Harrow UAE Schools to Launch Premium Education at Dh100,000

Two prestigious Harrow-branded schools are set to debut in the UAE next year, promising a “super premium” educational experience. Located in prime areas of Dubai and Saadiyat Island, the schools will introduce an advanced curriculum focused on blending traditions with innovative teaching methods. While the steep tuition fees, ranging between Dh80,000 to Dh100,000 for primary school students, may raise eyebrows, the all-encompassing educational offerings are designed for families seeking a premium learning environment.

Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow

Harrow UAE schools aim to bring over 450 years of British educational heritage to the Middle East. Known for producing notable alumni such as Winston Churchill and Jawaharlal Nehru, Harrow embodies a legacy of excellence. Their UAE campuses will adopt the tagline “Tradition Meets Tomorrow,” blending historic British educational values with modern approaches to learning.

Set to open in 2026, the Dubai campus will cover 55,000 sqm, while the Saadiyat Island location will span 70,000 sqm. Both campuses will initially cater to students up to Year 6 (ages 3–11) and gradually expand to include older students up to age 18. With a development cost exceeding Dh350 million per campus, the facilities promise to be nothing short of extraordinary.

A Bespoke and Holistic Learning Model

Harrow UAE has committed to providing an educational experience that extends far beyond traditional academics. From small class sizes of 18–22 students to personalized mentorship for each child, the school promises individual attention and enriched learning opportunities.

Students will benefit from the following unique offerings:

• Super-Curricular Activities such as music, art, and enterprise, integrated fully into the learning experience.
• The House System modeled after Harrow School in the UK, emphasizing values like courage, humility, honor, and fellowship.
• Games Model that ensures each student participates in competitive sports, customized to their skill levels.
• Team-based Prep and Social Development, promoting intellectual curiosity beyond standard classroom teaching.

Rebecca Gray, Chief Education Officer at Taaleem, which operates the Harrow schools in the UAE, emphasizes the holistic vision. “We are supporting individual children to build their own personal profile while ensuring their educational goals are met.”

A Focus on World-Class Faculty

To ensure the highest quality education, Harrow UAE is heavily investing in its teaching staff. The founding Executive Principal has been selected from a global pool of candidates, bringing international experience and operational rigor. The school also prioritizes hiring teachers who align with global best practices while integrating local cultural values.

Arabic and Islamic studies educators will play a key role, ensuring a balanced and inclusive educational environment. Gray highlights that staff recruitment includes selecting educators who not only contribute to the Harrow ethos but also benefit from it professionally.

More Than Just Alumni Networks

Looking beyond the classroom, Harrow UAE is building a vibrant alumni network to create opportunities for students after they graduate. The school has already garnered support from prominent Harrow alumni in the region, who are eager to contribute to the community and share their expertise.

Notably, Harrow’s heritage includes graduates like poet Lord Byron, actor Benedict Cumberbatch, and musician James Blunt. The school hopes to equip future UAE students with the tools they need to join the ranks of these distinguished figures.

The Price of Excellence

With fees as high as Dh100,000 for primary school alone, Harrow UAE positions itself among the most exclusive educational options in the region. However, according to Gray, the cost reflects the level of attention, expertise, and offerings available to students.

“We are not just offering a prestigious name; we are embedding the true ethos of Harrow into every aspect of our schools,” emphasized Gray.

Preparing for Launch

Harrow UAE begins operations in 2026, but excitement is already building among parents who value high-quality primary education. With their “super premium” offerings, these schools aim to raise the bar for education standards in the UAE.

For parents seeking a balance between tradition and cutting-edge education, Harrow UAE promises to deliver an unparalleled learning environment that prepares children to thrive in an increasingly globalized world.