukraine to Gaza. Overnight the spectre of widening conflict between India and Pakistan loomed. Mr Hobart said it was important to recognise the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom but not necessarily 'revel in them'. 'Our job as diplomats is to try to avoid us getting ever to those situations but clearly currently whether it's in Gaza, whether it's in Sudan, whether it's in Ukraine, we have conflict which is killing civilians and soldiers on a daily basis,' he said. After the war, Admiral Burrough continued for a time in Germany before retiring in 1949. He enjoyed sport, went to his club, gave history lectures and told stories about his past. On a personal level, Mr Hobart said it felt 'extraordinary' to have a great-grandfather who played such a key role in the war but his sense was he would have said, 'Well, that was just my job.' 'I don't think he promoted himself as a great man,' he said. 'He was focused on action.'
Hi Dubai
15-04-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Prestigious Harrow School to Launch New Campus in Dubai
Dubai's premium education sector is set for a major boost with the launch of Harrow International School Dubai, the second Harrow-branded institution in the UAE and the latest addition to Taaleem Holdings PJSC's super-premium education portfolio. The announcement follows the February 2025 unveiling of Harrow International School Abu Dhabi. Scheduled to open in 2026, Harrow Dubai will initially welcome students from Early Years to Year 6, with plans to grow to a full capacity of 2,000 students. The campus, located on a prime 50,000sqm plot along Hessa Street, received approval from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and is set to begin accepting applications in September 2025. Developed in collaboration with Harrow International Schools Limited (HISL), the school will offer a prestigious British curriculum tailored to reflect the region's culture and values. The campus design—by Dubai-based, award-winning firm KODA—blends modern architecture with traditional elements, guided by neuro-architectural principles to enhance student wellbeing and engagement. 'Harrow Dubai is a milestone in our mission to expand access to values-driven, world-class education,' said Khalid Al Tayer, Chairman of Taaleem. 'It reflects our commitment to nurturing talent and shaping future leaders across the region.' Edward Hobart, British Ambassador to the UAE, welcomed the development as a reflection of the deepening educational ties between the UK and UAE. 'Harrow's legacy of leadership, character, and academic excellence will now inspire a new generation in Dubai.' With the city's growing population of high-net-worth families and rising demand for elite schooling, Harrow Dubai is positioned to become a cornerstone of Dubai's evolving educational landscape—delivering holistic, future-ready education to the region's next generation. News Source: Khaleej Times
Khaleej Times
14-04-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Super premium Harrow school to open new campus in South Dubai
A second Harrow International School in the UAE is set to open in Dubai, further enriching the city's premium education sector. The institution can accommodate up to 2,000 students. Taaleem Holdings PJSC, a leading provider of K-12 premium education in the UAE with a portfolio of 38 schools and listed on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM: Taaleem), has announced plans to launch the new school in partnership with Harrow International Schools Limited (HISL). This development comes after the approval from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) as well as the signing of a land lease agreement for a prime 50,000sqm plot on Hessa Street. From Early Years to Year 6 Situated on Hessa Street, the Harrow Dubai campus will accept applications in September 2025, as the school becomes fully operational by 2026. The campus will initially serve students from Early Years to Year 6. The school is also planning an expansion project to eventually accommodate up to 2,000 students. Spanning 50,000sqm, the school will feature cutting-edge facilities designed to promote hands-on, immersive learning. The Dubai campus will also implement Harrow's renowned system — an approach that nurtures a strong sense of belonging, leadership, and community. The campus, designed by the award-winning Dubai-based firm KODA, will feature neuro-architectural principles that merge contemporary design with traditional elements, in homage to Harrow's 450-year heritage of academic excellence. Super-premium educational institutions Harrow Dubai marks the second addition to Taaleem's collection of super-premium educational institutions, following the February 2025 announcement of Harrow International School Abu Dhabi, set to open on Saadiyat Island in 2026. 