Six of the best! Why Britain's prestigious private schools are making a beeline for the UAE

Six of the best! Why Britain's prestigious private schools are making a beeline for the UAE. A surge in interest from some of the United Kingdom's most renowned private educational institutions is reshaping the landscape of schooling in the United Arab Emirates. Among these developments, Epsom College, a historic school located in Surrey, has announced plans to open two new campuses in the UAE within the next four years. These include a mixed-gender K-12 campus in Abu Dhabi scheduled to open in September 2028, followed by a second school in Dubai two years after that. This initiative is part of a broader trend showing increased collaboration between British private schools and UAE-based entities, driven by the region's growing population and evolving educational demands. The expansion includes other notable names such as Rugby School, which is set to open a Dubai branch in partnership with Aldar Education. Known for being the birthplace of the sport of rugby, this school brings both historical significance and academic prestige to its new location. Similarly, Queen Elizabeth’s School, a selective state school in the UK with origins dating back to 1573, is preparing to launch in Dubai Sports City. Meanwhile, Harrow Dubai, operated by Taaleem Holdings, is expected to open next year. Taaleem will pay a licensing fee to use the name and emblem of Harrow, one of England’s most esteemed private schools. Additional projects include Harrow Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island, which will serve as a boarding school, marking a first for the UAE. Gordonstoun, the Scottish school attended by King Charles III, is also planning to open a branch on Jubail Island, and King’s College School Wimbledon will begin accepting students in Abu Dhabi in 2027. This wave of new schools follows earlier expansions, including the establishment of Repton Dubai in 2007 and branches of Brighton College in Abu Dhabi (2011), Al Ain (2013), and Dubai (2018). However, according to Dr. Mark Abell, a legal advisor specializing in overseas school expansions, the market experienced a period of saturation in the early 2010s, causing some institutions to struggle with differentiation. Recent improvements in the region's economic conditions have led to renewed interest and investment in the sector. Yigit Saf, a partner at Arthur D Little in the UAE, highlighted the rapid growth of Dubai as a major driver behind the increasing demand for K-12 education. He noted that the easing of regulations concerning international partnerships has further encouraged the expansion of British-curriculum schools in the UAE. The UAE's ambitious population growth projections are also playing a crucial role in shaping the future of education in the region. According to the Dubai Urban Master Plan 2040, the city's population is expected to reach 7.8 million by the end of the next decade, nearly doubling the current figure. This anticipated growth underscores the necessity for additional educational infrastructure, creating opportunities for new schools to meet the rising demand for quality education. Nema Education, one of the key investors supporting the establishment of British-linked schools in the UAE, is capitalizing on these trends, aligning itself with the strategic goals of the region's development plans. Mark Lascelles, the head of Epsom College, expressed confidence in the UAE's potential as a destination for educational expansion. He emphasized the country's strong economic performance compared to the UK, despite concerns related to geopolitical tensions such as the Iran war. While acknowledging that the conflict posed initial worries about delays, he stated that the planned projects remain on track. His comments reflect a broader sentiment among educators and investors who see the UAE as a promising environment for continued growth and innovation in the field of education. As these new schools prepare to open their doors, they bring with them not just academic programs but also cultural exchanges and opportunities for international collaboration that could shape the future of education in the Middle East.