The Knowledge Fund Establishment (KFE) has announced the renewal of its partnership with Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB), which will contribute AED 11 million in support of the ‘Dubai Schools’ project for the 2026–2027 academic year. This marks the third consecutive year of DIB’s financial support, underscoring a continued commitment to national priorities and long-term initiatives aimed at delivering meaningful social impact.
The funding is part of broader efforts to improve access to affordable, high-quality education for Emirati students, aligned with Dubai’s long-term vision for development. It also contributes to preparing a future generation of Emirati talent equipped with the skills required to lead priority sectors and enhance the UAE’s global competitiveness.
The renewed collaboration highlights both entities’ shared goal of expanding access to future-ready education through a modern learning environment that strengthens national identity, promotes innovation and excellence, and adapts to the needs of emerging industries. The initiative further supports key frameworks including the Dubai Social Agenda 33, the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, and the Education 33 Strategy.
DIB’s continued involvement in the ‘Dubai Schools’ project reflects the growing importance of public-private partnerships in advancing national development goals and positioning education as a central driver of human capital development, social cohesion, and improved quality of life. In light of the UAE’s ‘Year of the Family’, the partnership also emphasizes support for Emirati families and investment in future generations.
Abdulla Mohammed Al Awar, Chief Executive Officer of the Knowledge Fund Establishment, said the ongoing support from DIB represents a strong example of effective collaboration between the public and private sectors in advancing education and sustainable development. He noted that such contributions play a key role in empowering future generations and supporting initiatives with lasting social impact.
Al Awar further highlighted that DIB’s partnership demonstrates the banking sector’s important role in supporting national development priorities and reinforcing investment in education as a foundation for future growth. He added that providing Emirati students with access to quality education helps nurture capable talent that can drive the country’s development and strengthen its long-term competitiveness.
Obaid Al Shamsi, Chief Operating Officer of DIB, stated that strong families form the foundation of strong nations, and that education is central to long-term economic progress. He said DIB’s continued support for the ‘Dubai Schools’ project reflects its belief that investing in Emirati students is an investment in national resilience, social progress, and sustainable prosperity, while also aligning with Dubai’s priorities for education, family wellbeing, and human capital development.
Al Shamsi further noted that in the ‘Year of the Family’, the initiative carries added importance by helping families provide their children with an education that builds confidence, ambition, and character. He added that DIB is proud to support the program for a third consecutive year, contributing to the development of future generations and the long-term progress of Dubai.
As part of its long-term development vision, the Knowledge Fund Establishment is also implementing expansion plans to increase capacity within the ‘Dubai Schools’ project and enable more Emirati students to benefit from a modern, future-focused learning environment. The second phase of the Nad Al Sheba campus expansion is expected to be completed in July, contributing to a planned total capacity of 15,000 students by the 2032–2033 academic year.
These expansion efforts form part of wider strategies to build a sustainable educational ecosystem aligned with Dubai’s long-term ambitions. The Establishment emphasized that private sector participation, including continued support from DIB, remains essential to ensuring the sustainability of the ‘Dubai Schools’ initiative and advancing efforts to provide accessible, high-quality education that empowers Emirati families and prepares future generations for the country’s continued development and prosperity.
