UAE school operator Taaleem keeps scoring on revenue, profit growth

Dubai: Taaleem, the Dubai-based school operator, netted a 15.4% growth in its first half profit to total Dh160.2 million, with revenues bulking up to Dh648.8 million. The numbers were boosted by more student entries into its premium educational facilities, as well being able to add two more schools.

A big win during this period is being awarded a land lease deal on Saadiyat Island, which has been earmarked for a ‘super-premium’ school in Abu Dhabi. Taaleem had previously bagged the rights to developer UK’s fabled Harrow schools in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. (Taaleem's first-half financials correspond to the September to end February period.)

There was a 28% higher intake of students at its premium institutions, through the acquisition of LLFPM and launching DBS Jumeira, and which paved the way for an increase in the vertical’s enrolment by 18.8% during the same period.

"Our premium segment has seen notable growth, driven by recent strategic acquisitions and expansions," said Khalid Al Tayer, Chairman of Taaleem.

"During first-half of 2024-25, we increased our total capacity by 28.7%, reaching 55,292 seats across our portfolio of 34 schools and 4 nurseries under the Charter Schools contract. This expansion introduced 12,341 new seats, significantly enhancing Taaleem’s growth potential.

"With this increased capacity, Taaleem is now better positioned than ever to build on its success."

Taaleem’s newly acquired school - LLFP (Lycée Libanais Francophone Privé) Meydan - sees the operator add a French curriculum offering, thus opening up another growth area. The school's utilisation rate was 63.5% in H1-2024-25, with 1,314 students enrolled and a total capacity of 2,070 students.

"With this new offering, Taaleem remains committed to expanding its reach beyond its current market offering, with a focus on ramping up enrolment as part of its post-acquisition strategy," said a statement.

According to Alan Williamson, CEO of Taaleem, "We continue to drive our growth strategy forward, with the construction of DBS Mira progressing as planned and the recent awarding of a 70,369 square meter land lease from ADEK for our new super-premium Harrow School in Abu Dhabi."