Sheikh Mansoor Opens GEMS School of Research and Innovation, Marking a UAE Education Advance

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee, formally opened the GEMS School of Research and Innovation (SRI), a purpose-built institution that integrates artificial intelligence, sustainability and creative practice into its curriculum.

Situated in Dubai Sports City and occupying 47,600 square metres, the campus is designed as an AI-enhanced learning ecosystem. During the inauguration, Sheikh Mansoor inspected the campus’ high-tech facilities intended to prepare students for leadership in technology and the creative industries.

Central to the school is the Research Hub, a three-storey vertical learning environment that replaces the conventional library model with collaborative research spaces. The hub links learners across age groups via robotics workshops, Extended Reality studios, 360° digital lounges and dedicated innovation zones developed to foster inquiry and analytical thinking.

The institution presents the UAE’s first fully AI-integrated educational ecosystem, equipping educators with AI tools to tailor instruction and stimulate classroom innovation. Students will interact with humanoid and quadruped robots and enrol in the region’s inaugural Esports and Game Design Academy. Practical learning is further supported by engineering labs fitted with Formula 1 and karting simulators and a FoodTec Lab combining hydroponic systems and 3D food printing.

Sustainability is embedded across the LEED Gold-certified campus: approximately 30% of energy needs are met by solar installations, while rainwater harvesting, smart lighting controls and hydroponic gardens are deployed to reduce resource use and model eco-conscious practices.

Beyond its technological focus, SRI emphasises comprehensive development. The campus includes an Olympic-size swimming pool, a FIFA-certified football pitch, athletics track and professional music and media studios. Its All-Steinway Premier Music Academy and industry-grade Media Suite enable students to produce broadcast-quality news segments, podcasts and performances.

GEMS SRI has established partnerships with global technology and robotics firms such as Microsoft, HP, KUKA Robotics, Kawasaki Robotics and EON Reality, reinforcing its capacity to deliver industry-aligned education and applied research opportunities.

The inauguration represents a strategic milestone for GEMS Education, setting a benchmark in the UAE for AI-driven, environmentally responsible and innovation-centred schooling.