Abu Dhabi-based Baniyas Investment and Development Company (BIDC) has signed an agreement with GEMS Education, a leading UAE-based private school operator, to develop an international school at its upcoming Baniyas City in Abu Dhabi.

The investment arm of Baniyas Sports Club said the new GEMS Cambridge International School – Abu Dhabi, will cater to 3,400 students offering a UK curriculum from Kindergarten through to Year 13. The classes will commence in September 2013.

The school is part of Phase III of the Bawabat Al Sharq (BAS), a Dh3 billion ($816.5 million) complete community project in Baniyas City. The development is a mix of modern residential, retail, entertainment and sporting facilities.

It comprises premium apartments, villas, health care facilities, a FIFA standard football stadium with a seating capacity of 20,000 spectators and the distinctive BAS Mall, which hosts 240 prime retail shops and facilities over two floors covering 62,265 sq m of retail area.

Commenting on the deal, CEO Subhi Benkhadra said, “Gems Cambridge International School – Abu Dhabi will provide residents of Baniyas City and the wider region with the very best in high quality, private education. Today’s announcement demonstrates our continued progress towards completing one of the region’s best mixed used developments.”
 
Dino Varkey, the group executive director and board member, GEMS Education said the upcoming school will be providing a high quality standard of education in a supportive and friendly learning environment.

"Gems Cambridge schools have a proven track record of success in both academic and extra-curricular activities. Over the last three years students from these schools have been accepted in 97 universities in 26 countries,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service