'The opening of a Harrow Dubai, the second Harrow in the UAE, under the Taaleem umbrella, marks a significant milestone in the expansion of both Harrow's and Taaleem's commitment to educational excellence," said Edward Hobart, British Ambassador to the UAE. "This new chapter highlights the growing educational ties between the UK and the UAE and reinforces our shared vision for nurturing the next generation of leaders. Harrow's distinguished history of fostering character, leadership, and academic achievement will now inspire students in United Arab Emirates, further strengthening the educational landscape here," he added. The growing demand for world-class education in Dubai, fuelled by the steady influx of high-net-worth individuals, positions Harrow Dubai as a strategic addition to the city's educational landscape. 'Harrow has a long-established reputation for excellence, and through our collaboration with Harrow International Schools Limited, we are proud to bring the same values-driven education to Dubai that has shaped generations of leaders," said Khalid Al Tayer, Chairman of Taaleem. "This school reflects our shared vision to create an exceptional learning environment, one that nurtures talent, fosters creativity, and offers unparalleled opportunities in academics, sports, the arts, and beyond. As Taaleem continues to expand its educational presence, the launch of Harrow Dubai reinforces our commitment to shaping the future of education in the UAE and the GCC," he added. 'The launch of Harrow International School Dubai represents a significant milestone in our plans to give more students in GCC countries access to a Harrow education. Harrow Dubai will uphold the highest standards of a Harrow education while serving the needs of a new, diverse, and dynamic community," said Mel Mrowiec, chairman of Harrow International Schools Limited. "Our partnership with Taaleem is built on a shared vision – to shape the leaders of tomorrow by offering outstanding educational experiences designed to prepare young people for the demands of an increasingly complex and interconnected world," she added. Harrow School was founded in 1572 under a Royal Charter from Queen Elizabeth I. Harrow Dubai will offer a prestigious British curriculum in line with Harrow's high standards, with adjustments to reflect the region's culture and values. Harrow Dubai will also provide an enriched curriculum that integrates world-class sports, performing arts, and leadership development programmes, ensuring a truly holistic education.
Zawya
14-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Taaleem expands super-premium education segment with launch of Harrow International School Dubai
A state-of-the-art school is currently under construction on a prime 50,000 sqm plot on Hessa Street, in the heart of South Dubai, close to Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah, with a capacity for 2,000 students Harrow International School Dubai's unique design will blend modernity and tradition, incorporating neuro-architectural elements that support pastoral needs. The school will launch with Early Years to Year 6, with a gradual expansion to follow. Applications are expected to open in September 2025, with the school becoming fully operational by 2026 This opening marks a key milestone in Taaleem's long-term growth strategy, further expanding access to world-class British curriculum education in the UAE Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Taaleem Holdings PJSC ('Taaleem' or 'the Company'), a leading K-12 premium education provider in the UAE with a portfolio of 38 schools and listed on the Dubai Financial Markets (DFM: TAALEEM), in partnership with Harrow International Schools Limited ("HISL"), today announced its plans to launch a second Harrow International School, in Dubai. The announcement follows approval from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and the signing of a land lease agreement on Hessa Street of a prime 50,000 sqm plot with capacity for 2,000 students. Its design – led by award-winning Dubai-based firm KODA – will incorporate neuro-architectural elements that blend modernity with tradition, reflecting Harrow's 450-year legacy of educational rigour. Harrow Dubai is the second addition to Taaleem's portfolio of super-premium educational institutions, following the announcement in February 2025 of the opening of Harrow International School Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island in 2026. Strategically located on Dubai's Hessa Street close to Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah and Emirates Hills, Harrow Dubai will span a 50,000 sqm plot, offering state-of-the-art infrastructure designed to support practical and immersive learning. The campus will initially cater to students from Early Years to Year 6, with plans for gradual expansion to accommodate up to 2,000 students. Staying true to Harrow's longstanding traditions, among other elements of Harrow's practice, Harrow Dubai will adopt the school's renowned House system. This fosters a deep sense of belonging, leadership, and camaraderie, ensuring that students develop essential life skills while being mentored in an environment that celebrates both individual