GEMS pulls out from managing Fujairah school

Following an ongoing legal dispute with the landlord, GEMS Education has announced its withdrawal from managing an Indian curriculum school in Fujairah.
UAE's largest education provider GEMS Education has said they were 'forced to withdraw, very reluctantly, from Our Own English High School, Fujairah', due to an ongoing legal dispute with the landlord of the school premises.
A statement issued by the education group said disputes arose after negotiations regarding the terms of renewal of the long-term lease with the landlord fell through.
"The professional licence of the school was unilaterally, without our knowledge or consent, transferred into the landlord's name in March 2018. As a result of these actions, it is no longer possible for us to continue to operate the school from the current site," said GEMS Education spokesperson.
The Indian curriculum school has been part of the GEMS group for the last 30 years.
The group is currently seeking the reversal of the professional license and return of all school assets. "The school has been faithfully serving thousands of families and playing an integral part in the community for the last 30 years," read the statement.
"We have been working hard to try and resolve this matter through the courts and other avenues, and notwithstanding the decision, we will continue to rigorously pursue our various legal claims through the courts, including seeking the reversal of the transfer of the professional license and return of all school assets" said the spokesperson.
GEMS Education had confirmed to Khaleej Times in July this year that there was an ongoing dispute between the landlord and the group since March 2018. The teachers were made aware of these issues shortly ahead of the school's closure for the summer holidays.
Back then, the group said they have been able to safeguard the interests of the school's teachers. However, due to several "administrative disruptions" and "prohibition of access to funds", they were not able to pay teachers' July salaries.
The fate of the teachers are presently unclear. A teacher said: "Before the summer, it was verbally told to us that there will be a management change. I think now it has been made official."
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com