Newsroom
Teachers in the Middle East get boost from Cambridge
9 December
Two assessment departments of the University of Cambridge will significantly boost support for
teachers in the Middle East from their new state-of-the-art Deira base. The modern facility, run by
University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) and University of Cambridge ESOL
Examinations (ESOL), will improve communications between local teachers and examiners based in
the UK. This move will help the departments of the world-famous University to continue to offer highquality
internationally recognised qualifications for students and teachers of all ages in the region.
Ann Puntis, Chief Executive of CIE, the world’s leading provider of examinations for 14–19 year olds,
said: “The Middle East is an important area of growth for Cambridge exams and we are delighted with
the new premises. We have had a presence in the Middle East for over two decades and are looking
forward to working even more closely with teachers in the region.”
William Bickerdike, CIE Regional Manager said: “With our larger office, extra facilities and expanded team we are looking forward to providing additional support to all our customers in the region”.
Zara Shahid Khan, Development Manager for Cambridge ESOL – who offer English language
examinations throughout the region – said: “The expanded office will act as a hub for the Middle East
and North Africa which will help us to focus on improving opportunities in the region. In the current
economic climate, it is more important than ever for students to develop English language skills in
order to remain competitive.”
The new expanded office, which features state-of-the-art conferencing facilities, signifies the end of a successful year for the Cambridge-based exam boards in the Middle East. The video conferencing facilities will allow teachers in the region to talk directly to examiners, staff and trainers in CIE and ESOL’s Head Office in Cambridge, UK – as well as to their counterparts across the world in the global Cambridge network. The regional office has grown from strength to strength in the past year, with six members of staff now based in Dubai, representing countries across the Middle East and North Africa.
