The British school leader to oversee the launch and development of Harrow International Schools in Dubai and Abu Dhabi  

Dubai, July 8, 2025: Taaleem announced the appointment of Simon O’Connor as the Executive Principal of Harrow International UAE. As Executive Principal, O’Connor will oversee Harrow International School Dubai and Harrow International School Abu Dhabi and serve as the Founding Principal of the Dubai school.  

Both Harrow International School Dubai and Harrow International School Abu Dhabi are expected to open in 2026. Taaleem’s partnership with Harrow International Schools Limited (HISL) reflects its strategic move to expand into the super-premium education segment. 

O’Connor brings a deep understanding of academic excellence with more than 25 years of leadership experience across outstanding British and international schools. Most recently, he served as Director of Deira International School and Chief Education Officer for the Al Futtaim Education Foundation. 

O’Connor is a former Principal of Jumeirah College and has also served as Vice President for a leading education company, overseeing the performance of British curriculum schools across the UAE. He is the founder of the Centre for Education Action Research (CEAR), an alliance of educators investigating topics including AI in education, instructional leadership and language learning.  

Educated at The King’s School, Rochester, O’Connor went on to read History and Philosophy at the University of Wales, Cardiff, followed by a PGCE at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he was a choral scholar. He holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH), and is currently completing a Doctorate in Education at the University of Buckingham, with a focus on organisational culture and school improvement. He also serves on the Board of COBIS, the TES Global Advisory Board and chaired the T4 World Schools Leadership Council.