Indian businessman to invest Dh500m to build four new British schools

Four more British schools will open in Dubai through 2016 to 2019, in line with the expectations of Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).

Mohan Valrani, a prominent Indian entrepreneur in Dubai, will invest Dh500 million in building schools over the next five years in partnership with UK’s Gabbitas Educational Consultants.

Speaking with Khaleej Times, Valrani said: “As far as education is concerned, there is no competition. We just need more schools. Where is the question of risk?”

Valrani’s investment will be used in building schools in Al Furjan and Jumeirah Village Triangle.

Two primary and two secondary schools will open in phases over a period of three years. Construction work on the new schools will begin later this year, with architectural plans already sent for approvals. All the schools will follow the British curriculum.

“I could have made towers, buildings or hotels but I decided to invest in education because I share a passion for it. There is always place for new schools and I believe you succeed better by cooperating and not competing,” he said.

The planned schools will cater to a premium market with fees expected to be higher than the average tuition charged in Dubai.

Edward Hobart, UK Consul General to the UAE said: “There are eight branch campuses of UK universities in the UAE and nearly 3,000 Emirati students are studying at UK higher education institutions. So it is against this healthy backdrop that Gabbitas, a successful British business established over 100 years ago, expands its operations to the UAE.”

Ian Hunt, managing director of Gabbitas Educational Consultants said: “Parents greatly value the impartial, expert advice that our consultants provide and we also plan to run free seminars for parents and pupils in Dubai, to help them better understand the education landscape and opportunities.”

muaz@khaleejtimes.com