Students build model cars in science class on Friday at Chinese School Dubai in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo: Ren Haoyu/ People's Daily)

Dubai (People's Daily) - The Chinese School Dubai has been rated "good" – the highest ranking for a newly established school in the city – by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority of the Dubai government.

Opened in September 2020, Chinese School Dubai is the first full-time Chinese school founded overseas by the Chinese government and the first Chinese curriculum school in Dubai.

Serving as a pilot for Chinese basic education abroad, the school is a non-profit institution with almost 500 students at grades 1-7, mostly from the Chinese community.

Students study Chinese language on Friday at Chinese School Dubai in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo: Zhang Zhiwen/People's Daily)

Zhao Xiaoli, a Dubai resident for 15 years, has a son attending from primary to middle school.

The school was one of the best choices for Chinese students as it helped preserve their Chinese identities and build confidence, she said.

Zhao attributed her son's growing appreciation for diligence to his exceptional teachers.

The school is managed by Hangzhou No.2 High School of Zhejiang Province in China. The staff is a mix of international teachers and teachers from Hangzhou, Zhejiang.

Students edit video in class on Friday at Chinese School Dubai in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo: Zhang Zhiwen/People's Daily)

Principal Yin Liping said the school focused on full-time Chinese courses that meet all requirements and standards.

The curriculum is supplemented with English, Arabic, moral education, social studies and other international subjects.

Arabic language teacher Atifa Raaed praised the school as a prime example of cross-cultural exchange and communication.

She said she has witnessed a significant improvement in her students' Arabic language skills over the past two years, as did the inspectors.

Chinese School Dubai in Dubai, United Arab Emirates is operated by the Chinese government . (Photo: Zhang Zhiwen/People's Daily)

The school uses original textbooks from the Chinese mainland and instruction by experienced Chinese teachers.

Mei Qing, a teacher from Hangzhou, Zhejiang, began teaching in August.

He and his colleagues strive to make Chinese classes more engaging by incorporating flute playing, English recitation and comic book illustration into their instruction.

Chinese is essential for the future, said an Iranian businessman working in Dubai, who chose the school for his daughter.

Students study table tennis on Friday at Chinese School Dubai in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo: Ren Haoyu/People's Daily)

The daughter has become increasingly comfortable on campus and enjoys her daily routine since enrolling as a second-grade student, he said.

In addition to regular classes, the school offers Chinese language courses at weekends for those interested in learning Chinese as a foreign language.

Students play flute in music class on Friday at Chinese School Dubai in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo: Ren Haoyu/People's Daily)