New Harrow School to expand British education footprint in Dubai
KHDA approval granted, with applications opening by September 2025
DUBAI: In a major development for British curriculum education in the UAE, Taaleem Holdings PJSC has announced plans to open Harrow International School Dubai, marking the second addition to its growing super-premium education portfolio.
The initiative is part of Taaleem’s strategic collaboration with Harrow International Schools Limited (HISL), following the recent announcement of Harrow International School Abu Dhabi set to open on Saadiyat Island in 2026.
The Dubai campus will be strategically located on Hessa Street, a key thoroughfare in South Dubai, near Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and Emirates Hills.
Approved by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), the upcoming school will occupy a prominent 50,000 square metre plot and accommodate up to 2,000 students. Construction is already underway, with plans to begin accepting applications by September 2025. Full operations are anticipated to commence in 2026, initially offering classes from Early Years to Year 6, with phased expansion to higher year levels over time.
Modernity meets tradition
The architectural design of the school is being led by award-winning Dubai-based firm KODA, who have drawn on Harrow’s 450-year legacy of academic excellence. The campus will integrate modern innovation with traditional British educational values. Neuro-architectural principles, focused on enhancing student well-being, will be incorporated throughout the facilities to support cognitive development and pastoral care.
In keeping with Harrow tradition, the school will feature the well-established House system, which is designed to instil leadership, camaraderie, and a strong sense of belonging. Students will benefit from mentorship within this structure, which promotes personal growth, integrity, and resilience – values synonymous with the Harrow ethos of honour, courage, humility, and fellowship.
Education excellence
Khalid Al Tayer, Chairman of Taaleem, described the new school as a reflection of the group’s vision to create learning environments that nurture creativity and excellence. “Harrow has a long-established reputation for excellence, and through our collaboration with Harrow International Schools Limited, we are proud to bring the same values-driven education to Dubai that has shaped generations of leaders,” he said.
British Ambassador to the UAE, Edward Hobart, also welcomed the announcement, stating that the new school reinforces strong educational links between the UAE and the UK. “This new chapter highlights the growing educational ties between the UK and the UAE and reinforces our shared vision for nurturing the next generation of leaders,” he remarked.
Strategic growth
Harrow Dubai is a cornerstone of Taaleem’s broader long-term growth strategy. The company recently opened Dubai British School (DBS) Jumeira in 2024 and is set to launch DBS Mira in August 2025. These developments underscore the increasing demand for world-class education driven by Dubai’s rising population of high-net-worth residents.
The new school aligns with Taaleem’s goal to diversify and strengthen its super-premium segment, targeting families seeking globally recognised education options. The expansion also enables Taaleem to provide high-quality British education in more locations across the UAE.
Harrow International School Dubai will be tailored to meet the needs of a diverse and international student body while upholding Harrow’s global standards. The curriculum will combine academic rigour with a rich co-curricular programme including world-class sports, performing arts, and leadership training—geared toward preparing students for entrance into top global universities.
Harrow School
Founded in 1572 under a Royal Charter from Queen Elizabeth I, Harrow School in London is renowned for educating leaders and innovators across the globe. The Dubai campus will continue this legacy, guided by the support and expertise of Harrow International Schools Limited. HISL provides international schools with training, induction, and advisory oversight to ensure consistency in educational practice and alignment with Harrow’s core values.
Mel Mrowiec, Chairman of Harrow International Schools Limited, emphasised the significance of the new campus in the group’s international growth. “The launch of Harrow International School Dubai represents a significant milestone in our plans to give more students in GCC countries access to a Harrow education,” he said. “Our partnership with Taaleem is built on a shared vision – to shape the leaders of tomorrow by offering outstanding educational experiences.”
The curriculum will be rooted in the English National Curriculum, but with regional customisations that reflect the UAE’s culture and community. Emphasis will be placed on holistic student development, blending academic achievement with creative and emotional intelligence. The school’s facilities will reflect this approach, with dedicated spaces for science, technology, arts, sports, and wellness.
Strong foundations
Taaleem is one of the largest K–12 premium education providers in the UAE, operating a portfolio of 38 schools across the country. This includes 12 fully owned private premium schools and 26 government partnership schools run on behalf of local authorities. As of 2025, Taaleem serves over 41,000 students and employs a diverse, highly qualified faculty. The company is listed on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM: TAALEEM).
Under its exclusive GCC agreement with Harrow International Schools Limited, Taaleem holds the rights to establish and operate Harrow-branded institutions across the Gulf region. This agreement underpins the group’s ambitions to cater to the region’s growing appetite for internationally benchmarked education.
Initial regulatory approvals for Harrow Dubai have been granted by KHDA, with further technical reviews to follow in line with standard procedures for all new educational institutions in the emirate.
HISL, a trading subsidiary of the charity that owns Harrow School and its intellectual property, licenses the name and crest to international partners. These schools operate independently but are closely supported and quality-assured by HISL, ensuring fidelity to Harrow’s purpose, strategy, and educational philosophy.