A Fox News programme has accused Dubai schools network GEMS Education of funding jihad – and UAE residents have come out in defence of the education provider.
Fox Business’ Varney & Co show reported on an investigation by American political website the Daily Caller showing that former US president Bill Clinton was paid more than $5 million in fees by GEMS Education.
The channel’s overseas markets editor Ashley Webster appeared on the show and, citing the Daily Caller report, said: [The organisation] teaches Sharia law, among other things, through a network of more than 100 schools through the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
“They adhere strictly to Sharia law. It’s called GEMS Education, and a portion of their tax, which they call religious tax, goes to funding Islamic jihad.”
Fox claimed the views expressed were not its own but that of the Daily Caller.
GEMS Education declined to comment when contacted by Arabian Business.
Founded by Sunny Varkey, GEMS operates 91 schools worldwide, including 47 in the UAE. They operate an international curriculum, including optional Islamic studies.
Clinton is honorary chairman of a philanthropic foundation set up by Varkey – the Varkey GEMS Foundation – and has spoken several times at GEMS schools in Dubai.
It was reported in 2015 that Clinton had been paid $5.625 million since 2011 by GEMS to lead charity, according to tax returns released in the US.
UAE residents, including teachers and parents at GEMS schools, told The National newspaper that the Daily Caller story was a “total lie”.
“When I read this story I laughed,” said Zeenath Khan, mother of Samara who attends Gems Wellington Academy in Dubai.
“The school is doing nothing wrong. It is ridiculous for someone to pick up on a wild story like this and run with it.
“I question if Fox even understands sharia law. GEMS is teaching Islamic studies, like any other school in the country.
“I’m a Muslim, so I know they are not teaching anything extreme, just the basics of religion to the kids.”
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