GEMS Education is set to launch its most expensive project to date – a $100 million School of Research and Innovation (SRI) in Dubai Sports City. The institution is scheduled to open in August 2025 and will offer several innovative features including a helipad for parents, an NBA-spec basketball court, Premier League standard football field, Olympic-size swimming pool and more.
The new campus, spanning 47,600 square metres will be GEMS Education’s highest investment in a premium school project, with costs running 30 percent higher than previous premium school developments.
The school will follow an enhanced British curriculum with annual fees ranging from AED 116,000 to AED152,000 for FS1 to Year 6, and up to AED206,000 for Year 12. It will initially be an FS1 – Year 6 school, with Year 7 and 8 launching in the school’s second year. Founding families are being offered a 20 percent discount in the academic year 2026.
“The GEMS School of Research and Innovation (SRI) represents the culmination of everything we’ve learned on our incredible journey at GEMS Education. It is a bold new chapter in education that transforms the way students learn, think, and lead – setting new global benchmarks in the process. In short, it ranks among the very finest schools in the world,” Sunny Varkey, Chairman and Founder, GEMS Education said.
“At the heart of SRI is a truly exceptional team of educators. Each one has been carefully recruited from the UK and across the world to inspire, guide, and challenge our students. Combined with cutting-edge AI-driven technology and unmatched facilities, we’ve created an environment where learning is redefined, potential is unlocked, and every student is empowered to pursue excellence,” he added.
A part of SRI’s approach is its integration of technology into learning. The school will feature AI-driven personalised learning systems, robotics and disruption labs, and a dedicated esports centre.
Students will engage with blockchain technology for recording achievements and participate in initiatives like go-kart engineering workshops on a 400m track.
Olympic-grade facilities
The school’s sporting facilities will feature:
- NBA-spec basketball court with an auditorium
- FINA-certified Olympic-size swimming pool with multi-use configurations
- Premier League-standard football field
- 400m Olympic running track
The LEED Gold-certified campus will host several innovative features including an elevated football field that doubles as a helipad. Parents will also benefit from underground parking, dedicated workspaces, and on-site amenities including a coffee shop.
The campus will house a 600-seat auditorium for performances and events, alongside state-of-the-art drama, music, and visual arts spaces. Unique features include Mughal and Control Courts for historical and cultural exploration.
The school is placing strong emphasis on the need for exceptional educators, deploying a recruitment process that is rigorous and focused on attracting educators with proven track records of excellence.
The School of Research and Innovation aligns with several UAE initiatives including the Social Agenda 33 and aims to advance Dubai’s vision 2040. The institution has been crafted to offer an enhanced sensory experience.
Enrollment dates have not yet been revealed.
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