GEMS World Academy – Abu Dhabi set to move to brand-new campus on Al Reem Island in September 2022
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Premium International Baccalaureate primary school GEMS World Academy – Abu Dhabi has announced its relocation to a purpose-built new campus located on Al Reem Island, a 5km drive from its present site. The move is to be completed in time for the start of the 2022-23 academic year.
Opened in 2011 and now in its 11th year of operations, GEMS World Academy – Abu Dhabi’s new campus, whose phase one development occupies a total of 28,890 sqm with a built-up area of 15,275 sqm, will allow the school to meet increasing demand by initially raising its capacity to 1,128 students. This will eventually rise to 1,866 students.
The school currently offers the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), but is set to open Grade 6 from September 2022, with further grades added year by year up to Grade 12. By introducing the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP), GEMS World Academy – Abu Dhabi will eventually offer the full IB continuum of international education, becoming an IB World School and one of only two IB through schools in the emirate.
Dino Varkey, Group CEO, GEMS Education, said: “At GEMS, we are continuously looking to further enhance the education and grow the opportunities available to our students, and this new campus will enable just that. Backed by the school’s first-rate teachers and support staff, the new site’s purpose-built facilities and learning spaces will allow GEMS World Academy – Abu Dhabi to offer the highest quality IB education to even more young learners, and we’re delighted to be able to add to the education options in Abu Dhabi in this way.”
The new campus will boast activity rooms, science and ‘discovery’ rooms, digital learning studios, music rooms and practice studios, a well-stocked library, an indoor play area as well as an outdoor rooftop play area, a spacious canteen and dining area, a book and uniform store, prayer rooms, and a parent café and lounge.
In terms of sports facilities, students will be able to take full advantage of the new site’s six-court multi-purpose hall, complete with full AV equipment and a permanent stage, an indoor sports hall, a rooftop multi-use games area, an expansive football pitch, a 25m six-lane swimming pool and a learner pool.
Catherine Erpen, Principal/CEO, GEMS World Academy – Abu Dhabi, said: “At GEMS World Academy – Abu Dhabi, our diverse students develop strong academic, social and emotional skills and characteristics. Our school is a place of belonging where students are engaged, are collaborative and take ownership of their learning. Our excellent teachers demonstrate passion, creativity and commitment. I am delighted that we will be expanding our provision so that more students and families can benefit from being a part of our exceptional learning community.”
All staff, students and parents have been informed of the upcoming move, which has received strong support from the school community. In advance of the relocation in September 2022, the school will organise a range of workshops and information sessions to provide parents and children with an overview of the various facilities they can expect, as well as arranging tours of the new campus as soon as these are possible.
