Dear DAA Families,

As part of ongoing efforts by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to enhance traffic safety and improve mobility around schools, we invite your support in contributing to an important initiative focused on student drop-off and pick-up practices.

The RTA has developed a short survey titled Parents’ Safety Practices When Dropping Off Young Children at Schools. The purpose of this survey is to gather valuable parent feedback to help improve safety procedures and reduce congestion in school zones across the city.

We kindly ask you to take a moment to complete the survey. It will take no more than one minute, and your input will directly support safer, more efficient school environments for all.

Survey link:
https://forms.gle/SXA5SjaT5vimdKiP7

We truly appreciate your time and partnership in supporting this important initiative and helping us maintain a safe and positive experience for our entire school community.

We are incredibly proud to celebrate Ruhaan Sahi, who has achieved the prestigious Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award—the highest level of this internationally recognized program—during his senior year.

Ruhaan’s journey is a true reflection of commitment and perseverance. Beginning with Bronze in 2022, progressing through Silver, and now achieving Gold in April 2026, he has demonstrated consistent dedication over several years.

As part of his Gold Award, Ruhaan completed a Residential Project in Goa, India, where he volunteered in both a local elementary school and a nearby community. Supporting students across a range of ages and abilities, he taught English and Mathematics, and even introduced chess—quickly becoming a favorite among the children.

Reflecting on his experience, Ruhaan shared how living and working alongside new people strengthened his adaptability and collaboration skills, while teaching in diverse environments challenged him to communicate creatively and effectively.

Alongside his service, Ruhaan also developed his skills in cycling, coding, and contributed as a teaching assistant—demonstrating a well-rounded commitment across all areas of the award.

His journey is one of resilience, leadership, and meaningful impact.

We are pleased to share an exciting opportunity for our students and families as part of our ongoing commitment to college readiness and academic excellence.

Join a series of high-impact webinars led by Elizabeth Heaton, Former University of Pennsylvania Admissions Officer, designed to provide valuable insights into navigating competitive university admissions.

These sessions will explore:

• What Ivy League universities truly look for in applicants

• How elite universities evaluate applications, including insights for the 2027 admissions cycle

• How students can strategically use their Grade 11 summer to strengthen their academic and extracurricular profile

This is a unique opportunity for students and parents to engage directly with a former Ivy League admissions officer, gain expert guidance, and have their questions answered firsthand.

We encourage students in Grades 8–12 and their families to take full advantage of this opportunity.

🔬 STEM Research Accelerator Program (Updated Dates)

We are also pleased to share details of the STEM Research Accelerator Program, now scheduled to run from June 8–12, followed by a concluding session on June 17.

This high-intensity program is designed to support students in developing publish-ready research projects, equipping them with the skills and confidence to transition from learners to researchers.

Through a structured and immersive experience, students will:

• Explore research design, methodology, and academic workflows

• Apply data analysis and engage with emerging technologies, including AI

• Develop original research questions and structured investigations

• Present their work in a final symposium-style showcase with expert feedback

🌍 Mentorship & Global Expertise

Participants will benefit from mentorship by researchers and academics affiliated with leading institutions such as MIT, Cornell, Princeton, and Cambridge.

A key highlight includes mentorship from Maya Gobert, Director of Student Innovation and Founder of the Leadership & Innovation Lab. A Cornell alumna and former Admissions Officer, she brings extensive experience supporting students globally, with many gaining admission to top-tier universities.