GEMS World Academy Dubai (GWA) is set to launch a new dedicated campus for senior students in August 2024. The senior school's capacity at GWA will undergo a phased expansion, ultimately reaching a capacity of 1,176 students. Furthermore, there is a long-term plan to increase the overall capacity of both campuses to accommodate a total of 3,300 students. This growth will be achieved through a gradual and staged enrollment process.
The expansion is a reflection of GEMS' dedication to addressing the increasing demand for educational facilities in the UAE. In the 2023-24 academic year, Dubai witnessed a remarkable 12% surge in enrollment, marking the first instance of double-digit growth. Industry experts note that the greatest demand is observed in the premium school sector catering to higher income groups. With the establishment of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority in 2007, the student population has doubled, resulting in many schools reaching full capacity.
Set to commence operations in the initial week of August 2024, GEMS Education has stated that the expansion of GWA is designed to enrich the educational opportunities for students. The objective is to facilitate a smooth progression to higher education for all students while meeting the increasing requirements of the school community. The new campus, exclusively designated for senior students in Grades 9-12, will feature cutting-edge facilities such as an IT-enhanced research center, subject-specific classrooms, a sustainability center, and an examinations hall.
The current location will continue to accommodate Nursery to Grade 8, upholding the school's commitment to a maximum of 25 students per class. This ensures increased access to specialized facilities for primary and middle school students, including dedicated spaces for food technology, product design, computer science, and science labs. The new campus will feature comprehensive sports facilities such as squash courts, a four-court sports hall, a 25-meter swimming pool, and a fitness studio. In terms of performing arts, students will have the opportunity to utilize music practice rooms, a recording studio, an auditorium, art rooms, a theatre, a black box room, as well as a media and green room.