Latest news with #GEMS
Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE's premium schools cross Dh200,000 in annual fees, outpace other GCC countries
The UAE is witnessing accelerated growth in the premium school segment — outpacing its GCC neighbours — driven by a combination of rising affluence, sustained economic growth, the country's longstanding commitment to educational excellence, progressive policy frameworks, and a stable regulatory environment. According to Alpen Capital's latest GCC Education Industry Report, student enrollment across the region is projected to increase by 1.5 million over the next five years, reaching 15.5 million students by 2029. The K-12 segment alone is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.1 per cent, reaching 12.9 million students by 2029. Veteran educators in the UAE point out that these positive trends, particularly in the country, are not only drawing international school operators to the region but are also catering to the expectations of a globally minded and increasingly mobile population. In the UAE, ultra-premium or top-tier schools are characterised by exceptional academic standards, cutting-edge facilities, and a holistic approach to education. A notable addition to this segment is the GEMS School of Research and Innovation, set to open in Dubai Sports City in August 2025. With a sprawling 47,600 square metre campus and a $100 million (Dh367 million) investment — 30 per cent higher than previous premium school ventures — the school will charge KHDA-approved fees ranging from Dh116,000 to Dh206,000 annually. Victoria Lumby, Senior Vice-President, Growth at GEMS Education, said: 'We're witnessing a growing trend of high-earning families — particularly from the UK — relocating to Dubai and the UAE in general and seeking out premium, future-focused education for their children. "Of our 45 schools in the UAE, GEMS School of Research and Innovation (SRI) in particular has become a focal point for many of these new families, attracting strong interest from parents who are drawn to its cutting-edge approach, world-class facilities and hand-picked teachers, and alignment with Dubai's innovation-first outlook," she said. "The fact that we are on track to open in August with more than 400 enrolled students expected on day one is a strong indicator of the school's appeal, and of the confidence new families are placing in both Dubai and GEMS Education as the right environment for their children's development," she added. Other major players are also expanding in this segment. Taaleem's upcoming Harrow-branded schools in the UAE will charge between Dh80,000 and Dh100,000 for Early Years to Year 6. Repton School Dubai, the first UK-branded international school in the UAE, already charges over Dh100,000 for Year 13. David Baldwin, CEO of Cognita Middle East, said: 'There is a growing demand for premium British schools in the UAE, driven by a large international community and many UK expat families. Parents value established British education brands known for academic excellence, qualities that define the Repton Family of Schools. With three Repton Schools across the UAE, that are in high demand, we provide a world-class British education that equips students to excel, lead, and thrive in an ever-evolving global landscape.' Affordable premium schools also in demand The appetite isn't limited to the ultra-elite segment. Schools that offer accessible but academically rigorous international education are also thriving. Alan Williamson, CEO of Taaleem, said: 'At Taaleem, we are experiencing this (premium private school segment) demand first-hand. Dubai British School Jumeira, which opened this academic year, launched with record enrolments for an affordable premium school, highlighting the increasing appetite for accessible yet academically rigorous international education. "Building on this success, Dubai British School Mira, opening in August 2025, already has over 700 students enrolled, a strong indication of the trust families place in our educational offering.' He continued, 'Looking to the future, we are expanding our footprint at the super-premium end of the market with the upcoming launch of two Harrow International Schools in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, both opening in 2026. These schools, part of the prestigious Harrow Family of Schools, will represent the super-premium tier of British education in the UAE, offering a heritage-based model focused on academic excellence, leadership, and character development. "The response to both schools has already been overwhelmingly positive, demonstrating the continued growth of the high-net-worth education segment.' Regional outlook and trends Saudi Arabia also offers a diverse range of schools following IB, UK, US, and Indian curricula, with tuition fees ranging from SAR 5,000 to SAR 90,000 annually. However, the UAE continues to lead the premium market in scale and scope. Other Dubai-based schools with high fees in this bracket include North London Collegiate School Dubai, Gems World Academy, Swiss International Scientific School, Kent College, and Nord Anglia International School. Alpen Capital's report also highlighted a growing preference for private education and international curricula. Dubai alone hosts private schools offering 17 different curricula types. Interestingly, Emirati students now form the second-largest group in Dubai's private schools, after Indian students. Investment in early education Additionally, GCC governments are increasingly prioritising early childhood education, recognising its long-term benefits. This is resulting in significant investments in nurseries and kindergartens and has led to a rise in public-private partnership (PPP) initiatives, particularly in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. School fees in this category are now crossing Dh200,000 annually, driven by a combination of rising affluence, sustained economic growth, the country's longstanding commitment to educational excellence, progressive policy frameworks, and a stable regulatory environment.
