Anna-Maria Ferchichi Defends School Absences for Her Kids in Dubai

Dubai, UAE - In a recent podcast episode of „Zwischen Dubai und Köln – mit Anna und Kim,“ Anna-Maria Ferchichi, the wife of rapper Bushido, sparked conversation by sharing her unconventional views on her children’s education. The 43-year-old mother of eight expressed that sometimes skipping school can foster a better learning environment. “A day at the beach or simply sleeping in might be more beneficial than traditional subjects like math and English,” Anna-Maria argues. This laid-back philosophy reflects a stark contrast to the performance-driven educational norms that dominate German schools.

Living in Dubai, Anna-Maria appreciates the more relaxed attendance policies at her children’s private school. She confidently stated, “It’s not an issue if the children miss a few days of school,” and noted that her kids thrive academically regardless. Fear of bullying that often plagues school environments elsewhere seems non-existent in Dubai, where she believes her children enjoy a guilt-free school experience.

Educational Landscape in Dubai

Diving into the educational framework of Dubai, it’s crucial to note that the education system is mandatory for children aged 5 to 15. As outlined by Dubai Auswandern, the early years see children starting nursery as young as six weeks, with an international curriculum that attracts many expat families. The schooling landscape in Dubai is vibrant, consisting of both public and private institutions, where privately operated schools dominate, catering to about 90% of the student population.

Tuition fees in Dubai range significantly, with public schools offering free education primarily to Emirati citizens, while expats can expect to pay through the nose for both public and private education—ranging from AED 5,000 to AED 100,000 annually, depending on the institution. Not to forget, nursery education costs between AED 1,500 and AED 4,500 every month.

Variety and Quality for Expat Families

As addressed in Pacific Prime, the diverse curriculum options cater to various expatriate communities, featuring British, American, and international baccalaureate programs. Many families daydream about enrolling their kids in prestigious institutions like Dubai College or GEMS Wellington International School. They are spoiled for choice across 209 private schools offering an extensive array of educational frameworks, from the American and British to the French, Russian, and more.

Technology integration is a significant component of the educational landscape, with innovative programs like the Mohammed Bin Rashid Smart Learning Program transforming how children engage with their studies. Educational advisors in the region assist families in navigating the application process, ensuring that enrollment is seamless—especially vital for those seeking a place in a highly sought-after school.

For Anna-Maria, living in Dubai isn’t solely about educational freedom; it’s about family life too. The sandy beaches and relaxed evenings allow her to foster relationships with her children, all while providing a unique schooling experience distinct from her own upbringing in Germany.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of Dubai’s educational scene, Anna-Maria Ferchichi’s views remind us that sometimes, taking a step back can be as valuable as hitting the books. As the debate over educational methods continues, maybe we should all take a page from her playbook—after all, life is more than just school!