Aldar Education, in partnership with the UK’s prestigious King’s College School Wimbledon, has announced the opening of the first regional campus of the British institution in Abu Dhabi, as reported by Gulf News. The new K-12 school will be located on Fahid Island, the emirate’s newest luxury mixed-use destination, and is scheduled to open in September 2028, pending regulatory approvals from the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK).The school will occupy a 50,000-square-metre campus and accommodate up to 2,220 students, offering a super-premium British education designed to provide a direct pathway to the world’s top universities. This marks a major step in Aldar’s broader education strategy and is the first school confirmed for Fahid Island following its formal launch last week.
Global prestige comes to Abu Dhabi
King’s College School Wimbledon is consistently ranked among the UK’s top independent schools, renowned for its rigorous academic standards, holistic education model, and strong record of university placements at elite institutions worldwide.“This new school at the heart of Fahid Island will further strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a premier destination for world-class education and a global centre for talent development,” said Talal Al Dhiyebi, Group CEO of Aldar. He described the collaboration as a reflection of Aldar’s “fast-growing education portfolio and commitment to educational excellence.”Karl Gross, Director of International Schools at King’s College School Wimbledon, added, “Bringing an authentic King’s College School Wimbledon education to the region marks an exciting milestone in our ambition to build a global family of world-class international schools. This new partnership offers a unique and inspiring opportunity for students in Abu Dhabi to experience the transformational impact of a King’s education, preparing them to thrive in the world beyond school.”
Enhancing Abu Dhabi’s educational ecosystem
The upcoming school is set to integrate state-of-the-art educational facilities, comprehensive sports infrastructure, and a strong focus on student wellbeing. The development aligns with the wider vision for Fahid Island to promote balanced, nature-integrated lifestyles, and follows Aldar’s plan to make the island a fully equipped, high-end residential and commercial destination.In a statement to Gulf News, Aldar confirmed that future phases of the island’s masterplan will include additional educational institutions and hotels, reinforcing the destination’s appeal as a fully integrated lifestyle community.Sahar Cooper, CEO of Aldar Education, said: “The school’s holistic approach to education, anchored in strong values, rich co-curricular programmes, and personalised pastoral care, will add a new dimension to Aldar Education’s offering and further support Abu Dhabi’s vision to become a regional hub for excellence in education.”
Expanding educational access across Abu Dhabi
This new addition is part of Aldar Education’s larger growth trajectory, which aims to expand its network across Yas Island, Khalifa City, and Saadiyat Island. According to Aldar, it plans to add over 4,000 student seats by the 2028–2029 academic year, ensuring broader access to high-quality, diverse educational opportunities throughout the emirate.The King’s College School Wimbledon campus in Abu Dhabi also marks the second major British school announced in recent months, with Harrow confirming a location in Abu Dhabi through Taaleem. The move reinforces the capital’s growing stature as a global education hub.