Latest news with #HarrowInternationalSchool
Bloomberg
18-07-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Harrow Pitches $75,000 Boarding School to NYC, International Parents
Wealth Spending & Earning Harrow International School New York, an outpost of the historic British academy, will open a co-ed campus on Long Island in September.
The National
10-07-2025
- Business
- The National
Harrow School UAE head reflects on fees, AI and shaping future leaders ahead of launch
The newly-appointed head of two Harrow schools expected to open in Abu Dhabi and Dubai in 2026 has told of his vision to 'redefine the education landscape' and help mould the leaders of tomorrow. Simon O'Connor, who will oversee both campuses, said a Harrovian should be equipped to 'lead in any capacity anywhere in the world' and life at the schools – from the intellectual rigour to sports and music delivered by world-class teachers – will build that type of character. Speaking a day after he was named executive principal of the two schools, Mr O'Connor offered a glimpse of what pupils and parents can expect when Harrow International School Dubai and Harrow International School Abu Dhabi welcome pupils. Mr O'Connor also reflected on the role artificial intelligence will play, why less screen time for pupils is crucial and what parents will get in return for 'super-premium' school fees. '[The schools] will blend intellectual rigour, well-being, leadership and more, and will redefine the education landscape,' Mr O'Connor told The National on Wednesday. 'It will be the pinnacle so many schools will aspire to.' Renowned school goes global UK's Harrow is arguably one of the most famous educational institutions in the world. Its history stretches back about 450 years. Former UK prime minister Winston Churchill, the poet Lord Byron and Maro Itoje, captain of both the England and British and Irish Lions rugby teams, are among those who have walked its hallowed halls. The development of Harrow schools in the UAE comes through a partnership with Taaleem, which has secured exclusive rights to operate Harrow International Schools in the six countries of the GCC. It was previously announced that the schools in the UAE will have a fee structure of Dh80,000 to Dh100,000 ($21,780 to $27,230) for pupils in early years to year 6. Details on admissions for both schools will be announced shortly, Taaleem said. It is also expected both will open in 2026 and further thought the schools will gradually expand to serve older pupils. Each Harrow school – covering 50,000 square metres in Dubai and 70,000 square metres on Saadiyat Island – will eventually accommodate up to 2,000 pupils. Delivering value for money Mr O'Connor said the organisation understands that choosing a school is a significant investment as fees are increasing and 'we take that incredibly seriously'. 'This creates a responsibility to invest in quality and Harrow International Schools will invest in the development of facilities, curriculum innovation, student and staff well-being. In Harrow, we are determined to create an experience that matches or exceeds the fee points,' said Mr O'Connor, who will also serve as the founding principal of the Dubai school. He said attending the schools would be a 'life-defining experience' and the cost was an opportunity to 'invest' in students' 'character, potential and global readiness' so they can be 'leaders of tomorrow'. He said both will have advanced campuses and world-class facilities and Harrow will bring in the 'very best teachers from across the globe'. It will seek to implement Harrow's house system – which divides pupils into smaller groups (or houses) for social interaction and pastoral care – in both schools. '[The two schools] represent the pinnacle of education offering in the UAE,' he said. 'A Harrovian should be equipped to lead in any capacity anywhere in the world. It is not just about preparation for today but about shaping future leaders.' Mr O'Connor, 53, has about 25 years' experience in the UK and UAE. He previously served as director of Deira International School and is a former principal of Jumeirah College. He is also the founder of the Centre for Education Action Research, an alliance of educators assessing themes such as artificial intelligence. AI to assist not replace He said that over the past two years, teaching had changed more than at any time in his career and educators had to embrace AI. He said it could lead to greater efficiencies such as helping teachers to save time on tasks such as grading. 'AI won't replace teachers but our students will need to be AI natives and use it to their advantage,' he said. 'A balance has to be struck. The question becomes 'what do we do with time'.' Mr O'Connor said that when schools went online during Covid-19 it reinforced how teaching is about human interaction, and that would inform how both schools would operate. 'We are determined not to be screen-free but to have limited screen time. Everything has shown us that interaction between people is what is most important. AI should be a servant to the people; people should not be a servant to AI.' Harrow's arrival in the UAE comes as the populations of Dubai and Abu Dhabi are surging, leading to a huge demand for schools. Abu Dhabi's population passed four million last week, while Dubai's stands at about 3.97 million and is rising rapidly. Dubai's private school sector alone recorded a 6 per cent rise in enrolments this academic year, reaching 387,441 pupils across 227 schools, the emirate's Knowledge and Human Development Authority said. Work to prepare both schools is advancing rapidly and Mr O'Connor is confident the arrival of Harrow is a game-changer. 'I'm very honoured and excited to get this role,' he said. 'I'm really looking forward to it.'
