Dubai schools growth: GEMS World Academy to open new IB campus in August 2024

GEMS World Academy – Dubai (GWA) has announced that it plans to expand to open a new purpose-built second campus exclusively for senior students in August 2024.

GWA already offers all four IB programmes to a cohort of around 1,800 pupils, but its planned expansion to a large additional secondary campus cements its position as GEMS Education’s flagship IB continuum school.

The senior school capacity for GWA will experience a gradual increase to accommodate 1,176 students in phased stages. Additionally, there is a vision to expand the total capacity of both campuses to accommodate up to 3,300 students, with the understanding that this growth will be achieved through a gradual filling process. All expansion plans are subject to final approvals from the relevant authorities and KHDA. 

The expansion also represents part of GEMS’ commitment to meeting the growing need for school spaces in the UAE: Dubai reported a record 12% enrolment growth in the 2023/24 academic year – the first ever year of double-digit growth – and the greatest demand is in the premium school sector for higher income groups, according to industry insiders. Since the Knowledge and Human Development Authority was established in 2007, the number of students has doubled, and many schools are at capacity.

Speaking to SchoolsCompared.com in August 2023, Dino Varkey, Group Chief Executive Officer of GEMS Education, said that there was a pressing need for more new schools to open in the emirates:

“Our premium and higher price point schools are at very high levels of utilization. Premium schools within our network are going to be in the very high 90% utilization by the end of 2024.

“This isn’t just for GEMS: The UAE has benefited from the higher income relocation of wealth from both the East and the West. All premium schools are doing well as a result.”

Dino Varkey at GEMS Awareness Day 2023 at the Atlantis hotel on The Palm, Dubai

 

Scheduled to open in the first week of August 2024, GEMS Education said the GWA expansion is aimed at enhancing the learning experiences available to students, ensuring a seamless transition to higher education for all, and accommodating the growing needs of the school community.

The second site will be exclusively available to senior students in Grades 9-12, who will have access to state-of-the-art facilities including an IT-enhanced research centre, subject-specific classrooms, a centre for sustainability, and an examinations hall.

Commenting on the expansion, Dr Saima Rana, CEO/Principal of GEMS World Academy Dubai and GEMS Education’s Chief Education Officer, said:

“Our commitment to providing a world-class education to our students is unwavering. By extending our footprint, we aim to enhance the educational journey for each student, fostering an environment that promotes open-mindedness, principled behaviour, and a commitment to excellence.

“The expansion not only aligns with the IB principles, but also reinforces our dedication to nurturing lifelong learners who are equipped to thrive in an ever-evolving global landscape. We are excited about the possibilities this growth brings and confident that the education we offer will continue to empower our students to become compassionate, knowledgeable, and reflective global citizens.”

Dr Saima Rana, Chief Executive Officer, GEMS World Academy Dubai, and Chief Education Officer, GEMS Education, was awarded the highest accolade at The Top Schools Awards 2024 for being the Best Principal in the United Arab Emirates. The Award was presented at The UAE;s Education Oscars held in The Pavilion, Emirates Gold Club in November 2023.

Nursery to Grade 8 will remain at the existing site, enabling the school to maintain its commitment to a maximum of 25 students per class and offering greater access to specialised facilities for primary and middle school students. These include bespoke spaces for food technology, product design, computer science, and science labs.

Sports facilities at the new site include squash courts, a four-court sports hall, a 25m swimming pool, and a fitness studio. For performing arts, students will have access to music practice rooms, a recording studio, an auditorium, art rooms, a theatre and black box room, as well as a media and green room.

The new site will also feature ample parking – often a sticking point at drop-off and pick-up times for UAE schools – with a free shuttle bus service connecting the two campuses, facilitating more convenient drop-off and pickup options for parents and students.

Read our review of GEMS World Academy here.

Read more about rising population figures and the need for more new schools here.