Arada Champions Educational Advancement with Contract for Second School in .5 Billion Sharjah Development
CONSTRUCTION NEWS
In a significant milestone for educational infrastructure in the UAE, Arada—a prominent developer based in Sharjah—has awarded a major contract for the construction of the Raffles World Academy at Aljada, an expansive mixed-use development projects valued at AED 35 billion (approximately .5 billion). This initiative underscores Arada’s commitment to enhancing community amenities and fostering a conducive environment for learning.
The contract, worth AED 128 million (around million), has been awarded to the Al Rehab Al Arabi Building Contracting Company, a local contractor with a solid reputation in the region. Raffles World Academy is poised to become a primary educational institution for the rapidly expanding population of Sharjah, which has already seen residential growth with approximately 20,000 residents residing within the Aljada community.
Developed in collaboration with Innoventures Education, the Raffles World Academy will occupy a vast 480,000 square foot area situated in the north-west corner of the Aljada project. This strategic location places the academy in proximity to residential neighborhoods and essential community facilities, ensuring that it serves effectively as a central hub for education in the area.
Scheduled to open its doors to the first cohort of students by the commencement of the 2026-2027 academic year, the Raffles World Academy is set to offer a comprehensive educational curriculum following the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework. This will include the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), Diploma Programme (DP), and Career-Related Programme (CP), thereby catering to a wide array of educational needs and preferences. In addition, the academy will provide the US High School Diploma, meeting a rising demand for high-quality academic instruction in the northern Emirates.
Arada’s Group CEO, Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, articulated the significance of this contract award, stating, “This contract award highlights our ongoing investment in community infrastructure and our long-term vision for Aljada as a fully integrated destination. We look forward to delivering another school of exceptional building quality, with a wide variety of facilities that will offer best-in-class education to families in Sharjah.” Such commitments to educational development are crucial, particularly as UAE continues to witness an influx of expatriates and local families seeking quality educational options amid its urban expansion.
Poonam Bhojani, CEO of Innoventures Education, also expressed enthusiasm regarding the upcoming academy. “We are delighted to be on track to open our first school in Sharjah, which will offer a full IB programme in line with our existing Raffles World Academy in Dubai and will also provide the US High School Diploma,” said Bhojani. She emphasized the academy’s mission to empower students with a holistic, rigorous, and international education, preparing them for success in an increasingly competitive global landscape.
As the region evolves, the integration of innovative educational institutions such as Raffles World Academy signals significant progress in developing vibrant, well-rounded communities. Arada’s investment in such infrastructure projects reflects a broader trend of prioritizing education within urban development, enhancing not just the economic landscape but also contributing to the cultural and intellectual fabric of Sharjah and its surrounding regions.
With the establishment of Raffles World Academy, stakeholders anticipate a ripple effect in the localized economy, creating employment opportunities, attracting families, and boosting local commerce—essential ingredients for a thriving educational ecosystem. The upcoming school stands as a testament to the vision of a comprehensive community where education is not merely an afterthought but a fundamental component of its growth and success.
Amidst this wave of development, the Sharjah government continues to emphasize the importance of education as a pathway for individual and collective advancement, responding to the demands of a diverse and changing populace. As Raffles World Academy prepares to make its debut, it stands ready to not only shape the futures of its students but also to play a pivotal role in the ongoing evolution of education in the UAE.
Tags: #RealEstateNews, #EducationNews, #UAE, #Sharjah