The school has planned various celebrations to mark the occasion 

Sharjah, May 15, 2025: French International Private School Sharjah (EIFS), one of the oldest international schools in the emirate of Sharjah, is celebrating its 50th anniversary. The school has planned various celebrations to mark the occasion.  

One of the recent celebrations was attended by former students, officials from the French embassy, Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) and the Sharjah government, showcasing the school’s rich past and unveiling the roadmap for future initiatives and growth. 

Established in 1974, it was the first French school in the UAE and was formerly part of the Lycée International Français Georges Pompidou (LFIGP) network. Operating under an AEFE agreement, EIFS welcomed students from nursery through CM2 (Grade 5). 

Since June 2024, the school has been owned by the government of Sharjah through the Sharjah Asset Management. The school expanded in September 2024 with the opening of its Middle School (Collège) section. 

Nicolas Niemtchinow, French Ambassador to the UAE, says the school is the living testimony of a historic and privileged relationship between France and the UAE. “We are witnessing 50 years of history, 50 years of commitment and 50 years of transmitting knowledge, values and Francophone culture in the heart of the United Arab Emirates,” he adds.  

Madam Duvauchelle, Principal of the school, spoke about the rich history of the school and how it plans to keep the legacy growing through various initiatives during the coming years.  

The event also witnessed participation from former students, including Sheikha Rad Al Qasimi, who is also the Secretary General of the International French Association in Sharjah.