Taaleem announces plans for prestigious British institution’s Dubai campus as UAE’s super-premium education sector continues to expand
Dubai’s education landscape is set to welcome a prestigious new addition with the confirmation that Harrow School‘s first Dubai campus will be established on Hessa Street. The historic British institution, founded in 1572, will open its doors to students for the 2026 academic year.
Dubai Harrow School: Location and Capacity
Following a formal land agreement between Taaleem and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), construction will proceed on a substantial 50,000 square metre plot. The campus is designed to accommodate up to 1,800 students when fully operational.
This announcement comes shortly after Taaleem confirmed plans for another Harrow School on Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island, also scheduled for a 2026 opening with identical student capacity.
Facilities and Curriculum
“The school will join the prestigious Harrow family, offering a British-style curriculum deeply rooted in a long-standing tradition of academic excellence and leadership development,” Taaleem stated in their official announcement.
The campus design, created by renowned KODA architects, will feature:
- Purpose-built classrooms optimised for modern learning
- Comprehensive sports facilities
- Dedicated arts spaces
- Specialised areas for leadership programmes
These facilities are designed to embody Harrow’s core educational values and maintain the institution’s renowned academic standards.
Taaleem’s Strategic Expansion
For Taaleem, the DFM-listed education provider, the partnership with Harrow represents a significant step into the super-premium schooling sector.
Alan Williamson, CEO of Taaleem, highlighted the strategic importance of this development: “The value-accretive addition of Harrow Dubai will not only enhance Taaleem’s portfolio but also strengthen its resilience through further diversification of educational options, ensuring sustained value for our stakeholders.”
This marks the second Harrow School that Taaleem will manage in the UAE, creating a presence in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi for the prestigious British educational brand.
UAE’s Growing Super-Premium Education Sector
The establishment of Harrow’s Dubai campus signals continued growth in the UAE’s super-premium education market. GEMS Education has also announced plans to enter this sector with a new facility featuring annual fees starting at Dh116,000.
For context, Harrow School’s term fees in the UK currently stand at £20,528, inclusive of VAT.
Industry experts note that demand for places at leading UAE schools continues to reach new heights. This trend is attributed to:
- Expanding resident population
- Recent visa reforms aimed at attracting global wealth
- Growing preference for premium international education options
Meeting Future Educational Demand
Despite the numerous schools already established or in development across the UAE, education sector analysts suggest that Dubai and Abu Dhabi will require additional facilities to meet projected demand.
Many new educational institutions are being integrated into large residential community developments. This approach extends beyond Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with other emirates also planning education facilities as part of their own real estate expansion strategies.
The introduction of Harrow School to Dubai represents another significant milestone in the UAE’s development as a global education hub, providing additional options for families seeking premium British-style education in the region.
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Key Takeaway
The confirmation of Harrow School’s Dubai location on Hessa Street marks a significant addition to the UAE’s super-premium education sector. Scheduled to open in 2026 with capacity for 1,800 students, this prestigious British institution will offer its renowned curriculum and educational approach through a purpose-built campus managed by Taaleem. This development, alongside Harrow’s planned Abu Dhabi campus, reflects the continued growth in demand for high-quality international education options in the UAE, driven by population growth and visa reforms attracting global wealth.
JobXDubai 
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