Prestigious British institution Harrow brings its 450-year educational legacy to the UAE with two new campuses opening in 2026, offering holistic education with premium price tags
Elite British Education Arrives in the UAE
Two Harrow-branded schools are set to make their debut in the UAE in 2026, positioning themselves in the ‘super premium’ education sector with tuition fees ranging from Dh80,000 to Dh100,000 for primary years students.
Under the tagline “Tradition Meets Tomorrow,” these institutions aim to blend Harrow’s centuries-old educational heritage with contemporary teaching practices, offering families in the UAE access to one of Britain’s most prestigious educational brands.
Strategic UAE Locations and Ambitious Scale
The first campus will occupy a central 55,000sqm location in Dubai, while the second will be situated on a spacious 70,000sqm plot on Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island. Each school represents a significant investment of Dh350 million and is designed to eventually accommodate approximately 1,800 students.
Both schools will initially cater to children from FS1 to Year 6 (ages three to eleven), with plans to gradually expand to serve students up to age 18.
Beyond Standard Premium Education
Rebecca Gray, Chief Education Officer at Taaleem and a founding team member of Harrow UAE, emphasised in an interview with Khaleej Times that these schools will offer much more than just a prestigious name.
“We are not just offering a prestigious name — we are thoughtfully embedding the true ethos of Harrow on the Hill into every aspect of what we do,” she stated.
The schools will feature:
- Class sizes of 18-22 students for personalised attention
- Co-educational learning environments
- Comprehensive super-curricular activities
- Team teas and prep time
- Personal mentoring for every student
Gray highlighted that these elements are included in the standard school experience rather than offered as additional extras.
Sports for All: The Distinctive ‘Games Model’
A standout feature of Harrow UAE will be its implementation of the distinctive ‘games model’ from day one, giving every student access to team sports regardless of ability level.
“If I’m a female student in Year Four, I will be on the netball courts with all of my fellow peers,” Gray explained. “I might be in the A team or the D team, and that’s okay — because even in the D team, I will be given the opportunity to play competitive matches with peers at my level. Everyone gets the chance to participate at a competitive level, be challenged, and grow.”
Cultivating Future Leaders
The schools will incorporate Harrow’s traditional house system, embedding the institution’s core values of courage, humility, honour, and fellowship into daily student life.
Super-curricular opportunities spanning societies, orchestras, arts, sports, and enterprise will be integral to the learning experience rather than optional add-ons. The schools aim to develop students’ public speaking skills and intellectual curiosity through various platforms.
“Each child will have a personal tutor; this is something that is an integral part of the ethos of Harrow on the Hill, something that will be a part of Harrow UAE from day one. Essentially, we are supporting individual children to build their own personal profile,” said Gray.
Global Legacy and Alumni Network
Founded in 1572, Harrow School boasts an impressive roster of alumni, including several UK Prime Ministers such as Winston Churchill, India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, poet Lord Byron, actor Benedict Cumberbatch, and singer James Blunt.
The UAE branches are already connecting with Harrow alumni in the region, with many expressing interest in contributing to the new schools.
“We’ve had a number of enthusiastic Harrovians — members of the alumni community currently residing in the region — express a strong desire to be involved with Harrow UAE. We’ve already had the pleasure of meeting many who are eager to contribute and join our board,” Gray noted.
Educational Leadership
The school has completed an extensive global search for its Executive Principal, who has already been appointed. Teacher recruitment will soon begin, with a focus on educators who understand both global best practices and local cultural values.
“It’s not just about what you can bring to Harrow, but what Harrow can do for you as an educator,” added Gray. The recruitment of Arabic and Islamic teachers will be prioritised to establish cultural integration as a foundational element of the schools.
Key Takeaway
Harrow’s entry into the UAE education landscape marks a significant development in the region’s premium education sector. With its blend of British educational tradition and contemporary approaches, coupled with substantial investment in facilities and teaching talent, these schools aim to create a distinctive educational offering for families seeking top-tier education with a global reputation. The high fee structure reflects not just the prestigious brand but a comprehensive educational experience designed to develop well-rounded, globally competitive graduates.
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