Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee, has inaugurated the GEMS School of Research and Innovation (SRI), a pioneering institution designed to lead globally in AI-driven and innovation-focused education.
Located in Dubai Sports City and spanning 47,600 square meters, the campus offers an advanced learning environment that integrates artificial intelligence, sustainability, creativity, and collaboration.
During his tour, Sheikh Mansoor was briefed on the school’s cutting-edge facilities, including robotics labs, digital lounges, Extended Reality studios, and collaborative research spaces. Sheikh Mansoor praised GEMS Education for its efforts and highlighted the importance of the private sector in supporting Dubai’s educational ecosystem.
Sheikh Mansoor emphasized that initiatives like SRI contribute to the goals of the Dubai Education Strategy 2033 by promoting world-class, student-centred learning. Sheikh Mansoor stated that education remains the foundation of the nation’s future, and schools like SRI are vital in preparing the next generation to lead with innovation, purpose, and responsibility.
AI ecosystem, sustainability and holistic learning
SRI features the region’s first fully AI-integrated educational ecosystem, equipping every teacher with AI-enabled devices and software to enrich learning, creativity, and research. The campus pioneers the use of humanoid and quadruped robots in classrooms and includes a professional Esports and Game Design Academy. Its specialized facilities include an F1 and Karting Engineering Lab, robotics studios, and a FoodTec Lab with hydroponics and 3D food printing.
Sustainability is central to SRI’s design. The LEED Gold-certified campus generates 30 percent of its power from solar energy and uses smart systems for lighting and energy efficiency. Rainwater harvesting, low-flow fixtures, and hydroponic gardens provide practical sustainability education for students.
Beyond technology, the school supports holistic development with more than 30,000 sq. ft. of innovation zones, music and media academies, film and broadcasting studios, and world-class sporting facilities including an Olympic-size swimming pool, FIFA-certified football pitch, athletics track, and fencing hall. The campus also houses the region’s first all-Steinway Premier Music Academy and a professional media suite for live news, podcasts, and esports broadcasts.
Sunny Varkey, Chairman and Founder of GEMS Education, said the school reflects a vision where students are empowered to explore, create, and shape the future through world-class education. Partnerships with global organisations such as Microsoft, HP, KUKA Robotics, Kawasaki Robotics, Unitree, EON Reality, and Plug & Play Tech Center further strengthen its innovation-driven ecosystem.
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