Victorian Premier Steve Bracks officially opened ACER's new Dubai branch office during his recent visit to the Middle East.  The new office is situated in Dubai's Knowledge Village and is ACER's first overseas office. Noel Campbell, Ambassador of Australia to the UAE and Qatar also officiated at the opening, which took place on March 10.

Speaking at the opening Mr Bracks said "ACER is recognised for the comprehensive services its provides to the education community both within Australia and internationally."

Mr Bracks added that the Dubai office would help to establish ACER as a leading provider of educational research and assessment services in the Middle East region.

The opening of the Dubai office follows a resolution by the ACER board of directors to develop its services in the Middle East with the development of an international testing instrument suitable for the region.

ACER has been working with the UAE Ministry of Education and Youth to develop a national assessment program for government schools and was encouraged by the Ministry to open a branch office in the UAE.   

A major new project for the Dubai office involves the development and administration of the Global Achieve Tests. The program consists of pencil and paper tests for students in Classes 3 to 12 in English, Mathematics and Science. The tests are designed to measure a student's performance in the generic skills that underpin the teaching of these core subjects across the globe. Global Achieve provides schools, students and parents with a comprehensive assessment of student performance in a range of subjects.

The Dubai office will also be involved in contracted research in education in the Gulf States, conducting training programs and workshops for education professionals and marketing of a wide range of ACER products and services.

ACER appointed Mr Alan Egbert to the position of office Manager, ACER Dubai in February.

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