Dubai Schools Nad Al Sheba expansion: 777 seats, Olympic-grade facilities

Under the directives of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, the Knowledge Fund Establishment (KFE) has announced the successful completion of Phase One of the major expansion at Dubai Schools – Nad Al Sheba.

The ambitious expansion initiative, driven by Dubai’s visionary leadership, is part of a broader strategy to reinforce the city’s status as a global hub for high-quality education. It directly supports the objectives of the Dubai Social Agenda 33, a comprehensive policy framework aimed at elevating the overall quality of life in the emirate, including education, healthcare, housing, and community development.

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The Dubai Schools expansion project is rooted in the goals of the Education 33 Strategy (E33), which is designed to future-proof the emirate’s educational system by enhancing capacity, introducing international best practices, and supporting the development of holistic student experiences, a Dubai Media Office report said.

In January 2024, Sheikh Hamdan approved a comprehensive plan to increase capacity across Dubai Schools, backed by an investment of Dhs530m. This move reflects the leadership’s commitment to nurturing a talented generation capable of driving Dubai’s growth in a rapidly evolving global economy.

As part of this vision, the Nad Al Sheba campus expansion represents a cornerstone in a broader developmental strategy that is not only scaling infrastructure but also reimagining the way education is delivered in the emirate.

Phase One completed: More classrooms, more opportunities

Phase One of the project, completed ahead of the 2025–2026 academic year, has delivered 31 new classrooms with the capacity to accommodate 777 students. This significant enhancement will immediately relieve capacity pressure while improving access for families across the city seeking high-quality, values-driven education.

The project will enter Phase Two in the coming months, with completion scheduled for July 2026. Upon completion, the total capacity of the campus will rise to 2,664 students, with the addition of 114 new classrooms, 31 state-of-the-art laboratories, and specialised halls. This expansion directly responds to the city’s growing population and aligns with the city’s broader infrastructure and human capital strategies.

The Dubai Schools – Nad Al Sheba campus is not solely about academics, it’s built on a holistic model that integrates academic, physical, emotional, and social development.

The expanded campus will include a wide range of integrated athletic facilities such as a semi-Olympic indoor swimming pool, an international-standard football pitch, an indoor sports hall, a fitness gym, and multi-purpose outdoor courts. These features support the physical well-being of students while also promoting teamwork, discipline, and healthy lifestyles, critical components of lifelong success.

Leaders speak: Unified vision, strategic execution

A host of high-level officials spoke about the significance of the expansion and how it reflects Dubai’s coordinated, future-focused governance.

Abdulla Mohammed Al Basti, Secretary General of The Executive Council of Dubai and Chairman of the Steering Committee of Dubai Schools, said:

“Dubai is committed to building an inclusive and innovative education ecosystem that unlocks potential, nurtures talent and continuously evolves. Guided by the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the directives of Sheikh Hamdan, we continue to work collaboratively to enrich the education system and keep pace with the highest international standards, positioning Dubai among the world’s top 10 cities for education quality, in line with the Dubai Social Agenda 33.”

He added that the Dubai Schools project, personally overseen by Sheikh Hamdan, is a strategic investment in students and the city’s long-term development, emphasising both technological innovation and a deep-rooted connection to Emirati values.

Institutional collaboration at its core

Abdulrahman Saleh Al Saleh, Director General of Dubai Finance and member of the Dubai Schools Steering Committee, praised the milestone:

“The completion of the first phase of the expansion project at the Dubai Schools Nad Al Sheba branch represents an important step towards implementing the directives of the wise leadership to develop a world-class educational system in the emirate.”

He added that a collaborative approach across government and private sectors ensures the education sector evolves cohesively and in alignment with Dubai’s aspirations.

Aisha Miran, Director General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), emphasised that the expansion reflects Sheikh Hamdan’s commitment to empowering all students:

“It demonstrates commitment to providing an inspiring and supportive learning environment that meets the diverse needs and aspirations of our students, while equipping them with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in a globally competitive education system.”

Technical oversight, national talent

Eng. Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, underlined the technical rigour involved in the expansion process:

“Dubai continues to build a comprehensive educational model of global standing. Dubai Municipality is closely monitoring all stages of the project to ensure its timely completion. A dedicated supervisory team of Emirati professionals has been appointed to oversee technical and construction aspects.”

This hands-on oversight is a testament to Dubai’s commitment to delivering best-in-class infrastructure that meets rigorous standards while maximising value from public investment.

Ahmad AbdulKarim Julfar, Chairman of the Knowledge Fund Establishment and Member of the Dubai Schools Steering Committee, stated:

“The expansion of the Nad Al Sheba campus aligns with our strategic vision to advance educational infrastructure in the emirate. We remain committed to providing a comprehensive educational environment that meets the needs of future generations.”

Abdulla Mohammed Al Awar, CEO of the KFE, added:

“The expansion represents a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to develop and enhance Dubai Schools’ facilities. We are committed to delivering this project to the highest standards, providing comprehensive educational and athletic amenities that support holistic education and foster students’ academic and physical development.”

Scaling a unique educational model

The Dubai Schools initiative offers a distinctive Emirati model that integrates global educational standards with a strong national identity. The curriculum emphasizes Arabic language, modern sciences, technology, and values-based learning, creating well-rounded graduates ready to contribute to both local and global arenas.

The expansion at Nad Al Sheba complements similar efforts across the city. Recent milestones include:

• A new campus in Al Khawaneej and expansion at Al Barsha
• A Dhs14m contribution from Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group, formalized in an MoU with KFE
• A renewed Dhs11m support from Dubai Islamic Bank for 2025–26

These partnerships reflect a robust public-private synergy, vital to meeting Dubai’s ambitious education goals.

The Knowledge Fund Establishment has already facilitated the allocation of 1.5 million square feet for new educational institutions across Dubai. With over 15,000 seats planned by 2033 across the Nad Al Sheba, Al Barsha, and Al Khawaneej campuses, Dubai is not just building more schools, it’s creating an ecosystem of opportunity.

Student satisfaction rates, which have reached 93.75 per cent, indicate that the city’s approach is working, and that families recognize the value and vision behind the Dubai Schools brand.