Aldar Education has announced the launch of Rugby School Dubai, a super-premium British curriculum school that will open for the 2026–2027 academic year.
Developed in partnership with Rugby School Global, the new campus will bring the school’s 450-year UK academic heritage to the UAE, strengthening Aldar Education’s growing portfolio of forward-thinking institutions.
Rugby School Dubai will offer an authentic interpretation of Rugby School UK, reflecting its long-standing aim and ethos, “The Whole Person, The Whole Point.”
The school will deliver world-class British education from the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) through to Sixth Form, supported by value-based teaching methodologies, personalised learning pathways and a broad co-curricular programme.
Rugby School Dubai
Situated in Nad Al Sheba, the purpose-built campus will accommodate students from FS1 to Year 13 across Pre-Prep, Prep, Senior and Sixth Form. Facilities will include more than 90 classrooms, dedicated Nursery, Primary and Secondary learning spaces, and flexible open-plan areas.
Advanced science and technology facilities will feature laboratories for:
- Physics
- Biology
- Electronics
- ICT
- Design Technology
- Food Technology
Students will also have access to performing arts spaces such as art and drama studios and a 400-seat auditorium.
Sports amenities will include swimming pools, rugby and football pitches, tennis courts, a hockey pitch, indoor and outdoor play areas, and an athletics track.
The campus will also offer inclusion and learning support rooms, Junior and Senior dining halls, medical clinics, a parents’ café, staff and senior leadership offices and prayer rooms, all subject to KHDA’s final approval.
Aldar Education
Sahar Cooper, CEO of Aldar Education, said: “We are honoured to partner with Rugby School Global, to bring its distinguished 450-year legacy to the Middle East, through the launch of Rugby School Dubai.
“This marks a significant milestone in our mission to elevate educational excellence in the UAE. This partnership integrates a prestigious educational heritage with a contemporary, nurturing environment tailored to each student’s needs.
“We are proud to drive proactive steps to support the UAE’s 2030 Education Vision by fostering future-ready leaders equipped with the skills and values necessary to thrive globally.”
Rugby School Global
Neil Hampton, CEO of Rugby School Global, said: “We are delighted to be opening Rugby School Dubai in 2026. This will be the fourth overseas campus in a growing, interconnected family of schools, including our three UK schools.
“All the schools in the Rugby School Group share an unwavering commitment to high-quality, holistic education, where outstanding academic achievement is matched by innovative co-curricular provision and sector-leading pastoral care.
“As we say at Rugby, ‘The Whole Person is the Whole Point’, and we are committed to bringing this ethos to our Dubai campus, working closely with our trusted operating partner, Aldar Education, to help shape the future of education in Dubai”.
Executive leadership
To lead the launch, Henry Price has been appointed as Executive Principal. A highly respected educational leader, he brings extensive international experience, including 13 years at Rugby School as Senior Housemaster and Head of Classics, where he developed a deep understanding of the school’s distinctive philosophy and approach.
Founded in 1567, Rugby School UK is one of the oldest independent schools in the United Kingdom and is internationally recognised for its academic excellence and holistic development model.
It maintains strong affiliations with leading universities including the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Durham University, Imperial College London and Ivy League institutions in the United States.
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