bnok24
3 days ago
- Business
- bnok24
First School Management (FSM) by GEMS Education signs strategic partnership with Spark Education Platform (SEP) to launch GEMS-branded schools in KSA and Bahrain
First School Management (FSM), the schools advisory initiative by GEMS Education, has signed its first intellectual property agreement with Spark Education Platform (SEP) to launch the GEMS brand in selected schools in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain SEP is one of the fastest growing K-12 regional school operators. Its portfolio comprises four schools with a capacity surpassing 10,000 students and targeting to grow to over 20 schools with 20,000 enrolled students spreading across KSA and the GCC over the coming five years It is owned by the Saudi Education Fund (SEF), which is managed by EFG Hermes, an EFG Holding company and the leading investment bank in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) The partnership represents an important step in FSM's mission to share GEMS Education's 66 years of expertise in delivering outstanding educational outcomes to around half a million students worldwide, who have graduated from its schools As part of the long-term contract, FSM will provide a focused suite of services under a licensing arrangement to support SEP's operatorship of the GEMS-branded schools. The implementation of these services will play a crucial role in ensuring that the new schools adhere to the high standards synonymous with GEMS Education and safeguarding its long-standing global reputation Sunny Varkey, Chairman and Founder of GEMS Education and the Varkey Foundation, said: 'Our vision has always been to make world-class education accessible to as many students as possible. The launch of First School Management is a natural extension of this commitment, and this partnership with Spark Education Platform is the first of many. We are seeing strong global demand for our expertise and are excited about the opportunities ahead as we continue to support schools in delivering outstanding education in diverse international contexts Karim Moussa, Co-CEO of EFG Hermes, an EFG Holding company, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, commenting: 'After our great success story in Egypt, I am honored to expand our partnership with First School Management into Saudi Arabia and Bahrain as key GCC markets with significant demand for new high-quality K-12 education capacities Ahmed Wahby, CEO of Spark Education Platform (SEP), said: 'This partnership with First School Management and GEMS Education marks an exciting milestone in our mission to redefine educational excellence in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and beyond 'By leveraging our expertise and GEMS Education's global reputation, we are committed to delivering world-class learning experiences that empower students, inspire innovation, and elevate educational standards across the region. Together, we are not just building and transforming schools – we are shaping a brighter future of education The framework agreement between FSM and SEP reflects a shared commitment to excellence in education. It marks just the beginning of GEMS' broader efforts to bring First School Management expertise to schools worldwide FSM, which launched in November 2024, is built upon the core values that have made GEMS Education a global leader in education. FSM mobilises multi-disciplinary teams of experts who provide hands-on support to schools, helping them navigate challenges and achieve operational success By combining international best practices with locally relevant strategies, FSM ensures that partner schools' benefit from a wealth of knowledge gained over decades of experience from the family-run group, which was originated by two teachers and now teaches 200,000 students worldwide every day Google News تابعونا على تابعونا على تطبيق نبض
Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
GEMS education expands to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain with new partnership
UAE-based GEMS Education, is broadening its presence in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. This follows First School Management (FSM) — the schools' advisory arm of GEMS Education — signing its inaugural intellectual property agreement with Spark Education Platform (SEP). GEMS will now introduce its brand to SEP's select schools across Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. SEP, recognised as one of the region's fastest-growing K-12 school operators, currently oversees four schools with a combined capacity of over 10,000 students. The group aims to expand to more than 20 schools with 20,000 students across Saudi Arabia and the GCC within the next five years. SEP is backed by the Saudi Education Fund (SEF), which is managed by EFG Hermes — a subsidiary of EFG Holding and the region's leading investment bank. Sunny Varkey, Chairman and Founder of GEMS Education and the Varkey Foundation, said, 'Our vision has always been to make world-class education accessible to as many students as possible. The launch of First School Management is a natural extension of this commitment, and this partnership with Spark Education Platform is the first of many. We are seeing strong global demand for our expertise and are excited about the opportunities ahead as we continue to support schools in delivering outstanding education in diverse international contexts.' Under this long-term agreement, FSM will deliver a defined range of services through a licensing model to support SEP's operation of GEMS-branded schools. Karim Moussa, Co-CEO of EFG Hermes, an EFG Holding company, said, 'After our great success story in Egypt, I am honored to expand our partnership with First School Management into Saudi Arabia and Bahrain as key GCC markets with significant demand for new high-quality K-12 education capacities.'
