Citizens School Partnership With D-Lab Reimagines Learning Curriculum in the UAE

D-Lab, GHD Digital’s innovation practice, has embarked on a collaborative partnership with Al Zarooni Emirates Investments’ Citizens School in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Together, they aim to establish a groundbreaking Learning Lab as part of a new Collaboration Hub dedicated to transforming the learning curriculum and empowering students and mentors in the UAE.

The program, which aims to continuously enhance all aspects of school operations, will include design challenges, innovation coaching and collaborative facilitation assignments to create a culture of empathy, encouraging innovative mindsets. Staff, parents and education experts will come together to enhance the overall learning experience for students, bridging the gap between education and industry by reimagining the curriculum design process and departing from traditional conventions.

The school focuses on each child’s unique requirements, empowering them with choices to explore themes, expand interests, and determine the routes they want to take to reach their full potential. Influenced by some of the world's leading cognitive scientists and researchers on education, motivation, and mindsets, Citizens’ custom-built curriculum is tailored to each child’s unique strengths and approach to learning, with the UK National Curriculum as its framework. The 43,000-square-metre school campus has a capacity for 2,600 children between the ages of three and 18 and features almost 3,000 square metres of open playing space. This includes a multi-purpose performing arts and activity hall, a six-lane swimming pool, and football and rugby pitches adhering to FIFA and World Rugby standards.