GEMS Education has announced the launch of GEMS Founders School, Nad Al Hamar, marking the fifth addition to the growing GEMS Founders family of schools in the UAE.
Now open for enrolment, the new campus will welcome its first students in August 2026, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the Founders brand within the GEMS Education network.
The school will initially offer the National Curriculum for England from FS1 to Year 8, with plans to expand annually up to Year 13.
Growing Demand for British Curriculum Education
The launch comes amid continued demand across the UAE for high-quality British curriculum education with accessible fee structures.
Since its launch in 2016, the Founders brand has become one of the UAE’s most sought-after British education offerings, recognised for strong academic standards, inclusive school communities and value-driven education for families.
Today, Founders schools educate more than 14,000 students across the UAE and have consistently recorded GCSE and A Level results above UK and international averages.
Students from the network have progressed to leading universities around the world, including the University of Toronto, University of Manchester, University of Warwick, University of Bristol and University of Birmingham.
Key Leadership Appointments Announced
Akram Tarik has been appointed Founding and Executive Principal of the new school.
An experienced educational leader, Tarik previously served for more than a decade as Principal and CEO of GEMS Founders School, Al Mizhar. He will continue overseeing GFM as Executive Principal to maintain alignment across the Founders network.
Mia Chorfi, currently Vice Principal for Academics at GFM, will succeed Tarik as Principal of the school.
Having served in several senior academic leadership roles over the past five years, Chorfi has played a key role in supporting the school’s academic progress and inclusive culture.
Modern Facilities Planned for New Campus
GFH will serve families living across Dubai Creek, Dubai Festival City, Deira and nearby communities.
The purpose-built campus will include modern early years facilities, specialist science laboratories, innovation and technology spaces, creative arts studios, libraries and extensive sports facilities.
The school aims to support both academic achievement and whole-child development through its facilities and educational approach.
GEMS Leadership Highlights Long-Term Vision
Dino Varkey, Group Chief Executive Officer, GEMS Education said:
“The Founders brand was created to ensure that more families could access a world-class British education without compromise. As we mark 10 years of Founders, the launch of GFH reflects our continued growth as well as our long-term commitment to delivering high-quality, affordable education to communities across the UAE. We look forward to beginning the next chapter in the Founders legacy by welcoming GFH’s founding cohort of students in August 2026 and seeing both Akram and Mia lead the next phase of excellence across the Founders network.”
Matthew Burfield, Matthew Burfield, Executive Vice President, Education at GEMS Education and Founding Principal of GEMS Founders School, added:
“Over the past decade, Founders has built a reputation for combining ambition, inclusion and consistently strong outcomes at scale. GFH represents the next chapter in that journey, supported by experienced leaders who deeply understand the ethos and expectations that define the Founders family.”
School Leaders Share Vision for Growth
Tarik said:
“Growing with one of the most dynamic school communities in Dubai, I have seen first-hand how a clear vision, investment in people, and high aspirations for every child can transform a school. Being appointed Founding & Executive Principal of GFH is both an honour and a responsibility. Our mission is to help every person, our students, our staff, and our families grow and to ensure that children flourish with curiosity, confidence, and creativity.”
Chorfi added:
“GFM successfully balances inclusivity with ambition and strong operational systems with relational leadership. I’m proud to have contributed to shaping the school’s upward trajectory. I look forward to building on these strong foundations and continuing to ensure every student is supported, challenged and inspired to achieve their full potential.”
Expansion of the Founders Network Continues
While GFH will maintain the hallmarks of high expectations, strong pastoral care and inclusive values associated with the Founders brand, the school will also place emphasis on honour, heritage and community engagement.
GEMS Education said it is building the school’s leadership team with a focus on experienced educators who align with evidence-based teaching and learning practices.
Over the next three to five years, the school aims to establish itself as one of Dubai’s leading British curriculum schools with strong inspection outcomes and expanded campus facilities.
The Founders network currently operates schools in Al Barsha South, Al Mizhar, Dubai South and Masdar City, with the addition of Nad Al Hamar strengthening its footprint across the UAE.
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