achievement and collective success. This structure, combined with Harrow's unwavering emphasis on its values of honour, courage, humility and fellowship, is a hallmark of a Harrow education. The British Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Edward Hobart, said 'The opening of a Harrow Dubai, the second Harrow in the UAE, under the Taaleem umbrella, marks a significant milestone in the expansion of both Harrow's and Taaleem's commitment to educational excellence. This new chapter highlights the growing educational ties between the UK and the UAE and reinforces our shared vision for nurturing the next generation of leaders. Harrow's distinguished history of fostering character, leadership, and academic achievement will now inspire students in United Arab Emirates, further strengthening the educational landscape here.' Khalid Al Tayer, Chairman of Taaleem, said, 'Harrow has a long-established reputation for excellence, and through our collaboration with Harrow International Schools Limited, we are proud to bring the same values-driven education to Dubai that has shaped generations of leaders. This school reflects our shared vision to create an exceptional learning environment, one that nurtures talent, fosters creativity, and offers unparalleled opportunities in academics, sports, the arts, and beyond. As Taaleem continues to expand its educational presence, the launch of Harrow Dubai reinforces our commitment to shaping the future of education in the UAE and the GCC. Mr. Mel Mrowiec, Chairman of Harrow International Schools Limited, added: 'The launch of Harrow International School Dubai represents a significant milestone in our plans to give more students in GCC countries access to a Harrow education. This development reflects a commitment to delivering a values-led and holistic education that is world-class, underpinned by Harrow's legacy of academic excellence and leadership development. Harrow Dubai will uphold the highest standards of a Harrow education while serving the needs of a new, diverse, and dynamic community. Our partnership with Taaleem is built on a shared vision – to shape the leaders of tomorrow by offering outstanding educational experiences designed to prepare young people for the demands of an increasingly complex and interconnected world.' Founded in 1572 under a Royal Charter from Queen Elizabeth I, Harrow School holds a global reputation for academic excellence, a broad range of extracurricular activities, and a strong focus on leadership. Harrow Dubai will build on this legacy, offering the prestigious British curriculum in line with Harrow's high standards, with adjustments to reflect the region's culture and values. Beyond academic excellence, Harrow Dubai will provide an enriched curriculum that integrates world-class sports, performing arts, and leadership development programmes, ensuring a truly holistic education. This extended offering not only prepares students for top universities worldwide but also equips them with the resilience, creativity, and global perspective necessary for future success. Harrow School provides close, personalised support to ensure the successful integration of its values and standards into each international partner school. Through tailored induction sessions, expert guidance, and collaborative engagement within the 'Family of Schools', Harrow helps lay the foundations for excellence from vision and strategy to policy alignment and school culture The growing demand for world-class education in Dubai, fuelled by the steady influx of high-net-worth individuals, positions Harrow Dubai as a strategic addition to the city's educational landscape. This landmark development is aligned with Taaleem's growth strategy which saw Taaleem open Dubai British School ('DBS') Jumeira in 2024, and with DBS Mira due to open in August 2025, to meet the educational needs of the UAE while delivering long-term value for shareholders. Taaleem holds exclusive rights to own and operate Harrow International Schools across the GCC. * Initial approvals are granted from KHDA. Follow up technical approvals are pending subject to KHDA permission as with all new schools in Dubai. About Taaleem: Taaleem (DFM: TAALEEM) is one of the largest K-12 premium education providers in the UAE with a portfolio consisting of 38 schools, comprising 12 owned and operated premium private schools, and 26 Government partnership schools operated on behalf of Government entities. The Company boasts a student body of 41,117 students and world-class faculty from diverse backgrounds. About Harrow International Schools Limited: Harrow International Schools Limited (HISL), a trading subsidiary of the charity which owns Harrow School and its trademarks, grants the right to use the name and badge of Harrow School by independently owned and operated schools around the world. HISL provides oversight to ensure that these schools reflect Harrow School's educational purpose, practice, strategy and philosophy, tailored to the needs of their students and locations.
