There are a reported 38,000 students across its UAE schools
Aldar Education is starting the new academic year with more than 19,750 students enrolled across its owned schools, marking a rise of more than 10 per cent year on year.
According to information published by Aldar, the education group now has 38,000 students across 27 owned and managed schools across its wider portfolio, up from 36,000 at the start of the previous academic year.
The growth comes as families continue to move to the UAE, with demand for school places increasing alongside the country’s growing population.
Aldar says enrolment has been particularly strong at Noya British School, Yasmina American School, Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, Muna British Academy and Yasmina British Academy, with 5,100 new students joining its network this academic year.
Sahar Cooper, CEO of Aldar Education, said the figures reflect families’ confidence in the group as well as the UAE as a place to live and raise a family.
She added that the focus isn’t simply on adding more school places, but on expanding access to modern facilities, international-standard education and teachers, while keeping students connected to the UAE’s culture and values.
One of the biggest additions this academic year is Rugby School Dubai, Aldar Education’s first campus in Dubai and the first UAE branch of the historic British school, which was founded in 1567.
Located in Nad Al Sheba, the school has been designed around Rugby’s ‘The Whole Person, The Whole Point’ ethos, combining academics with sport, creativity and technology.
The campus includes a 17,300-square-metre sports complex and an AI and Technology Lab, as well as an immersive aviation space featuring a flight simulator.
So, yes, pupils can get hands-on with emerging technology, and potentially take the controls of a flight simulator while they’re at it.
Back in Abu Dhabi, some existing schools are also expanding to accommodate growing demand.
Muna British Academy has extended its provision to Year 9, while Yasmina American School now goes up to Grade 8, giving more pupils the option to continue their education within the same school.
Aldar says it is also expanding opportunities beyond the classroom, including elite sports and AI education through partnerships with organisations including Dubai Rugby Sevens and Manchester City Football Club.
And there’s more on the way.
Cranleigh Abu Dhabi is preparing to move its Prep and Senior school to a new purpose-built campus on Saadiyat Island, scheduled to open for the 2027/28 academic year.
Meanwhile, King’s College School Wimbledon is set to open on Fahid Island for the 2028/29 academic year, followed by Al Ghadeer British School in 2030/31.
With more schools, expanded year groups and new facilities in the pipeline, Aldar’s education portfolio is continuing to grow alongside the UAE’s increasingly busy school scene.
