The Dubai-based school operator said its expansion plans reflect growing demand for quality education, as student enrolment continues to rise across the emirate.

GEMS Education has announced plans to invest Dh2 billion over the next three years to add around 20,000 new student seats. The expansion reflects strong confidence in Dubai’s continued population growth and increasing demand for private education.
The move is expected to provide families relocating to the emirate with a wider range of schooling options, as Dubai continues to strengthen its position as a leading regional hub for education.
The expansion was announced by Dino Varkey during an interview with the Government of Dubai Media Office (GMO).
The investment comes at a time when Dubai’s education sector is witnessing steady growth, driven by an influx of expatriate families, skilled professionals and entrepreneurs relocating to the emirate.
Growing demand fuels expansion
Speaking to the Government of Dubai Media Office (GMO) about the company’s plans, Dino Varkey said: “GEMS Education plans to invest Dh 2 billion over the next three years to add around 20,000 new student seats, reflecting our confidence in the future and the growing demand for quality education.”
The announcement marks one of the largest recent investments in Dubai’s private education sector, where schools have recorded rising enrolments in recent years alongside the emirate’s expanding population.
Education consultants have also noted that the addition of new seats could help ease pressure on high-demand schools, particularly in rapidly growing residential communities.
Dubai remains at the heart of GEMS’ growth story
Highlighting the group’s deep roots in the emirate, Varkey emphasised both its scale and continued commitment to Dubai.
“We are proud that GEMS Education is a Dubai-born global success story that continues to draw inspiration and ambition from the emirate,” he said.
Today, the group educates more than 146,000 students across the UAE, including 99,000 in Dubai, supported by over 25,000 teachers, educators and staff members.
Industry observers have noted that continued investment by major school operators reflects confidence in Dubai’s long-term economic outlook and its ability to attract international families seeking high-quality education options.


