Demand for premium schools drives Taaleem profit rise

Dubai education provider Taaleem said demand for its premium schools remained strong despite regional turmoil.

Revenue rose 19 percent year on year to AED1.2 billion ($327 million) in the first nine months of the fiscal year, supported by continued expansion and contributions from Kids First Group (KFG), the nursery operator it acquired last year.

Net profit rose 9 percent to AED283 million.

Academic delivery, enrolment and fee collections remained resilient despite the Iran war, the company said in a statement to the Dubai Financial Market.

Premium school capacity increased 11 percent year on year, adding 2,274 seats.

“Staffing remained stable across our schools, fee collection held firm within normal seasonal patterns, and admissions momentum continued, resulting in no material impact on enrolment,” Taaleem chairman Khalid Al Tayer said.

Al Tayer said demand fundamentals for K-12 (kindergarten to grade 12) and KFG remain healthy, with registration for the coming academic year progressing in line with plans.

Construction of Harrow Dubai is on schedule ahead of its opening on August 31, the chairman said.

CEO Alan Williamson said its K-12 schools maintained business continuity, with roughly 99 percent teacher retention and fee collection within normal seasonal patterns of around 98 percent.

Revenue for the third quarter ended May 31, 2026, climbed 19 percent year on year to AED400 million, while net profit rose 22 percent to AED106 million.

Average gross tuition fees across the premium portfolio increased by nearly 4 percent year on year to AED61,068 in the nine-month period.

KFG operated 36 nurseries across the UAE and Qatar, with total capacity of 6,397 seats. During the period, it served 4,714 children, representing utilisation of 74 percent.

The company’s stock closed 1.2 percent lower at AED3.18 on Thursday. The share price is down 24 percent so far this year.

National Bonds Company is Taaleem’s largest shareholder, with a 22.4 percent stake, according to DFM data.

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