'Dubai Schools' Initiative Receives AED 530M Funding Boost

Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has sanctioned an AED 530 million budget for the expansion of the 'Dubai Schools' project.

The initiative involves establishing a new school in Al Khawaneej and expanding the Al Barsha branch, adding over 6,400 seats, 295 classrooms, and 123 specialized facilities. By 2033, the total seats offered by 'Dubai Schools will reach 15,000, aligning with the objectives of 'Dubai Social Agenda 33' to elevate Dubai's education quality globally.

Commencing in March 2021, the project aims to deliver an innovative Emirati schooling system that provides high-quality, value-based education at an affordable cost.

Sheikh Hamdan emphasized that the expansion initiative ensures Dubai's schools not only meet but surpass global benchmarks for educational excellence.

The plan reflects the commitment to enhance education, placing Dubai among the world's top 10 cities. With a focus on national values and affordability, 'Dubai Schools strives to shape a dynamic educational landscape, fostering innovation and excellence in line with the emirate's long-term vision.

As part of the Dubai Social Agenda 33, we are expanding the ‘Dubai Schools’ project with a budget of AED530 million to raise the total number of seats to 15,000 by 2033. We continue to prioritise investments in the education sector, since it is a vital driver of national… pic.twitter.com/wGCaB3Cnfe

— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) January 30, 2024

The 'Dubai Schools initiative is yielding tangible outcomes with the establishment of schools in Al Khawaneej and the expansion of the Al Barsha branch. The project, commencing with 1,205 students in its first academic year, expanded its capacity to 1,965 in the second year and further increased enrollment to 2,580 by the academic year 2023/2024, boasting a diverse student body from 38 nationalities.

The new Al Khawaneej school, covering 446,720 sq.ft., is designed to accommodate 4,028 students from kindergarten to grade 12. Compliant with international standards, the state-of-the-art institution boasts 149 classrooms, 71 cutting-edge laboratories, and specialized classrooms. The facilities include three indoor pools, sports halls, a football pitch, five outdoor courts, and an 11,800 sq. ft. library, enhancing the overall learning environment.

Simultaneously, the Al Barsha branch expansion is set to increase capacity by 2,408 seats, totaling 3,520 students. The addition comprises 98 classrooms, two indoor pools (including a semi-Olympic pool), a football pitch, two sports halls, seven outdoor courts, and a 6,800 sq. ft. library, and 52 laboratories and specialized classrooms.

The Knowledge Fund Establishment and Dubai Municipality reported a 50% completion rate for both projects, anticipating readiness for the 2024/2025 academic year. This progress underscores the commitment to a cutting-edge, internationally aligned educational system as envisioned by the 'Dubai Schools' project.