Cognition in Abu Dhabi

Dr John Langley, Tim Groser, and Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili.

The new offices of NZ education consultancy Cognition Education in Abu Dhabi, were officially opened on 29th April, 2010.

Cognition Education works in 24 schools in Abu Dhabi on schooling development projects for the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC). It has worked in the Gulf States on education reform contracts since 2004 and employs 300 staff in Abu Dhabi and Qatar.

“As a NZ company we are delighted that the minister of trade, Tim Groser, opened our Abu Dhabi office,” said Cognition CEO Dr John Langley.

“We have experienced significant growth in the Gulf States over the last few years and we appreciate the importance of having a strong relationship between our organisation and this country.”

The minister was in the region as part of the NZ government delegation to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

The minister also visited Um Habiba Primary School for Girls, a school which Cognition is working in. He was welcomed by the director general of ADEC, His Excellency Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili.

Dr Langley, Cognition chairman Stewart Germann, and other government and business representatives were also present, including NZ business people travelling with the delegation.

Guests attended a tabour at the school which was a cultural performance including music and a dramatic performance from the students incorporating many traditional cultural references and an exchange of gifts.

“There is no better way of increasing understanding between two peoples than through education. We believe we are achieving this through our work here,” said Dr Langley.

Cognition is NZ’s leading independent education consultancy and services provider and is the country’s largest education services exporter.