In a significant development, Dubai is set to witness a substantial growth in its educational infrastructure with the implementation of an ambitious project under the ‘Dubai Schools’ initiative. Spearheaded by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, the project has received a substantial budget approval of Dh530 million.
The core objective of this initiative is to augment the educational landscape in Dubai by adding over 6,400 seats, constructing 295 classrooms, and establishing a new school by the year 2033. The expansion is strategically aligned with the overarching goals of the Dubai Social Agenda 33, aiming to elevate the quality of education in Dubai and position the emirate among the world’s top 10 cities.
As part of the ‘Dubai Schools’ project, a new educational institution is being established in Al Khawaneej, while the existing Dubai Schools Al Barsha branch is undergoing a substantial expansion. This comprehensive effort will not only introduce additional seats and classrooms but also incorporate 123 laboratories and specialized classrooms, contributing to a total of 15,000 seats by 2033.
The Al Khawaneej school, spanning an impressive 446,720 square feet, is designed to accommodate 4,028 students ranging from kindergarten to grade 12. Built to international standards, the institution will feature 149 classrooms and 71 laboratories and specialized classrooms, all equipped with cutting-edge technologies.
Among its notable amenities are three indoor pools, including a semi-Olympic pool, indoor sports halls, a dedicated sports hall for early years, and a football pitch adhering to international standards. Additionally, the school will house a spacious 11,800-square-foot library, enhancing the overall learning environment.
Simultaneously, the expansion of the Al Barsha branch aims to enhance its capacity by adding 2,408 seats through 98 new classrooms. Upon completion, the branch will have a total capacity of 3,520 students. The expansion project includes two indoor pools, a semi-Olympic pool, a football pitch meeting international standards, two sports halls, seven versatile outdoor courts, a 6,800-square-foot library, and 52 laboratories and specialized classrooms.
The Knowledge Fund Establishment and Dubai Municipality have reported that both projects have achieved a significant 50% completion milestone, with expectations of being ready for the academic year 2024/2025.
Launched in March 2021, the ‘Dubai Schools’ project strives to establish an innovative school model that provides high-quality education at an affordable cost. This initiative aims to create a new Emirati schooling system rooted in national values and standards. The overall objective is to nurture a diverse student body, with representation from 38 different nationalities, and to position Dubai as a hub for world-class education.