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
First School Management by GEMS Education signs strategic partnership with Spark Education Platform
Strategic partnership marks the first contract under FSM's global advisory initiative, with many more to follow SEP is one of the fastest growing K-12 regional school operators, with a portfolio comprising 4 schools across KSA and a combined capacity surpassing 10,000 students FSM will provide an agreed list of services to ensure GEMS standards are delivered across SEP's GEMS-branded schools GEMS-branded schools will implement its renowned educational expertise outside the UAE in the region and worldwide DUBAI - First School Management (FSM), the schools advisory initiative by GEMS Education, has signed its first intellectual property agreement with Spark Education Platform (SEP) to launch the GEMS brand in selected schools in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. SEP is one of the fastest growing K-12 regional school operators. Its portfolio comprises four schools with a capacity surpassing 10,000 students and targeting to grow to over 20 schools with 20,000 enrolled students spreading across KSA and the GCC over the coming five years. It is owned by the Saudi Education Fund (SEF), which is managed by EFG Hermes, an EFG Holding company and the leading investment bank in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The partnership represents an important step in FSM's mission to share GEMS Education's 66 years of expertise in delivering outstanding educational outcomes to around half a million students worldwide, who have graduated from its schools. As part of the long-term contract, FSM will provide a focused suite of services under a licensing arrangement to support SEP's operatorship of the GEMS-branded schools. The implementation of these services will play a crucial role in ensuring that the new schools adhere to the high standards synonymous with GEMS Education and safeguarding its long-standing global reputation. Sunny Varkey, Chairman and Founder of GEMS Education and the Varkey Foundation, said: 'Our vision has always been to make world-class education accessible to as many students as possible. The launch of First School Management is a natural extension of this commitment, and this partnership with Spark Education Platform is the first of many. We are seeing strong global demand for our expertise and are excited about the opportunities ahead as we continue to support schools in delivering outstanding education in diverse international contexts.' Karim Moussa, Co-CEO of EFG Hermes, an EFG Holding company, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, commenting: 'After our great success story in Egypt, I am honored to expand our partnership with First School Management into Saudi Arabia and Bahrain as key GCC markets with significant demand for new high-quality K-12 education capacities.' Ahmed Wahby, CEO of Spark Education Platform (SEP), said: 'This partnership with First School Management and GEMS Education marks an exciting milestone in our mission to redefine educational excellence in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and beyond. 'By leveraging our expertise and GEMS Education's global reputation, we are committed to delivering world-class learning experiences that empower students, inspire innovation, and elevate educational standards across the region. Together, we are not just building and transforming schools – we are shaping a brighter future of education." The framework agreement between FSM and SEP reflects a shared commitment to excellence in education. It marks just the beginning of GEMS' broader efforts to bring First School Management expertise to schools worldwide. FSM, which launched in November 2024, is built upon the core values that have made GEMS Education a global leader in education. FSM mobilises multi-disciplinary teams of experts who provide hands-on support to schools, helping them navigate challenges and achieve operational success. By combining international best practices with locally relevant strategies, FSM ensures that partner schools' benefit from a wealth of knowledge gained over decades of experience from the family-run group, which was originated by two teachers and now teaches 200,000 students worldwide every day. About First School Management First School Management by GEMS Education, with offices in Dubai and London, will partner with schools in both the independent and state sectors worldwide to enhance operational efficiencies, raise standards of education, and support leadership in achieving sustainable success and growth. First School Management is founded on the core values that have distinguished GEMS Education as a global leader in education. Mobilising multi-disciplinary