Firm aims to build 20 schools for UAE capital

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CLASS ACT: Aldar plans to build 20 new schools to cater for 20,000 students in Abu Dhabi. (Getty Images)

A company charged with a key role in the development of Abu Dhabi says it plans to build 20 new schools in the UAE capital over the next five years.

Real estate development firm Aldar Properties is aiming to cater for up to more than 20,000 students, it has announced.

Its subsidiary Aldar Academies on Sunday inaugurated the $40 million Al Yasmina school, the second school to be established by the company but the first to be fully constructed by Aldar.

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The British curriculum Al Yasmina will cater for children from foundation 1 to year 9 for its inaugural years, and in subsequent years will expand to year 13.

The school has a capacity for 2,000 pupils, and boasts one of the best teacher to pupil ratios - 1:24 for the kindergarten and primary level, and 1:20 for the secondary.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Ronald Stephen Barrott, CEO, Aldar Properties, said: "Providing world-class education for our own developments and for the greater Abu Dhabi has always been a major pillar of Aldar's strategy."

Swimming pools, a gymnasium, two junior halls, an activity studio, two Astroturf pitches and recreational areas are available for students as well as an auditorium, amphitheatre, drama studio and recital rooms.