Dubai's GEMS inks deal for new international school

Dubai-based educator GEMS has signed an agreement to operate a new international school in Abu Dhabi, it was announced on Monday.

Baniyas Investment and Development Company (BIDC), the investment arm of Baniyas Sports Club, said it has signed a deal with GEMS Education to develop the school in the Bawabat Al Sharq (BAS) project in Baniyas City, Abu Dhabi.

GEMS Cambridge International School - Abu Dhabi will cater to 3,400 students offering a UK curriculum from Kindergarten through to Year 13.

Classes at the school will commence in September 2013, the company said in a statement.

GEMS Cambridge International School - Abu Dhabi is part of phase 3 of the Bawabat Al Sharq Project, a AED3bn community project in Baniyas City.

The development is a mix of modern residential, retail, entertainment and sporting facilities.

It comprises apartments, villas, healthcare facilities, a FIFA standard football stadium with a seating capacity of 20,000 spectators and the BAS Mall, which hosts 240 prime retail shops.

Subhi Benkhadra, CEO of BIDC said: "We are delighted to be in partnership with GEMS Education, one of the world's leading education companies, at the Bawabat Al Sharq project.

"GEMS Cambridge International School - Abu Dhabi will provide residents of Baniyas City and the wider region with the very best in high quality, private education."

Dino Varkey, group executive director, GEMS Education added: "We at GEMS are very excited at the prospect of offering our GEMS Cambridge International School - Abu Dhabi.

"The school will provide a high quality standard of education in a supportive and friendly learning environment. GEMS Cambridge schools have a proven track record of success in both academic and extra-curricular activities.

"Over the last three years students from GEMS Cambridge schools have been accepted to 97 universities in 26 countries."