teams with deep expertise, First School Management tailors its services to schools' needs and goals, covering every aspect of school management. About GEMS Education GEMS Education is one of the oldest and largest K-12 private education providers in the world and a trusted and highly regarded choice for quality education in the Middle East and North Africa region. As a company founded in the UAE in 1959, it holds an unparalleled track record of providing diverse curricula and educational choices to all socio-economic means. Every year, students graduating from GEMS schools progress to the world's best universities. Over the past five years, GEMS students have been accepted into over 1,050 universities in 53 countries including all eight Ivy League universities in the US and all 24 Russell Group universities and colleges in the UK. For further information about GEMS Education, visit or contact: Jon Bramley, FSM Corporate Communications ( About Spark Education Platform: Spark Education Platform (SEP) is a fast-growing K-12 operator in KSA, owned by the Saudi Education Fund (SEF), which is managed by EFG Hermes, an EFG Holding company and the leading Investment Bank in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). SEP is dedicated to elevating the standard of education across the Middle East through strategic investments and operational excellence. SEP's portfolio currently includes 4 schools in KSA that are capacble of housing more than 10,000 students. About EFG Holding EFG Holding (EGX: – LSE: EFGD) is a financial institution that boasts a remarkable 40-year legacy of success in seven countries spanning two continents. Operating within three distinct verticals — the Investment Bank (EFG Hermes), Non-Bank Financial Institutions (NBFI) (EFG Finance), and Commercial Bank (Bank NXT) — the company provides a comprehensive range of groundbreaking financial products and services tailored to meet the needs of a diverse clientele, including individual clients and businesses of all sizes. EFG Hermes, the leading investment bank in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), offers extensive financial services, encompassing advisory, asset management, securities brokerage, research, and private equity. In its domestic market, EFG Holding serves as a universal bank, with EFG Finance emerging as the fastest-growing NBFI platform, comprising Tanmeyah, a provider of innovative and integrated financial solutions for small business owners and entrepreneurs, EFG Corp-Solutions, which provides leasing and factoring services, Valu, a universal financial technology powerhouse, Bedaya for mortgage finance, Kaf for insurance, and EFG Finance SMEs, which provides financial services for small and medium enterprises. Furthermore, the company delivers commercial banking solutions through Bank NXT, an integrated retail and corporate banking product provider in Egypt. Proudly present in: Egypt | United Arab Emirates | Saudi Arabia | Kuwait | Bahrain | Kenya | Nigeria Learn more about us at For further information, please contact: May El Gammal Group Chief Marketing & Communications Officer of EFG Holding melgammal@ Omar Salama Associate Director of Communications of EFG Holding osalama@ The EFG Holding Public Relations Team PublicRelations@
Zawya
19-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Pioneer Scholar Programme launched at GEMS School of Research and Innovation
Designed to build a legacy of leadership, purpose, and global impact First cohort will be selected by 1 June ahead of the flagship school's August 2025 opening DUBAI, UAE – GEMS Education today launched the Pioneer Scholars Programme, a transformational new scholarship initiative at its flagship GEMS School of Research and Innovation (SRI), opening in August this year. Open to students entering Years 5 to 8 in the 2025–26 academic year, the programme is designed to identify, develop and continue to support outstanding young students who demonstrate not only exceptional ability, but also the values of curiosity, courage, creativity, and contribution. The first cohort of Pioneer Scholars will be selected by 1 June, with applications now open and a fast-tracked assessment window in place to support the programme's pilot launch. Rooted in SRI's vision of purposeful excellence, the Pioneer Scholars Programme mirrors the legacy-building scholarship frameworks of the world's most revered independent schools, offering tailored pathways in academics, the arts, technology and innovation, and elite sport. Scholars will receive not just financial support, but also structured mentorship, access to exclusive masterclasses and events, and a platform for national and global recognition. Sunny Varkey, Chairman and Founder of GEMS Education, said: 'At GEMS Education, we