Khaleej Times
27-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Abu Dhabi residential market shows resilience amid supply constraints
Average real estate sales rates across the Abu Dhabi market rose to Dh16,200 per sqm in Q1 2025 from Dh14,100 per sqm in Q1 2024, representing a 13.4 per cent year-on-year increase, a report showed on Tuesday. According to Savills' latest Abu Dhabi Residential Market in Minutes – Q1 2025 report, the share of ready property transactions grew to 68 per cent, compared to 44 per cent in 2024 and 25 per cent in 2023, indicating stronger demand for move-in ready stock. The report reveals that while transaction volumes have moderated, the market continues to show resilience, supported by sustained demand, limited new supply, and the emirate's growing international appeal. Abu Dhabi recorded a 3.8 per cent GDP increase in 2024, with the UAE's economy forecast to grow by 4.7 per cent in 2025, according to Oxford Economics. The emirate was also named the world's safest city for the ninth consecutive year, reinforcing its position as a destination of choice for individuals and businesses alike. Continued investment in cultural, educational, and lifestyle infrastructure, including the Saadiyat Cultural District and the announcement of Harrow International School's first GCC site, is further contributing to the city's appeal as a place to live and invest. In Q1 2025, just under 1,500 residential units were transacted within Abu Dhabi Municipality, reflecting a 39 per cent year-on-year decline and the lowest quarterly figure since Q2 2022. Only 10 new projects entered the market during the period, delivering fewer than 3,000 units, impacting transaction levels. This limited pipeline has resulted in a competitive landscape across the leasing, secondary sales, and off-plan segments, with waiting lists for good quality buildings re-emerging and off-plan units increasingly trading at a premium. In the villa segment, capital values increased by seven per cent on Al Reef, 10 per cent on Yas Island, and 26 per cent on Saadiyat Island, highlighting continued demand for prime, lifestyle-led developments. For apartments, Saadiyat Island saw the highest year-on-year growth at 22 per cent, while values across Al Raha, Reem Island, and Yas Island remained steady. Overall, apartment transactions accounted for 63 per cent of activity in Q1 2025, with completed units making up the majority. Ali Ishaq, Head of Residential Agency, Abu Dhabi at Savills Middle East, said: 'Demand is clearly present, particularly within well-connected and master-planned communities. The shortage of new launches has channelled activity towards the ready market, and we are seeing this reflected in both transaction share and rising capital values.' According to the report, interest in the Abu Dhabi residential market continues to be supported by broader shifts in sentiment among expatriate families, driven by recent visa reforms and the development of the education sector. The announcement of a Disney theme park on Yas Island and the entry of international developers into the market are also expected to enhance future demand. Savills anticipates continued activity in the ready market over the coming months, with demand likely to remain strong for high-quality residential product, particularly within established communities.
Arabian Business
27-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Abu Dhabi real estate transactions fall, prices rise; best-performing areas in Q1 revealed
Abu Dhabi residential real estate transaction volume fell by almost 40 per cent, but prices increased in Q1 2025, according to the Savills Abu Dhabi Residential Market in Minutes – Q1 2025 report. The Savills research shows that, while transaction volumes have moderated, the market continues to show resilience, supported by sustained demand, limited new supply, and the emirate's growing international appeal. Abu Dhabi recorded a 3.8 per cent GDP increase in 2024, with the UAE's economy forecast to grow by 4.7 per cent in 2025, according to Oxford Economics. Abu Dhabi real estate supply The emirate was also named the world's safest city for the ninth consecutive year, reinforcing its position as a destination of choice for individuals and businesses alike. Continued investment in cultural, educational, and lifestyle infrastructure, including the Saadiyat Cultural District and the announcement of Harrow International School's first GCC site, is further contributing to the city's appeal as a place to live and invest. In Q1 2025, just under 1,500 residential units were transacted within Abu Dhabi Municipality, reflecting a 39 per cent year-on-year decline and the lowest quarterly figure since Q2 2022. Only 10 new projects entered the market during the period, delivering fewer than 3,000 units, impacting transaction levels. This limited pipeline has resulted in a competitive landscape across the leasing, secondary sales, and off-plan segments, with waiting lists for good quality buildings re-emerging and off-plan units increasingly trading at a premium. Average sales rates across the market rose from AED14,100 ($3,840) per sqm in Q1 2024 to AED16,200 ($4,410) per sqm in Q1 2025, representing a 13.4 per cent year-on-year increase. The share of ready property transactions grew to 68 per cent, compared to 44 per cent in 2024 and 25 per cent in 2023, indicating stronger demand for move-in ready stock. In the villa segment, capital values increased by 7 per cent on Al Reef, 10 per cent on Yas Island, and 26 per cent on Saadiyat Island, highlighting continued demand for prime, lifestyle-led developments. For apartments, Saadiyat Island saw the highest year-on-year growth at 22 per cent, while values across Al Raha, Reem Island, and Yas Island remained steady. Overall, apartment transactions accounted for 63 per cent of activity in Q1 2025, with completed units making up the majority. Ali Ishaq, Head of Residential Agency, Abu Dhabi at Savills Middle East, said: 'Demand is clearly present, particularly within well-connected and master-planned communities. The shortage of new launches has channelled activity towards the ready market, and we are seeing this reflected in both transaction share and rising capital values.' According to the report, interest in the Abu Dhabi residential market continues to be supported by broader shifts in sentiment among expatriate families, driven by recent visa reforms and the development of the education sector. The announcement of a Disney theme park on Yas Island and the entry of international developers into the market are also expected to enhance future demand. Savills anticipates continued activity in the ready market over the coming months, with demand likely to remain strong for high-quality residential product, particularly within established communities.
