UAE gets a second Harrow School
A. SREENIVASA REDDY (ABU DHABI)Even as the first Harrow International School prepares to commence operations in Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island, a second campus is already on its way—this time in Dubai.The new Harrow School will be located on Dubai's Hessa Street, close to Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah and Emirates Hills, according to a statement from Taaleem Holdings, which holds the exclusive rights to own and operate Harrow International Schools across the GCC.'The school will span a 50,000sqm plot, offering state-of-the-art infrastructure designed to support practical and immersive learning,' the statement said. The announcement follows initial approvals granted by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), the regulatory body for private schools in Dubai.Founded in 1572 under a Royal Charter from Queen Elizabeth I, Harrow School enjoys a global reputation for academic excellence, a wide range of extracurricular activities, and a strong emphasis on leadership.'Harrow Dubai will build on this legacy, offering the prestigious British curriculum in line with Harrow's high standards, with adjustments to reflect the region's culture and values,' the statement added.The campus will initially welcome students from Early Years to Year 6, with plans for gradual expansion to accommodate up to 2,000 pupils. Applications are expected to open in September 2025, with the school becoming fully operational by 2026. Harrow Dubai will feature state-of-the-art facilities designed to provide an outstanding educational experience.'The campus, designed by the renowned KODA architects, will include purpose-built classrooms, sports and arts facilities, and leadership programmes that embody Harrow's core values and standards,' a stock market disclosure by Taaleem Holdings said.The demand for super-premium schools has been rising in the UAE, fuelled by a steady influx of high-net-worth individuals. Recently, GEMS Education launched a $100 million school in Dubai to cater to this segment, which was dubbed the most expensive school in the UAE by international media.Commenting on the occasion, British Ambassador to the UAE, Edward Hobart, said: 'The opening of Harrow Dubai, the second Harrow in the UAE under the Taaleem umbrella, marks a significant milestone in the expansion of both Harrow's and Taaleem's commitment to educational excellence. This new chapter highlights the growing educational ties between the UK and the UAE and reinforces our shared vision for nurturing the next generation of leaders.'Khalid Al Tayer, Chairman of Taaleem, said: 'Harrow has a long-established reputation for excellence, and through our collaboration with Harrow International Schools Limited, we are proud to bring the same values-driven education to Dubai that has shaped generations of leaders.'Mel Mrowiec, Chairman of Harrow International Schools Limited, added: 'The launch of Harrow International School Dubai represents a significant milestone in our plans to give more students in GCC countries access to a Harrow education.'Taaleem Holdings is a leading K-12 premium education provider in the UAE with a portfolio of 38 schools and is listed on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM).
'The value-accretive addition of Harrow Dubai will not only enhance Taaleem's portfolio but also strengthen its resilience through further diversification of educational options,' said Alan Williamson, Chief Executive Officer of Taaleem, in the stock market disclosure.
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