Location for UK's Harrow School in Dubai confirmed, set to open in 2026

Dubai: Dubai's first Harrow School will take shape on a 50,000 square meter plot in Hessa Street, with the opening scheduled to start from the 2026 academic year. It will have openings for up to 1,800 students.

This follows the signing of the land deal between Taaleem, which will operate the Harrow School, and the KHDA (Knowledge and Human Development Authority).

Recently, Taaleem confirmed the location of another Harrow school, this one in Abu Dhabi's Saadiyat Island, also set for a 2026 opening and with room for 1,800 students.

These represent the first Harrow schools in the UAE, and represent a major expansion for the fabled UK institution. The first Harrow school was founded in Britain all the way back in 1572.

"The school (in Dubai) will join the prestigious Harrow family, offering a British-style curriculum deeply rooted in a long-standing tradition of academic excellence and leadership development," said a Taaleem statement.

"The campus, designed by the renowned KODA architects, will include purpose-built classrooms, sports and arts facilities, and leadership programs that embody Harrow’s core values and standards."

The UAE will soon see more options open in the super-premium K12 education space. GEMS too has confirmed it will proceed with such a facility, with annual fees starting Dh116,000.

The Harrow School's term fees in the UK are 20,528 pounds, which is inclusive of VAT.

"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," said Alan Williamson, CEO of Taaleem in the statement.

Industry sources say demand for a seat across leading schools in the UAE keeps hitting new highs. An obvious explanation is the increase in the country's resident base, and also the fact that recent visa reforms have made a determined effort to attract the world's wealthy.

This in turn feeds into the need for more premium and super-premium schooling options in the UAE. Even with all the new schools that have already been signed off on - many coming as part of sprawling residential communities - sources say that Dubai and Abu Dhabi will still need more. So too will the other emirates if their own real estate expansions deliver the results they are aiming for.