Aldar to open three schools in Abu Dhabi in the next three years

The education provider will also add thousands of seats to existing schools amid expansion plans

Aldar Education will add thousands of seats to schools in Abu Dhabi over the next three years. Photo: Aldar Education

Aldar Education will open three schools in Abu Dhabi in areas that have recorded population growth over the past few years.

These include Khalifa City, Saadiyat Island and Yas Island.

The education group, owned by Aldar Properties, said it will invest Dh1 billion to diversify its schools' portfolio.

Under the investment plan, thousands of additional seats will be added to schools in Abu Dhabi over the next three years.

Aldar Education is one of our most critical touch points with the community and we want to ensure that more families can benefit from the quality, innovative education we offer in our schools

Talal Al Dhiyebi,
Aldar Properties

Through this investment, Aldar aims to increase the number of pupils in its schools to more than 40,000 by the 2024-2025 academic year.

It is looking to achieve this through a mix of greenfield and school acquisition opportunities in the premium and mid-market segments.

Talal Al Dhiyebi, group chief executive at Aldar Properties, said it was the company's responsibility to ensure it is making a positive impact on all communities in Abu Dhabi.

“Aldar Education is one of our most critical touchpoints with the community and we want to ensure that more families can benefit from the quality education we offer in our schools,” he said.

“This latest investment will help us make notable progress in this direction and it also makes financial sense for a business that is of huge strategic importance to the group.”

Aldar Education owns nine schools under Aldar Academies and Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, and manages a further 11 schools.

To date, 80 per cent of the investment has already been committed to several different projects, including the digital transformation of its schools, further investment in education technology, and the provision of more flexible and diverse education models.

Sahar Cooper, chief executive at Aldar Education, said the education sector is going through constant change and development, and the group is keen to provide pupils with the best tools to help them thrive.

In Khalifa City, Aldar has agreed to its first school acquisition with the purchase of Al Shohub Private School.

On Yas Island, Aldar will open a school within the Noya community, located in Yas North. It will be operated by Aldar Academies.

On Saadiyat Island, the group is expanding Cranleigh Abu Dhabi. Aldar will also develop another school under the Aldar Academies brand on Saadiyat Island that will cater to families in the surrounding communities that seek British curriculum education.

Abu Dhabi pupils return to school - in pictures

Key safety measures were in place at The British School Al Khubairat on January 31 as pupils returned. Victor Besa / The National

A pupil heads back to The British School Al Khubairat on January 31. Victor Besa / The National

Two young pupils return to in-person studies at Brighton College in Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A young learner heads to class at Brighton College. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Senior school pupils were welcomed back at Brighton College .Chris Whiteoak / The National

Brighton College offered a warm welcome to returning learners. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Brighton College in Abu Dhabi is now able to offer in-person teaching for all of its age groups. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Physical distancing rules remain in place to keep the school population safe. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The familiar walk to school was back on the agenda on January 31. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A young pupil prepares to reunite with classmates at Brighton College . Chris Whiteoak / The National

A Brighton College learner makes his way to class. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A pupil returns to the Brighton College campus in Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Many Brighton College Pupils were back on the school bus to start the week. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The British School Al Khubairat in Abu Dhabi marked another milestone moment on January 31. Victor Besa / The National

Pupils get set for in-person lessons at The British School Al Khubairat in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

A young learner makes his way to class at The British School Al Khubairat in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

A pupil is given some guidance on their return to The British School Al Khubairat in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

January 31 marked a first day back to school for thousands of pupils across the country. Victor Besa / The National

Safety remains paramount at The British School Al Khubairat. Victor Besa / The National

A pupil gets set for in-person teaching at The British School Al Khubairat. Victor Besa / The National

A young learner on the back to school trail. Victor Besa / The National