Zawya
27-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Abu Dhabi residential market shows resilience amid supply constraints, reports Savills
Savills latest Abu Dhabi Residential Market in Minutes – Q1 2025 reveals that while transaction volumes have moderated, the market continues to show resilience, supported by sustained demand, limited new supply, and the emirate's growing international appeal. Abu Dhabi recorded a 3.8% GDP increase in 2024, with the UAE's economy forecast to grow by 4.7% in 2025, according to Oxford Economics. The emirate was also named the world's safest city for the ninth consecutive year, reinforcing its position as a destination of choice for individuals and businesses alike. Continued investment in cultural, educational, and lifestyle infrastructure, including the Saadiyat Cultural District and the announcement of Harrow International School's first GCC site, is further contributing to the city's appeal as a place to live and invest. In Q1 2025, just under 1,500 residential units were transacted within Abu Dhabi Municipality, reflecting a 39% year-on-year decline and the lowest quarterly figure since Q2 2022. Only 10 new projects entered the market during the period, delivering fewer than 3,000 units, impacting transaction levels. This limited pipeline has resulted in a competitive landscape across the leasing, secondary sales, and off-plan segments, with waiting lists for good quality buildings re-emerging and off-plan units increasingly trading at a premium. Average sales rates across the market rose from AED 14,100 per sqm in Q1 2024 to AED 16,200 per sqm in Q1 2025, representing a 13.4% year-on-year increase. The share of ready property transactions grew to 68%, compared to 44% in 2024 and 25% in 2023, indicating stronger demand for move-in ready stock. In the villa segment, capital values increased by 7% on Al Reef, 10% on Yas Island, and 26% on Saadiyat Island, highlighting continued demand for prime, lifestyle-led developments. For apartments, Saadiyat Island saw the highest year-on-year growth at 22%, while values across Al Raha, Reem Island, and Yas Island remained steady. Overall, apartment transactions accounted for 63% of activity in Q1 2025, with completed units making up the majority. Ali Ishaq, Head of Residential Agency, Abu Dhabi at Savills Middle East, commented: 'Demand is clearly present, particularly within well-connected and master-planned communities. The shortage of new launches has channelled activity towards the ready market, and we are seeing this reflected in both transaction share and rising capital values.' According to the report, interest in the Abu Dhabi residential market continues to be supported by broader shifts in sentiment among expatriate families, driven by recent visa reforms and the development of the education sector. The announcement of a Disney theme park on Yas Island and the entry of international developers into the market are also expected to enhance future demand. Savills anticipates continued activity in the ready market over the coming months, with demand likely to remain strong for high-quality residential product, particularly within established communities. Read the complete findings of the reports here: Abu Dhabi Residential Market Q1 2025 Report About Savills Middle East: Savills plc is a global real estate services provider listed on the London Stock Exchange. With a presence in the Middle East for over 40 years, Savills offers an extensive range of specialist advisory, management and transactional services across the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Bahrain, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. Expertise includes property management, residential and commercial agency services, property and business assets valuation, and investment and development advisory. Originally founded in the UK in 1855, Savills has an international network of over 700 offices and associates employing over 40,000 people across the Americas, UK, Europe, Asia Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East. For further information, please contact: Savills press office:
