Dubai is set to welcome its first Harrow School, with a launch scheduled for the 2026 academic year. The new campus will be built on a sprawling 50,000-square-meter plot located on Hessa Street, and will accommodate up to 1,800 students.
The project follows a land deal between education provider Taaleem and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). Taaleem will operate the school, which marks one of the first Harrow-branded institutions in the UAE. A second Harrow school is also slated to open in Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island in 2026, with a similar capacity of 1,800 students.
Founded in the UK in 1572, Harrow is one of Britain’s most prestigious academic institutions, with a legacy of producing global leaders and scholars. “The school (in Dubai) will join the prestigious Harrow family, offering a British-style curriculum deeply rooted in a long-standing tradition of academic excellence and leadership development,” Taaleem said in a statement.
The Dubai campus will be designed by renowned architectural firm KODA, and will feature purpose-built classrooms along with advanced sports, arts, and leadership training facilities in line with Harrow’s core values and educational standards.
The UAE’s super-premium K-12 education segment is witnessing notable growth, driven by an influx of affluent residents and expanding communities. GEMS Education has also confirmed plans to develop a similar high-end facility, with annual fees starting from Dh116,000.
In the UK, Harrow School charges £20,528 in term fees, inclusive of VAT.
Alan Williamson, CEO of Taaleem, said the new Dubai school would be a strategic and value-enhancing addition. “The value-accretive addition of Harrow Dubai will not only enhance Taaleem’s portfolio but also strengthen its resilience through further diversification of educational options, ensuring sustained value for our stakeholders,” he said.
Industry experts note that demand for placements at top-tier schools continues to rise across the UAE, fueled by population growth and pro-residency reforms aimed at attracting global talent and high-net-worth individuals. As a result, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and even other emirates are likely to see more premium educational developments to meet this growing demand.
