Aldar Education expands into Bahrain and Dubai

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• Further $95m investment added to initial $272m
• British International Curriculum to be offered in Bahrain school
• Purchase of another Abu Dhabi school part of the deal

Aldar Properties has increased investment in its education business, with over AED350 million ($95 million) added to the initial AED1 billion commitment announced last year, it said on Monday. 

A filing to the Abu Dhabi Stock Exchange notes that the company is expanding into Dubai and Bahrain, as well as adding a new acquisition in Abu Dhabi.  

The plan includes the establishment of Cranleigh Bahrain, which will be the first branded premium school in the country to offer a British International Curriculum when it opens in 2024. 

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Cranleigh will be a co-educational school for students ranging from pre-prep to year 13. 

“This represents a significant milestone for Aldar Education as it expands its reach beyond the UAE and brings its renowned high-quality education standards to Bahrain,” the company said.

The increased investment also includes the purchase of Kent College Dubai and Virginia International Private School in Abu Dhabi. 

The acquisition of Kent College, which is subject to regulatory approvals, represents Aldar Education’s first entry into Dubai.  

Sahar Cooper, CEO of Aldar Education, said the expansion would have a positive impact on students across the UAE and the wider region, “providing them with the optimal environment and relevant tools to unlock their full potential and nurture their talents”.

Aldar Education said it plans to further enhance facilities and infrastructure at Kent College Dubai and Virginia International Private School, as well as providing development opportunities for educators and staff. 

In May, Aldar Properties reported a 22 percent year-on-year rise in net profit for the first quarter of 2023 to AED836 million ($227 million) and a 14 percent revenue increase to AED3.1 billion.

The performance was driven by rising income from its retail, office and hospitality properties, and record quarterly development sales of AED4.5 billion, helped by increased demand from overseas and resident expat buyers in the UAE.