Aldar Education Plans Major Expansion

In a major expansion programme, Aldar Education is spending 1bn AED to diversify its portfolio of schools. Aldar already owns eight schools and a nursery under Aldar Academies, including Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, and manages another 11 educational units, including  seven Charter School and four ADNOC schools.

Currently educating over 24,000 students, to grow its offering to 40,000 students by 2024, the company says it will expand through a mix of greenfield and school acquisition opportunities in the premium and mid-market segments.

It has already taken the first step in its expansion plans, with its first school acquisition through the purchase of Al Shohub Private School in Khalifa City. The British curriculum school, based in Khalifa City, provides a rich, well-rounded curriculum to all students from Nursery to Year 13.
Commenting on this purchase, Sahar Cooper, CEO of Aldar Education said that the group “is excited about the prospect of this growth plan and the opportunities it will bring to Aldar Education. The education sector is going through constant change and development, and we are keen to remain at the forefront of those developments to provide our students with the best tools available to help them unlock their full potential. This includes the provision of more flexible and diverse education models that appeal to a wider range of families in Abu Dhabi.” 

The group is also expanding and relocating Al Yasmina Academy in Khalifa City to consolidate its position as one of the few ADEK ‘outstanding’ rated UK curriculum primary and secondary school campuses in the city. Foundation stage children will relocate to the new purpose built site in August 2022, with remaining year groups following in August 2024.

According to Aldar, to date, 80 per cent of the AED 1 billion investment has been committed to a number of different projects, including the digital transformation of its schools, further investment in education technology, and to the provision of more flexible and diverse education models.

Other planned developments include, on Yas Island, the opening of a UK curriculum school within the Noya community, one of a number of new communities under development. On Saadiyat Island, the group is expanding Cranleigh Abu Dhabi and will also develop another school under the Aldar Academies brand that will cater to families in the surrounding communities that also seek a UK curriculum education – their West Yas Academy already offers a US curriculum.

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 touch points with the community and we want to ensure that more families can benefit from the quality education we offer in our schools. 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.”