Latest news with #KhalidAlTayer
Fashion Network
14-07-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Fashion Trust Arabia 2025 awards to take place in Doha this November
Fashion Trust Arabia (FTA) has announced the 7th edition of its annual awards ceremony, which celebrates fashion and accessories design across the Middle East and North Africa region, will take place this November in Doha, Qatar. This year's awards night will be broken down into several categories: Eveningwear, Ready-to-Wear, Accessories, Jewelry, Franca Sozzani Debut Talent, Guest Country, along with Honorary Awards recognizing contributions to the global fashion landscape. The FTA advisory board will select 21 finalists across each of the seven categories, selected from pool applicants from across the MENA region. The finalists will then present their collections to the FTA jury and advisory board members made up of industry leaders and tastemakers, including: Reem Acra, Khalid Al Tayer, Adam Baidawi, Nordine Benotmane & Juan Costa, Carmen Busquets, Carlyne Cerf de Dudzeele, Delfina Delettrez, Anna Dello Russo, Dilara Fındıkoğlu, Nina Garcia, Sofia Guellaty, Beka Gvishiani, Ana Khouri, Clare Waight Keller, Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, Mary Katrantzou, Kevin Tekinel & Charles Levai, Saloni Lodha, Saif Mahdhi, Sara Sozzani Maino, Erdem Moralıoğlu, Ugo Mozie, Carlos Nazario, Gaia Repossi, Simone Rocha, Ferdinando Verderi, Wayman & Micah. The winning designers will receive financial grants ranging from $100,000 to $200,000, with the Franca Sozzani Debut Talent Award winner receiving a $50,000 prize. In addition, winners in the Eveningwear, Ready-to-Wear, Accessories, and Jewelry categories will be awarded retail partnerships, with their collections carried for one season by FTA's international retail partner Harrods, and regional retail leader Ounass. Finally, winners will receive a one-year mentorship program, offering personalized guidance on, brand development, marketing and communications, operational scaling and strategic planning, from industry veterans. "Through this multi-faceted support system, Fashion Trust Arabia continues its mission to empower Arab designers and champion creative excellence on a global scale," said the FTA, which added it upcoming 2025 edition will host India as its guest country, in partnership with the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre.
Arabian Business
07-07-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Taaleem's revenue up 18.5% to $268mn on capacity increase
Taaleem, UAE's leading K-12 premium education provider, said its operating revenue grew 18.5 per cent year-on-year (YoY) to AED984.2 million (US$ 268 million) for the first nine months of academic year 2024-25 as enrolment rose 19.2 per cent YoY to 16,678 students in its premium schools and capacity was up 28 per cent to 21,574 seats with the additions of two new schools. Net profit reached AED242.3 million (US$66 million) in the first nine months, up 7.6 per cent YoY, with a stable net profit margin of 24.6 per cent, reflecting a decline of 2.5 percentage points from the prior-year period. Taaleem recorded an EBITDA of AED378.9 million (US$103.2 million), an 11.8 per cent YoY increase, as gross profit grew by 14.9 per cent YoY, recording AED493.5 million (US$134.4 million). During the first nine months of the academic year, Taaleem expanded premium school capacity by 28 per cent through the acquisition of LLFP Meydan and the launch of DBS Jumeira. The group also announced in May that it is expanding into the early education segment through the acquisition of Kids First Group (KFG), a leading GCC nursery operator. The transaction is set to add 34 nurseries to Taaleem's portfolio. The company's premium and super-premium expansion continues, with DBS Mira on track to add 1,800 seats in AY2025-2026, and Harrow School Dubai receiving KHDA approval and securing a land lease in a prime location in Dubai. Khalid Al Tayer, Chairman of Taaleem, commented: 'During the first nine months of the year, we achieved meaningful growth across our premium and government partnership segments, supported by disciplined execution and a clear focus on quality. 'A key milestone this quarter was the announcement of our second Harrow International School in Dubai. Following initial approvals from KHDA and the signing of a land lease for a prime campus, which will accommodate up to 1,800 students, it is scheduled to open in the academic year 2026. This development marks a step forward in our super-premium strategy, emphasising our commitment to delivering world-class education. 'With our portfolio now comprising 38 schools and a student body exceeding 41,300, we remain well-positioned to capture further growth opportunities.' Alan Williamson, Chief Executive Officer of Taaleem, added: 'Our strong financial performance, driven by an 18.5 per cent YoY increase in operating revenue and a 7.6 per cent YoY rise in net profit, highlights the resilience of our business model and sustained demand for high-quality education across the UAE. 'These results underscore the scalability of our model and our ability to deliver value at scale. In parallel, we accelerated investment across our platform, with CAPEX reaching AED600.3 million (US$163.5 million), or 61 per cent of operating revenue, as we invested in acquisitions, new schools, and existing schools. This was supported by an increase in total debt to AED551.2 million (US$150 million), in line with our growth strategy, while our financial position remains strong with net debt at just AED 17.4 million (US$4.75 million). 'In the pipeline, we have the asset-light acquisition of KFG, poised to benefit from rising demand in the early education segment while maintaining financial prudence. With our acquisitions and expansions on track, we remain firmly focused on expanding our impact across the UAE's education landscape.' Premium schools remain the cornerstone of Taaleem's operations, contributing 87.6 per cent to operating revenues. The segment comprises 12 owned and operated schools offering British, IB, American, and French curricula across eight established brands. Premium schools' utilisation stood at 77.3 per cent, declining 5.7 per cent YoY due to the increased capacity, with utilisation levels expected to normalise over the coming terms during the ramp-up phase of newly launched schools. The segment's student-teacher ratio improved slightly to 13.1. The company operates 26 government partnership schools and nurseries under long-term agreements with key public sector entities, including the Department of Education and Knowledge, Knowledge Fund Establishment, and Emirates Schools Establishment. Total capacity across the government partnerships portfolio reached 33,555 seats, up 28.6 per cent YoY, while enrolment rose 3 per cent YoY to 24,685 students. The number of schools increased to 26, following the addition of four nurseries in Q2.
