The Knowledge Fund Establishment holds first meeting of its new Board of Directors

The Board of Directors of the Knowledge Fund Establishment of Dubai held the first meeting of its new Board of Directors and the third for the current year 2023, with the aim of reviewing the updates of the Establishment’s Strategic Plan 2023-2025 and its implementation. This is in line with its objectives to promote leadership in investing in knowledge and raising the quality of education based on best practices and international standards.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, issued Executive Council Resolution No. (55) of 2023 on the Board of Directors of the Knowledge Fund Establishment. The Board will be chaired by Ahmad Abdul Kareem Julfar with Mohammed Abdullah Al Shaibani as Vice Chairman. According to the Resolution, the Board includes one representative each from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority in Dubai, the General Secretariat of the Executive Council of Dubai, the Department of Finance, Dubai Municipality, and the CEO of Knowledge Fund Establishment.

The meeting was held at the headquarters of the Knowledge Fund Est. in Dubai and attended by H.E. Ahmad Abdul Kareem Julfar, Mohammed Abdullah Al Shaibani, Mohamed Darwish, Representative of the (KHDA) Knowledge and Human Development Authority in Dubai, Aisha Miran, Representative of the General Secretariat of the Executive Council of Dubai, Mariam Almheiri, Representative of Dubai Municipality and Abdulla Mohammed Al Awar, The CEO of the Knowledge Fund Est.

The board discussed the latest developments in the strategic plan for the years 2023 – 2025, where they reviewed the updates on educational initiatives managed by the establishment, including “Dubai Schools.” a prominent educational addition managed in collaboration with the private sector and achieved tangible results since its launch two years ago in its three branches (Mirdif, Nad Al Sheba, and Al Barsha). This initiative has been well-received by the general public and particularly by the citizens of Dubai. It focuses on providing high-quality education that suits the environment and culture of the UAE, catering to the educational needs and future goals of all segments of society,

The board also discussed the developmental action plans for the initiative, aiming to provide an ideal educational environment for students in the Emirate of Dubai. Several proposals for new educational initiatives were presented, aiming to enhance the educational system in the Emirate of Dubai.

The meeting also highlighted the developments of educational real estate assets in the first half of 2023, managed by the Establishment and its allocation to investors in the educational sector. This included the allocation of more than 1,300,000 square feet of educational land in the Emirate to private investors and operators who will undertake educational projects serving more than 7,000 students. These projects include several private schools providing British, French and Indian curricula and early learning centres.

The Establishment’s team presented the investment performance of the portfolio during the presentation of the first half results. Tangible returns were achieved from the various channels in which investments were made to enhance educational initiatives in Dubai.

H.E. Ahmad Abdul Kareem Julfar said: “We are pleased with the results achieved by the Knowledge Fund Est. during the first half of the year, which reflects Dubai’s aspirations to achieve leadership in various fields led by the directives of the wise UAE leadership to ensure the sustainable development of all sectors, including attracting knowledge investments to Dubai to further strengthen the educational sector.”

Abdulla Mohammed Al Awar said: “During the next phase, we are striving to achieve a qualitative shift in the field of investment in education, through a range of new projects and initiatives that will have a tangible impact in improving education services according to the best international standards that meet the requirements of the Dubai community.”

During the meeting, the updated corporate identity of the Knowledge Fund Est. was approved, reflecting its new aspirations in line with its strategic plan.