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GEMS Education launches Dubai’s ‘most expensive’ school
A look at what the GEMS School of Research and Innovation has to offer
GEMS Education has launched what it claims to be the most innovative and premium school in Dubai.
Speaking to Gulf News on Monday, Maryssa O’Connor, Vice-President of Education, GEMS Education, said, “The GEMS School of Research and Innovation, which will be an inclusive school, will have classes running from Foundation 1 all the way to Year 13.”
She said the first term will begin in August 2025 and have classes till Year 6.
The school, which covers an area of 47,600 square metres in Dubai Sports City, has been set up at a cost $100 million, 30 per cent higher than that of existing premium schools.
Asked what the fee structure of the school will be, O’Connor said, “The yearly fees will range from Dh116,000 for Foundation 1 and go up to Dh206,000 for Year 13 eventually.” The annual fees for Year 6 will be Dh152,000.
The school has been set up in Dubai in response to a need for it. “GEMS wanted to be in the right place at the right time with a school that could look ahead to the future,” O’Connor said.
Enhanced British curriculum
The GEMS School of Research and Innovation will follow the enhanced national curriculum of Britain with subjects focused on the future.
Baz Nijjar, Vice-President of Education Technology and Digital Innovation at GEMS, said, “The subjects will cover everything from computer science, artificial intelligence and robotics, to esports, and game design from an early age. Students will also be exposed to specialist languages, the arts, engineering and business.”
He said the school has been designed as a global hub for educational research and aims to set a new benchmark in education by forging partnerships with industry leaders like Microsoft, HP, Apple, and Plug and Play Tech Centre to encourage entrepreneurship and offer real-world learning experiences.
He said the school provides an enhanced sensory experience with dedicated reading and play spaces and STEM and disruption labs to foster creativity and critical thinking.
O’Connor said the school’s Disruption Lab and Research Centre will focus on developing entrepreneurial skills and nurturing innovative thinking and encouraging students to ask questions and problem-solve.
Beyond the classrooms
The learning will go beyond the classrooms. The school also offers a super co-curriculum after school hours to enable students to tap their potential in areas beyond classroom study, be it in music, dance, swimming, gymnastics or other activities.
O’Connor said the school’s faculty currently comprises 40 handpicked teachers who are subject experts. The school also stresses on active parent engagement, with the wellbeing and happiness of students and their families being given priority under a special focus stream called Family First movement, she added.
Sunny Varkey, Chairman and Founder, GEMS Education, said, “The GEMS School of Research and Innovation represents the culmination of everything we’ve learned on our incredible journey at GEMS Education. It is a bold new chapter in education that transforms the way students learn, think and lead – setting new global benchmarks in the process. In short, it ranks among the very finest schools in the world.
“At the heart of the school is a truly exceptional team of educators. Each one has been carefully recruited from the UK and across the world to inspire, guide and challenge our students. Combined with cutting-edge AI-driven technology and unmatched facilities, we’ve created an environment where learning is redefined, potential is unlocked and every student is empowered to pursue excellence.”
GEMS School of Research and Innovation
- Campus size: 47,600 square metres
- Curriculum: Enhanced British Curriculum
- Focus areas: Technology, sports, research, entrepreneurship, and wellbeing
- Student fees: Dh116,000 - Dh206,000 (FS1 to Year 13) with founding families paying 20 per cent less in AY26. Annual fees for Year 6: Dh152,000.
- Target: Inclusive school targeting families seeking premium educational experience
- Project cost: $100 million (30 per cent higher than then cost of previous premium school projects)
Facilities at a glance
- AI-driven personalised learning systems tailored to individual student needs.
- Robotics and disruption labs
- Dedicated esports centre to enhance technical fluency and competitive gaming skills.
- Go-kart engineering workshops featuring a 400m track
- Olympic-size swimming pool
- Premier League-standard football field
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-Spec basketball court with auditorium
- Performing arts venues
- 600-seat auditorium
- Mughal and control courts
- Underground parking
- Workspaces for parents/guardians
- Coffee shop
- Helipad
Beyond the classroom
- Holistic development: Blend of academics, sports and technology under one roof.
- Wellbeing and values: Emphasis on nurturing happiness, critical thinking, and purpose.
- Future-ready education: Equipping students with skills to thrive in an ever-evolving world.
- Handpicked faculty: World-class educators with a proven track record of excellence.
- Family collaboration: Parents play an integral role in the learning journey through Family First initiative.
