Dubai-Nad Al Sheba campus expansion delivers 31 new classrooms for students
Second phase to increase capacity to 2,664 students by 2026
DUBAI – Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, the Knowledge Fund Establishment (KFE) has announced the completion of the first phase of expansion at Dubai Schools – Nad Al Sheba.
The initiative is part of Dubai’s wider plan to strengthen its education sector by offering high-quality learning opportunities and building a future-ready system. It also supports the Dubai Social Agenda 33, which focuses on raising educational standards and nurturing talent in line with the emirate’s long-term aspirations under the Education 33 Strategy.
The development is aligned with the strategic plan approved by Sheikh Hamdan in January 2024, which earmarked Dh530 million for the expansion of Dubai Schools to meet increasing demand for modern learning environments. The Nad Al Sheba project has been designed to enhance capacity, offer specialised facilities, and reinforce Dubai’s position as a hub for world-class education.
Dubai Schools–Nad Al Sheba expansion
The campus expansion is divided into two phases. Phase one, completed in time for the 2025-26 academic year, introduced 31 new classrooms with capacity for 777 students. Phase two, scheduled for completion in July 2026, will add 114 classrooms and 31 laboratories and specialised halls, raising the total capacity to 2,664 students.
In addition to classrooms, the expansion incorporates a wide range of facilities to support holistic student development. These include a semi-Olympic indoor swimming pool, international-standard football pitch, indoor sports hall, fitness gym, and multi-purpose outdoor courts. The integration of academic and athletic facilities reflects Dubai’s focus on developing well-rounded students equipped with both knowledge and life skills.
Institutional vision
Abdulla Mohammed Al Basti, Secretary General of The Executive Council of Dubai and Chairman of the Steering Committee of Dubai Schools, highlighted the city’s ambition to build an inclusive and innovative education ecosystem. Guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, he emphasised that Dubai aims to be ranked among the world’s top 10 cities for education quality under the Dubai Social Agenda 33.
Al Basti added that the Dubai Schools project, closely monitored by Sheikh Hamdan, represents a long-term investment in both students and the emirate’s future. It strengthens the drive for knowledge, promotes emerging technologies, and reinforces Emirati values and identity. He credited Dubai Municipality and KFE for their strong institutional collaboration in implementing the project.
Abdulrahman Saleh Al Saleh, Director General of Dubai Finance and member of the Dubai Schools Steering Committee, said the completion of the first phase of expansion reflects Dubai’s commitment to modernising education and creating a high-quality learning environment for students. He underlined that the committee seeks to build a qualified generation capable of supporting the emirate’s aspirations through integrated government and private sector efforts.
Education priorities
Aisha Miran, Director General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), described the expansion as a direct reflection of Sheikh Hamdan’s vision to empower students, especially Emirati students, with world-class education. She said the development not only supports Dubai Plan 2033 but also ensures that students are equipped with skills needed to compete in a global environment.
Eng. Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, noted that the authority has appointed a dedicated supervisory team of Emirati professionals to oversee technical and construction standards. The Municipality’s role ensures efficiency, resource optimisation, and timely delivery of the project.
Ahmad AbdulKarim Julfar, Chairman of the Knowledge Fund Establishment, said the Nad Al Sheba expansion aligns with the emirate’s long-term vision of building an integrated education system that prepares students for future opportunities. Echoing this, Abdulla Mohammed Al Awar, CEO of KFE, stressed the importance of providing both educational and athletic facilities that foster students’ academic and physical development.
Future development
The Nad Al Sheba expansion forms part of broader initiatives by the Knowledge Fund Establishment to expand educational infrastructure across Dubai. Recent efforts have included the opening of a new Dubai Schools campus in Al Khawaneej and expansion of the existing Al Barsha campus.
Dubai Schools’ model places emphasis on reinforcing national identity while delivering a curriculum that highlights Arabic language, modern sciences, and technology. The approach seeks to prepare students for emerging opportunities while cultivating values that reflect the emirate’s culture and vision.