DIB pledges Dh11 million to Dubai Schools for third year running
Expansion plans aim to increase capacity to 15,000 students
DUBAI – Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) has renewed its financial commitment to the ‘Dubai Schools’ project, pledging Dh11 million for the 2026-2027 academic year.
The announcement marks the third consecutive year of support, underscoring a continued collaboration with the Knowledge Fund Establishment (KFE).
The partnership is aimed at strengthening access to affordable, high-quality education for Emirati students while advancing Dubai’s broader development priorities. It also reflects a shared focus on long-term investment in human capital and future-ready learning environments.
Focus on education
The renewed contribution is part of ongoing efforts to expand educational opportunities for Emirati students through the ‘Dubai Schools’ initiative. The programme is designed to provide accessible and high-standard education aligned with national aspirations. It aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to contribute to key economic sectors in the UAE.
The support from DIB contributes directly to strengthening a modern educational framework that promotes innovation, excellence, and national identity. It also reinforces the importance of creating learning environments that respond to evolving industry needs and prepare students for future careers. The initiative continues to position education as a central pillar in developing competitive national talent.
Strategic goals
The partnership between DIB and KFE aligns with several major strategic frameworks, including the Dubai Social Agenda 33, the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, and the Education 33 Strategy. These initiatives collectively focus on improving quality of life, enhancing economic competitiveness, and developing a resilient, knowledge-based society.
According to KFE, the collaboration highlights the role of public-private partnerships in achieving national development goals. The contribution from the banking sector, in particular, demonstrates how financial institutions can play a broader role in shaping long-term social outcomes. During the UAE’s ‘Year of the Family’, the initiative also carries added significance by supporting Emirati families through improved access to education.
Abdulla Mohammed Al Awar, Chief Executive Officer of the Knowledge Fund Establishment, said the continued support reflects a strong model of cooperation between public and private sectors. He noted that such partnerships help empower future generations and deliver sustainable social impact. He also emphasised that investment in education remains essential for strengthening the UAE’s long-term global competitiveness.
Campus growth
As part of its long-term vision, KFE is actively expanding the ‘Dubai Schools’ project to accommodate growing demand. A key development includes the second phase of the Nad Al Sheba campus expansion, which is scheduled for completion in July. The expansion is designed to increase capacity and enhance the learning environment for students.
The broader objective is to scale the initiative to accommodate up to 15,000 students by the 2032-2033 academic year. This growth forms part of a structured plan to build a sustainable and future-focused education ecosystem in Dubai.
Obaid Al Shamsi, Chief Operating Officer of DIB, highlighted that education is central to national resilience and long-term prosperity. He stated that investing in Emirati students represents an investment in the country’s future competitiveness and social progress. He added that the partnership reflects DIB’s continued commitment to supporting Dubai’s strategic priorities in education and family wellbeing.
The Knowledge Fund Establishment reaffirmed that private sector participation remains essential to ensuring the sustainability and expansion of the ‘Dubai Schools’ initiative. It noted that such contributions help broaden access to high-quality education while strengthening opportunities for Emirati students.