BRINGING GORDONSTOUN'S EDUCATIONAL LEGACY TO THE GULF
90 years of character education. Now in Abu Dhabi.
Founded in Scotland in 1934 by Kurt Hahn, Gordonstoun has shaped some of the world's most remarkable people; not just through what it teaches, but through who it asks students to become.
In 2027, for the first time in the Gulf, that education arrives in Abu Dhabi. Gordonstoun Jubail Island is not a copy of Scotland. It is a new chapter, written in this landscape, shaped by the best of two traditions.
Character development. Academic excellence. A home in the UAE – for every student, from day one.
Founded
1934
One of the UK's great schools
Day School
Ages 3-18
FS1 through Sixth Form
Opening
Sept 2027
Jubail Island, Abu Dhabi
A WORLD-CLASS SCHOOL IN A LANDMARK DESTINATION
Jubail Island. An extraordinary place for an extraordinary school.
Nestled between mangroves, beach and Gulf water, Gordonstoun Jubail Island sits in one of Abu Dhabi's most distinctive addresses, between Yas Island and Saadiyat Island: a great leisure and cultural destination, with the city minutes away and the natural world at the school gate.
Gordonstoun at a glance
| How does a Gordonstoun Education differ from my expectations of a school? |
| Students will be positively challenged in unique ways. Activities and challenges are designed in every year group, to stretch the individual’s comfort zone – so they build resilience and strength that will last a lifetime. |
| Does this mean that Gordonstoun students spend less time on academics? |
| Gordonstoun Jubail Island will be a day school for students aged 3–18. While it will not offer boarding, it will deliver Gordonstoun's renowned character education and holistic curriculum by providing cross-curricular pathways connecting academic and experiential programmes within the day programme. These are not co-curricular add-ons: they are built into each and every learning day. In addition, it will utilise AI technology to accelerate the academic programme, ensuring content requirements are met, while creating time for further experiential opportunities |
| Why do you put such emphasis on Al Sana'a - the UAE’s traditional ways? |
| Al Sanaa’, the set of inherited values and customs that form an essential part of the cultural identity and heritage of the Emirates, provides a unique and seamless connection with Gordonstoun values. This includes respect for elders, generosity in hospitality, modesty in dealing with others. Sanaa' also includes the etiquette of speaking and behaving politely, while observing traditions in public gatherings. Sanaa' contributes to organising social relations and strengthening the bonds between members of society, all considered an integral part of daily Gordonstoun Jubail Island and Emirati life. |
| Would you say that a Gordonstoun school is tough? |
| Tough isn't the word we would use. We would say that our school builds resilience. Gordonstoun's philosophy, going back to Kurt Hahn, is that young people grow through real challenge: expeditions, the outdoors, service to others, having to get uncomfortable and get through it. That's different from strictness for its own sake. Your child will be pushed, but always with support around them — pastoral care, small class sizes, staff who know them well. We're not trying to harden children; we're trying to help them discover that they are capable of more than they thought. |
Admissions open mid-2026 for September 2027
Register your interest now. Be among the first to hear about open days, admissions information and campus milestones.
