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ABU DHABI/AD MEDIA OFFICE
Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) has partnered with Taaleem Holdings PJSC (Taaleem), a leading K-12 premium education provider in the UAE with a portfolio of 34 schools, to develop a Harrow International School site on Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, the first based in the GCC Region, as well as the first boarding school in the emirate.
The partnership announcement follows approval from Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) and the signing of a Musataha land lease agreement for a plot on Saadiyat Island, as well as an agreement signed in 2024 between Taaleem and Harrow International Schools Ltd. to open the institution in the UAE.
The landmark development marks a significant step in Taaleem’s strategic expansion and its commitment to providing diverse, world-class education to the region. The partnership also marks a key milestone for ADIO’s Musataha programme, which allows UAE national investors to develop long-term infrastructure projects on public land, enhancing the quality of life in Abu Dhabi and attracting projects that align with the emirate’s strategic vision.
Harrow International School Abu Dhabi will offer a distinctive educational experience that blends academic excellence, co-curricular opportunities and character development. Renowned globally for its house system, the school aims to provide a world-class education for students while contributing to Abu Dhabi’s growing appeal as a destination for high-net-worth individuals. The opening of the Abu Dhabi site is part of a broader slate of initiatives aimed at enhancing Abu Dhabi’s lifestyle offerings, providing an environment conducive to families seeking unparalleled educational opportunities.
Harrow International School Abu Dhabi will be a value-accretive addition to Taaleem’s portfolio, marking the company’s entry into the super-premium education market and opening new avenues for growth. By broadening its range of educational offerings and tapping into the renowned Harrow brand, Taaleem aims to strengthen its competitive edge and drive long-term growth for shareholders.
The Abu Dhabi site will be the first Harrow International School in the GCC Region and is scheduled to open its doors to students in mid-2026. The state-of-the-art school will be built on a prime 70,000-square-metre plot and will initially cater to students from Early Years to Year 6, with gradual expansion through the higher years, and a capacity of 1,800 students. An Expression of Interest process for families and students will open shortly and will be followed by the opening of enrolments in October 2025.
Drawing on Harrow’s 450-year legacy of educational excellence, the school will offer a British curriculum and will introduce Harrow’s renowned academic approach, exceptional pastoral care and extensive co-curricular programmes to the UAE. Class sizes will be optimised to ensure personalised attention, with a focus on academic rigour and holistic development.
The launch of Harrow International School Abu Dhabi will enhance Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s standing in the global education landscape, providing students with a truly global, super-premium education experience. Taaleem continues to support and enable the UAE’s vision of becoming a global hub for education, attracting international students and enhancing the country’s knowledge economy.
His Excellency Mubarak Hamad Al Mheiri, Undersecretary at ADEK, said: “We remain committed to supporting investment in the education sector and enhancing efforts to enrich the learning experience. The addition of Harrow International School Abu Dhabi further enriches our educational landscape, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a hub for academic excellence. We look forward to continuing to offer innovative and valuable learning experiences and attracting more world-class educational institutions.”
His Excellency Badr Al-Olama, Director-General of ADIO, said: “The establishment of Harrow International School Abu Dhabi marks a significant step forward in advancing the emirate’s vision of building a knowledge-based economy. Through strategic collaborations, ADIO is unlocking opportunities for world-class institutions to thrive, while delivering long-term value for our communities. This initiative reflects our commitment to fostering meaningful partnerships that enhance quality of life, empower young leaders and solidify Abu Dhabi’s position as a premier destination for investors, entrepreneurs and talent.”
His Excellency Edward Hobart, British Ambassador to the UAE, said: “The opening of Harrow International School in the UAE is a testament to the strong educational ties between the UK and the UAE and our shared aspiration for academic excellence. As the alma mater of Winston Churchill, Harrow has a legacy of building character and educating leaders. By establishing this school, Abu Dhabi will benefit from the finest traditions of British education which should help to shape the next generation of the UAE’s leaders. This exposure to Emirati and British influence will inspire students to reach their full potential and contribute to a brighter future.”
Khalid Al Tayer, Chairman of Taaleem, said: “The launch of Harrow International School Abu Dhabi, the first Harrow International School in the GCC, marks our strategic expansion into the super-premium education sector reflecting our commitment to providing educational excellence and our desire to play a leading role in shaping the future of education in the UAE. Harrow International School Abu Dhabi also aligns with the growth strategy Taaleem communicated at the time of its IPO, to invest in building new, state-of-the-art schools in high-demand communities whilst enhancing the quality of education for all students across the UAE.”
Mel Mrowiec, Chairman of Harrow International Schools Limited, said: “As a leading and well-respected provider of premium education in the UAE for the past 20 years, Taaleem has built a reputation for delivering world-class education through a diverse portfolio of schools, each renowned for academic excellence, innovation and a commitment to holistic student development. Our partnership represents a shared vision to bring Harrow’s outstanding, values-driven education to new communities across the GCC region. The Taaleem Harrow Schools will nurture leadership, character and academic achievement, preparing students for success in an increasingly globalised world.”
Development of the school site, already at advanced design stage, is being led by award-winning architecture firm KODA.
Taaleem holds exclusive rights to own and operate Harrow International Schools across the GCC and expects to announce another Harrow International School in the UAE later this year.