First of its kind curriculum prepares children to become future leaders and global citizens

Dubai aims to transform early childhood education with the opening of Ora Nursery of the Future in Emirates Towers. Representing a cooperative effort between the Prime Minister’s Office at the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs and the Future and Al Tamimi Investments, Ora’s future-focused learning model is the first early learning curriculum in the world to concentrate on equipping children with the skills they need to become resilient adults and global leaders.

Named the Zayed Early Learning Framework, the Ora curriculum aims to enhance children’s cognitive capabilities in the fields of science and innovation, whilst building their characters with a futuristic mindset. Inspired by the leadership of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the UAE, and guided by the insights and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the framework seeks to nurture a future-proof generation.

Ora Nursery of the Future underscores the UAE government’s commitment to create an education ecosystem that realises the objectives of the ‘UAE Vision 2021’ and the ‘UAE Centennial 2071’ plan. Its progressive, interactive and technologically-enhanced learning environment works to maximise the creative potential inside each child, to instil the habits of innovation and futurism.

A leading learning model

Founded on the pillars of leadership; happiness and positivity; advanced science and artificial intelligence; and technology and coding, the Zayed Early Learning Framework serves as a springboard for children’s imaginations.

His Excellency Mohammed Bin Taliah, Assistant Director General for Government Services in the Prime Minister’s Office at the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs and the Future, stated: “The newly established Ora Nursery of the Future aims to build a creative and innovative generation by developing the strengths and personal characteristics of each child. The goal is to prepare them for their academic journeys ahead and equip them with the essential skills they need to become future leaders.”

The blended Ora framework incorporates the best of conventional early learning curricula and future-focused methods from renowned institutions like Alt School and Blue School to introduce a new archetype for early childhood education. Emphasis is placed on skills-based learning enhanced by technology to deliver an immersive, multi-sensory and experiential experience for each child. These methods guide children in the pursuit of their intellectual curiosity and discovery of their own creativity.

Catalyzing creativity

Rachael Wunsch, CEO, Al Tamimi Investments stated: “In line with the lively spirit enjoyed by Emirati youth, Ora Nursery of the Future encourages the curiosity, creativity and vitality of each child in a comprehensive and advanced social environment. Our future approach in education encourages children to explore and understand the world that surrounds them. This is crucial because in their first three years children develop physically, cognitively and emotionally at a faster rate than at any other time in their lives. By harnessing this learning potential, we seek to develop high levels of innovation literacy. Ora will impart to children the skills and knowledge they need to learn without limits so they can innovate the world they want to live in.

Interactive spaces and 22 learning areas

Ora Nursery of the Future spans an area of 600 square meters, with 22 learning zones including: The Third Dimension, an interactive digital wall; The Mars Lab, a scientific futuristic lab; a library containing English and Arabic books, some of which are authored by the Ora team; several reading platforms; a micro programming centre; a Splash Pad, an entertaining area; an outdoor garden; and The Crib, the nursery sleeping room.

The interactive areas allow all age categories to interact and learn from each other, while the classrooms provide the necessary structure for older age groups to ease their transition into primary school.

Informed by the latest findings in paediatric neuroscience, the nursery design also considers the visual development of younger children. The colour scheme of the 0-2 years’ zone is black and white, while a neutral and white colour palette features throughout the rest of the nursery, providing the perfect backdrop for the children, educators and resources to be the main stimulation.

Ora learning spaces do not focus on teaching children specific skills like reading or math, but encourage them to become active participants in their learning journeys. The nursery offers a learning experience that is playful, stimulating and social. The combination of analog and digital elements creates an immersive environment in which the children and Ora’s Zayed Early Learning Framework can shine. The space augments the learning experience, acting as a ‘silent educator’ in facilitating self-discovery for each child.

As important partners in their children’s learning experience, parents are encouraged to play an active role in their child’s journey at Ora by participating in social activities and events. They can also remain informed of their child’s daily activities and progress through the custom-built Parent App. Designed to support working parents, the nursery features a feeding pod for nursing mothers and a dedicated area for parents to watch their children without affecting classroom activities.

Ora Nursery of the Future is located in the Emirates Towers and is open all year. It offers full time, part time and casual enrolment options for children aged between 45 days up to four years old.