A Strategic Move to Enhance Global Private Education and UAE’s Academic Landscape.
In a landmark transaction valued at USD 14.5 billion, a global consortium of premier institutional investors, including Dubai Holding, has acquired Nord Anglia Education, a leading provider of private international education.
Nord Anglia operates 80+ schools across 33 countries worldwide
Nord Anglia Education operates over 80 schools across 33 countries, educating more than 90,000 students aged 2 to 18. The organisation is renowned for its personalised learning approach, tailoring classroom teaching to each student’s unique learning style. Its students consistently achieve excellent academic results, with Year 12 graduates frequently accepted into the world’s top 100 universities.
Dubai Holding aims to drive long-term growth in premium education
Dubai Holding’s participation in this acquisition aligns with its strategic investment approach, which focuses on long-term and sustainable value creation across promising sectors and geographies. As part of the consortium, Dubai Holding brings deep expertise and long-term capital to support Nord Anglia’s continued expansion and innovation in premium education.
This acquisition not only broadens and strengthens Nord Anglia’s ownership structure but also introduces new strategic perspectives, resources, and capital to drive its continued growth. The involvement of distinguished global financial asset managers and institutions enhances the company’s long-term stability and resilience, creating new pathways for innovation and growth.
UAE schools to benefit from global collaborations with top institutions
In the United Arab Emirates, Nord Anglia’s presence includes the Nord Anglia International School Dubai and the Swiss International Scientific School Dubai (SISD), which it acquired in 2023. SISD, the largest Swiss school outside of Switzerland, offers the International Baccalaureate curriculum and serves over 2,000 students. The acquisition has enabled SISD to benefit from Nord Anglia’s global collaborations with world-leading institutions such as UNICEF, The Juilliard School, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, enhancing the educational experience for its students.
This strategic investment by Dubai Holding underscores the growing importance of the education sector in the UAE’s economic diversification efforts. The UAE’s expanding population necessitates the development of new educational institutions, making the sector an attractive investment choice. Dubai Holding’s involvement in Nord Anglia’s acquisition reflects its commitment to supporting the growth and diversification of Dubai’s economy through strategic investments in key sectors, including education.
The acquisition marks a significant milestone in Nord Anglia’s evolution as a global leader in private international education. With the support of its new investors, Nord Anglia is well-positioned to continue delivering world-class education and expanding its global footprint, benefiting students and communities worldwide.