Arabian Business
19-06-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Taaleem gets into early-learning sector with 95% stake acquisition in KFG
UAE's education provider Taaleem Holdings is expanding into the rapidly growing early-learning sector, complementing its existing portfolio of K-12 schools by acquiring a 95 per cent stake in Kids First Group Limited (KFG). KFG is a leading early-learning education provider in the GCC, which operates 34 centrally located nurseries in areas close to business districts and within residential districts in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha. It currently serves more than 5,000 students across multiple leading brands and offers four curricula at various price points, enabling the company to offer tailored education solutions that caters to a broad segment of the market. Taaleem expands into early-learning sector The acquisition, which is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter following regulatory approvals, is expected to deliver a value-accretive expansion for the UAE-listed education provider into the high-growth early-learning segment, offering immediate accretion to both earnings and cashflow. It will be fully self-funded through a mix of equity and debt. Exact financial details of the acquisition were not provided. Khalid Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board of Taaleem, commented: 'This acquisition of Kids First Group represents an important next chapter in Taaleem's growth strategy. By expanding further into the early-learning education segment, we are creating a comprehensive educational pathway that supports children from their earliest stages of development through to K-12 education. 'Kids First Group's proven track record and diverse network of leading nurseries, which receive strong recognition and demand amongst parents, strongly complement our existing market-leading portfolio, while further diversifying Taaleem's offering. This strategic move reinforces our defensive positioning and our commitment to scalable, high-quality education in the region.' Following the completion of the acquisition, KFG will be run as a standalone vertical within Taaleem's portfolio, with the existing management, including the company's founder – Kamil Najjar, who continues as a shareholder with a 5 per cent stake, working with Taaleem's Board of Directors. Najjar, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of KFG, added: 'Since its inception, KFG has been built for one unwavering purpose: the well-being and development of the KFG individual child. For over 14 years, this singular mission has guided the Group's growth and success. 'Today marks an exciting new chapter in KFG's journey. Taaleem's strong educational legacy will enable both organisations to enhance educational standards and accelerate the growth of premium early-learning centres. Together, KFG and Taaleem are committed to setting a new benchmark in early childhood education – preparing children to thrive in an increasingly complex and fast-evolving world, and ensuring they benefit from holistic, world-class learning environments from their earliest years.'
Business of Fashion
23-04-2025
- Business
- Business of Fashion
The Ounass Formula for a Successful Brand Activation
Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community. Partner Content At BoF CROSSROADS 2025 in Dubai, Imran Amed, BoF's founder and CEO, sat down with Khalid Al Tayer, CEO of luxury e-commerce platform Ounass, to unpack his strategy for success when launching a global brand in the Gulf. Imran Amed, founder and CEO of The Business of Fashion and Khalid Al Tayer, CEO of Ounass, on stage during day two of BoF CROSSROADS 2025. (Maya Cellixa) By 23 April 2025 In Partnership With On April 10-11, In This Article © 2025 The Business of Fashion. All rights reserved. For more information read our Terms & Conditions
Hi Dubai
15-04-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Prestigious Harrow School to Launch New Campus in Dubai
Dubai's premium education sector is set for a major boost with the launch of Harrow International School Dubai, the second Harrow-branded institution in the UAE and the latest addition to Taaleem Holdings PJSC's super-premium education portfolio. The announcement follows the February 2025 unveiling of Harrow International School Abu Dhabi. Scheduled to open in 2026, Harrow Dubai will initially welcome students from Early Years to Year 6, with plans to grow to a full capacity of 2,000 students. The campus, located on a prime 50,000sqm plot along Hessa Street, received approval from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and is set to begin accepting applications in September 2025. Developed in collaboration with Harrow International Schools Limited (HISL), the school will offer a prestigious British curriculum tailored to reflect the region's culture and values. The campus design—by Dubai-based, award-winning firm KODA—blends modern architecture with traditional elements, guided by neuro-architectural principles to enhance student wellbeing and engagement. 'Harrow Dubai is a milestone in our mission to expand access to values-driven, world-class education,' said Khalid Al Tayer, Chairman of Taaleem. 'It reflects our commitment to nurturing talent and shaping future leaders across the region.' Edward Hobart, British Ambassador to the UAE, welcomed the development as a reflection of the deepening educational ties between the UK and UAE. 'Harrow's legacy of leadership, character, and academic excellence will now inspire a new generation in Dubai.' With the city's growing population of high-net-worth families and rising demand for elite schooling, Harrow Dubai is positioned to become a cornerstone of Dubai's evolving educational landscape—delivering holistic, future-ready education to the region's next generation. News Source: Khaleej Times