have always believed that every child has greatness within them. The Pioneer Scholars Programme is our way of shining a light on that greatness – of nurturing brilliance, raising aspirations, and giving the leaders of tomorrow the opportunities they deserve today.' The programme comprises four main scholarship categories: Academic Excellence: Recognising high achievers in mathematics, sciences, humanities, literature, and languages. Creative Arts: Celebrating originality in music, drama, dance, fine arts, and creative writing. Technology & Innovation: Honouring students with talents in robotics, AI, software development, engineering design, and sustainable tech. Sports Leadership: Supporting athletes who demonstrate exceptional ability, perseverance, and team spirit across multiple disciplines. Each scholarship is offered in one of two tiers – Emerging Scholars (Years 5-6) and Distinguished Scholars (Years 7-8) – and is backed by a robust review framework led by the Pioneer Scholars Council. In addition to academic performance and demonstrable talent, successful applicants must undergo a formal multi-step selection process, including personal statements, portfolios or performances, assessments, and interviews. James Monaghan, CEO and Founding Principal of GEMS School of Research and Innovation, said: 'To be named a Pioneer Scholar is to be recognised not only for what you have achieved, but for the impact you are yet to make. This is a powerful statement of belief in our students' futures – and we are proud to be the school that helps shape them.' Pioneer Scholars are expected to serve as role models within the school and wider community, upholding the values and ethos of SRI and GEMS Education at all times. The enrichment opportunities available to scholars include: Personalised mentorship Access to innovation labs, elite sports clinics, and creative showcases Annual gala celebration Public speaking and leadership development Opportunities to represent SRI and GEMS on global platforms Opening in August 2025, GEMS School of Research and Innovation (SRI) is the most ambitious new school in the GEMS portfolio to date – combining exceptional teaching, cutting-edge facilities, and a global outlook to prepare students for lives of purpose and impact. From its innovative curriculum to its pioneering programmes, SRI is designed to set a new benchmark in English curriculum education both regionally and globally. Each Pioneer Scholar will receive a bespoke lapel pin and certificate of conferment, and be formally recorded in the SRI Book of Scholars – a living testament to excellence that will be built on year after year. The inaugural 2025 cycle will culminate with the first official cohort announcement on or before 1 June 2025, ahead of a full annual cycle beginning September 2025. Plans are already in motion to expand the programme to include Sixth Form scholarships and to establish a dedicated endowment fund to support its long-term growth. To learn more about the Pioneer Scholars Programme or to apply, please visit About GEMS Education Every day, GEMS Education has the privilege of educating more than 200,000 students from more than 176 countries through its owned and managed schools around the world. With nearly half a million alumni who in turn have influenced countless millions of lives, GEMS has been recognised as one of the most impactful companies in any sector globally. Founded in the UAE in 1959 and now the largest and most respected K-12 private education group in the world, it holds an unparalleled track record of providing diverse curricula and educational opportunities to families from all socio-economic backgrounds. What began as a single school in a private home in Dubai remains a family business to this day. Its inspiring Chairman and Founder, Sunny Varkey, and his sons, Dino Varkey, the Group Chief Executive Officer, and Jay Varkey, the Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer, continue to provide vision, insight and strategic leadership across the organisation. Through its growing school network and philanthropic initiatives, GEMS is committed to fulfilling its vision of putting a quality education within the reach of every learner, everywhere. Each year, GEMS students graduate to join the world's leading universities. Over the past five years alone, they have been accepted into over 1,050 universities in 53 countries – including all eight Ivy League institutions in the United States and all 24 Russell Group universities in the United Kingdom. GEMS alumni have gone on to successful careers in all sectors around the world, including a large proportion reaching CEO and C-suite status. For further information about GEMS Education, visit or contact: Leen Haffar, Senior Account Executive, Four
