Set to launch from the 2026–27 academic year, the 450-year-old school’s fourth international campus will also be its first in the Middle East  

Abu Dhabi, Nov 28, 2025: UK’s prestigious Rugby School will start its fourth overseas branch and its first in the Middle East in Dubai in 2026.  

Rugby School Dubai, in partnership with Aldar Education, is set to open from the 2026–27 academic year. The school will offer British education from the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) through to Sixth Form.  

Henry Price has been appointed as Executive Principal to spearhead this partnership and lead the launch of the school.  

Price’s experience includes working 13 years at Rugby School as Senior Housemaster and Head of Classics. 

Located in Nad Al Sheba, the campus will feature more than 90 classrooms, dedicated learning spaces for Nursery, Primary and Secondary education, as well as flexible open-plan learning spaces.  

Sahar Cooper, CEO of Aldar Education, says, “We are honoured to partner with Rugby School Global to bring its distinguished 450-year legacy to the Middle East, through the launch of Rugby School Dubai… We are proud to drive proactive steps to support the UAE’s 2030 Education Vision by fostering future-ready leaders equipped with the skills and values necessary to thrive globally.”   

“This will be the fourth overseas campus in a growing, interconnected family of schools, including our three UK schools. As we say at Rugby, ‘The Whole Person is the Whole Point’, and we are committed to bringing this ethos to our Dubai campus, working closely with our trusted operating partner, Aldar Education, to help shape the future of education in Dubai,” adds Neil Hampton, CEO of Rugby School Global. 

Founded in 1567, Rugby School UK is one of the oldest independent schools in the United Kingdom.  

Among the facilities at the Dubai campus will be technology and science laboratories, food technology labs, a 400-seat auditorium, sports amenities such as swimming pools, rugby and football pitches, tennis courts, a hockey pitch, covered and outdoor play areas and an athletics track, among others, all of which, the management says, is subject to KHDA’s final approval.