The renowned GEMS Education Group, one of the world’s largest private school operators, is set to open a new campus in Dubai with a staggering investment of $100 million (approximately ₹863 crore). Spread over an area of 47,600 square meters, this state-of-the-art campus will feature world-class facilities, including a 600-seat auditorium, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and a football field that can double as a helipad.
The school will also provide cutting-edge opportunities for students, such as robotics labs and go-kart engineering workshops. Students will be able to test their creations on a dedicated 400-meter track. The school is scheduled to open in August and will initially offer the British curriculum from FS1 (Foundation Stage 1) to Grade 6.
Fees That Set New Standards: Up to ₹35 Lakhs Annually
The tuition fee for the school will start at ₹27 lakhs annually for nursery classes, rising to ₹35 lakhs by Grade 6. In the future, when the school expands to include Grades 7–12, the fees are expected to reach ₹48 lakhs annually. With this, the school will become Dubai’s most expensive educational institution, comparable to prestigious schools like Andover in Massachusetts, USA, where tuition fees also range between ₹48–49 lakhs per year.
From Kerala to Dubai: The Legacy of the Virki Family
The GEMS Education Group was founded in 1968 by K.S. and Mariamma Virki, who moved from Kerala to Dubai. They started with a small English-medium school catering to the children of local Arab families. Today, the group operates numerous schools across the globe, offering primary and secondary education.
The current CEO of GEMS Education, Dino Virki, justifies the high fees, stating, “If you compare our fees to the benchmarks set by some of the most expensive schools globally, we are still competitively priced. Dubai and the UAE have matured to a point where the market is ready to set new benchmarks in education.”
Dubai’s Rising Population and Education Demand
Dubai’s population has surged significantly since 2020, with an influx of residents from countries like Russia, India, and Western nations. The city has also become a hub for hedge funds, crypto traders, and bankers, creating a growing market of professionals willing to pay a premium for world-class education.
Known for its already high education costs, Dubai is set to cement its position as a global leader in premium education with this new campus. Beyond its luxurious facilities, the school represents the city’s growing economic power and its ability to attract an affluent, globally-minded population.