A fountain of learning

Dubai: As the first regular school to open in the emirate, Al Ahmadiya’s growth is synonymous with that of Dubai’s. Established in 1912 by a rich merchant, Shaikh Ahmad Bin Dalmouk, the school has seen many ups and downs through its rich history and in a century of learning has nurtured and groomed Dubai’s elite.

The two-storey building, located in the heart of heritage Dubai, has been a fountain of learning for more than 3,500 students.

Like the education it imparted the building has also gone through various phases, with the oldest part dating back to the 1890s, and many new parts added over the years. The school building was renovated in 1995 and was converted into a museum of education in 2000.

Al Ahmadiya School is named after its founder, the pearl merchant Shaikh Ahmad Bin Dalmouk, who passed away before the school was completed. His son Shaikh Mohammad Bin Ahmad Bin Dalmouk completed construction of the building. The school welcomed its first group of students, all boys, in 1912. It was the first regular semi-formal school in Dubai.

As the school evolved physically so it did in spirit. Initially, classes were conducted on mats made from palm-tree leaves with students sitting around their tutors. Benches and desks were introduced much later with three students to a bench.

The curriculum of Al Ahmadiya School was based on traditional religious teachings. Education was free of cost at first and later a nominal fee of 3-5 Indian rupees was introduced. Fees for poor students were paid by Shaikh Mohammad Bin Dalmouk.

Education at Al Ahmadiya School was provided in two stages: primary and advanced. Some of the students in the advanced stage would teach students in the primary stage.

The school was temporarily closed in 1932 due to the harsh economic conditions affecting the country after the collapse of the natural pearl industry and trading. During that period many schools were forced to close.

The government of Dubai began subsidising the school in 1937. Shaikh Mana Bin Rashid Al Maktoum was appointed the head of the education department and supervisor.

Being a pioneer in education, Al Ahmadiya was one of the first schools in Dubai to adopt a formal curriculum in 1956.

When more subjects were introduced demand for the school grew substantially and the number of students reached 823 in 1962 who were crammed into 21 classrooms.

In 1963, the number of students increased further which led to overcrowding. The old building was then abandoned and the school was moved to a new location nearby, where today stands the Al Ras Metro station.