Taaleem Holdings a leading K-12 premium education provider in the UAE, announced plans to launch Harrow International School in Abu Dhabi, in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO). The school will be opened on Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi.
The announcement follows approval from the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) and the signing of a Musataha land lease agreement for a plot on Saadiyat Island.
The collaboration agreement with Harrow International Schools Limited marks a significant step in Taaleem’s strategic expansion and its commitment to providing diverse, world-class education to the region.
It also marks a key milestone for ADIO’s Musataha programme, which allows UAE national investors to develop long-term infrastructure projects on public land, enhancing the quality of life in Abu Dhabi and attracting projects that align with the Emirate’s strategic vision.
Taaleem currently has a portfolio of 34 schools and is listed on the Dubai Financial Markets.
Harrow International Abu Dhabi launch
Harrow International School Abu Dhabi is set to become the emirate’s first-ever boarding school.
The school aims to provide a world-class education for students, while contributing to Abu Dhabi’s growing appeal as a destination for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs).
Harrow International School Abu Dhabi will be a value-accretive addition to Taaleem’s portfolio, marking the company’s entry into the super-premium education market and opening new avenues for growth.
Harrow International School Abu Dhabi, the first Harrow International School in the GCC region, is scheduled to open its doors to students in mid-2026.
The state-of-the-art school will be built on a prime 70,000 sqm plot and will initially cater to students from early years to year 6, with gradual expansion through the higher years, with a capacity of 1,800 students.
An ‘Expression of Interest’ process for families and students will open shortly and will be followed by the opening of enrolments in October 2025.
Drawing on Harrow’s 450-year legacy of educational excellence, the school will offer a British curriculum and will introduce Harrow’s renowned academic approach, exceptional pastoral care and extensive co-curricular programmes to the UAE.
Mubarak Hamad Al Mheiri, Undersecretary at the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge, said the emirate remains committed to supporting investment in the education sector and enhancing efforts to enrich the learning experience.
“The addition of Harrow International School Abu Dhabi further enriches our educational landscape, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a hub for academic excellence,” he said.
Khalid Al Tayer, Chairman of Taaleem, said the move to open Harrow International School Abu Dhabi aligns with the growth strategy Taaleem communicated at the time of its IPO.
Mel Mrowiec, Chairman of Harrow International Schools Limited, said the partnership represents a shared vision to bring Harrow’s outstanding, values-driven education to new communities across the GCC region.
“The Taaleem Harrow Schools will nurture leadership, character and academic achievement, preparing students for success in an increasingly globalised world,” he said.
The school is already in the advanced design stage, led by award-winning Dubai-based educational architecture firm KODA.
Taaleem said it holds exclusive rights to own and operate Harrow International Schools across the GCC and expects to announce another Harrow International School in the UAE later this year.
Follow us on
