In 2023, the Establishment dedicated over 2.8 million square feet of educational assets in Dubai, with a strategic focus on bolstering its Investment Portfolio. This commitment caters to investors and operators in the education sector, representing a remarkable 211 percent surge from the previous year. This substantial increase not only reflects the establishment’s dedication to educational excellence but also showcases its proactive approach to fortifying the Investment Portfolio for sustained growth and strategic financial success in the dynamic landscape of Dubai.
These allocated assets are poised to cater to the educational needs of more than 18,000 students in the emirate. The forthcoming launch of educational projects, encompassing schools and early education centers, will offer curricula from diverse educational systems including British, Indian, French, and American, broadening the educational landscape in Dubai.
Strategically positioned across diverse geographical areas in Dubai, the allocated assets are meticulously distributed to effectively serve a broad segment of the community. These areas comprise Nad Al Sheba, Al Barsha, Al Khawaneej, Al Twar, Nad Hessa, Mizhar, Al Nahda, and Al Ruwayyah.
Guided by a commitment to advancing education and knowledge-based initiatives within the emirate, the Knowledge Fund oversees a comprehensive investment portfolio. The Fund’s strategic approach to portfolio management, characterized by a commitment to investment diversification and the exploration of promising opportunities, lays the foundation for the sustained growth of the portfolio.
Investment Portfolio : Ahmed Abdulkarim Julfar, Chairman Of The Board of the Knowledge Fund Establishment, Stated,
“The investment portfolio of the Knowledge Fund Establishment has surpassed one billion dirhams, underscoring the efficacy and positive impact of our strategic management approach. These investments will play a pivotal role in addressing the educational sector’s requirements, bolstering educational initiatives, and fostering sustainability within the sector across the emirate. This aligns seamlessly with the visionary directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, as well as the ambitious goals outlined in the Dubai Social Agenda 33 and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.”
Abdulla Mohammed Al Awar, CEO Of The Knowledge Fund Establishment, Emphasized,
“The Knowledge Fund Establishment remains steadfast in its commitment to drawing investors into the education sector, leveraging the high-quality services offered by Dubai. In the inaugural year of the 2023-2025 strategy, the Establishment effectively collaborated with investors, securing financing for educational endeavors and promoting investments in educational assets. This success is evident in the allocation of educational spaces to investors in 2023, reinforcing the emirate’s compelling investment allure.”
Al Awar Expressed Appreciation For the Contributions Of The Fund’s Partners to the Educational Sector in the Emirate, Stating –
“We extend our gratitude to our partners in both the government and private sectors, along with the primary supporters of the ‘Dubai Schools’ project, including DAMAC Properties, Dubai Islamic Bank, Emirates Islamic Bank, Dar Al Ber Society, the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, and the Endowments and Minors’ Trust Foundation (Awqaf Dubai). Their invaluable contributions have had a substantial impact on elevating the quality of education in Dubai.”
Educational programs overseen by the Knowledge Fund Establishment, notably the ‘Dubai Schools’ project encompassing branches in Mirdif, Nad Al Sheba, and Al Barsha, have demonstrated remarkable success this year. A noteworthy achievement is the recorded 31 percent surge in student enrollment compared to the previous year, welcoming a total of 2,580 new students hailing from 38 different nationalities. This substantial increase underscores the escalating interest among families in the emirate, as they increasingly choose Dubai schools to provide their children with the exceptional educational environment they offer.
Operating under the auspices of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, the ‘Dubai Schools’ project signifies Sheikh Hamdan’s unwavering dedication to empowering future generations. It reflects his commitment to fulfilling their needs, fostering innovation, and facilitating positive contributions to shaping the future.
Additionally, the Fund extended support by providing scholarships worth AED 50 million to over 2,200 students in Dubai schools spanning various academic stages, meeting the eligibility criteria for the year 2023. This initiative further exemplifies the Fund’s commitment to facilitating educational opportunities and contributing to the academic success of students in the emirate.
In a parallel effort, the Knowledge Fund earmarked over AED 14 million for scholarships dedicated to outstanding Emirati students through the Mohammed Bin Rashid Distinguished Students Programme in 2023. This commitment builds on the Establishment’s ongoing support, totaling over AED 62 million, for a cohort of 350 distinguished Emirati students since the program’s inception in 2017. This sustained investment underscores the Fund’s dedication to fostering academic excellence and empowering Emirati students to achieve their full potential.
In a concerted effort to enhance collaboration, the Knowledge Fund Establishment actively pursued partnerships with diverse government and private entities to bolster the education sector in the emirate. A notable collaboration took shape with the Emirates Literature Foundation, marked by the signing of a memorandum of understanding. This strategic alliance gave rise to the ‘Reading for Pleasure’ initiative, designed to cultivate a passion for reading among students. The initiative aims to implement a comprehensive strategy in schools across the emirate, fostering an environment that encourages and nurtures a love for reading.
Additionally, the Fund formalized a partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Innoventures Education, serving as a sponsor for the Dubai International Academy Model United Nations conference in 2023. Recognized as a prominent platform for knowledge exchange, the conference attracted school students globally. Its primary objective was to facilitate the development of participants’ diplomatic skills and proficiency in managing discussions effectively. This collaborative effort underlines the Fund’s commitment to supporting educational initiatives that promote global engagement and skill development among students.
The Knowledge Fund Establishment entered into a collaboration with the Dubai Future District Fund to support the ‘Fund Manager’ Training Programme. Recognized as one of the world’s foremost interactive practical programs in investment portfolio management, this initiative provides participants with a comprehensive learning experience. The program is designed to impart insights into the intricacies of developing an integrated strategy for managing investment funds. Through this partnership, the Establishment reaffirms its commitment to fostering expertise and knowledge in the field of investment portfolio management.
Initiating its 2023-2025 strategic plan at the outset of the previous year, the Knowledge Fund Establishment unveiled its vision to fortify Dubai’s status as a compelling hub for global educational investments. The Establishment outlined ambitious strategic objectives centered on bolstering sustainability within the managed investment portfolio. Simultaneously, the plan prioritizes addressing the requirements of investors in the education sector through strategic asset allocation and efficient management of educational initiatives. The overarching goal is to contribute significantly to the community by aligning investments with the evolving needs of the education sector in Dubai.
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