HEI Schools, a global provider of Finnish early childhood education solutions, together with its strategic partner Ghobash Group, has reached a significant milestone in the UAE with the development of a purpose-built flagship early learning centre in Arabian Ranches 1, Dubai.
The project marks a major step in scaling Finland’s globally respected early education model in the Middle East, reflecting growing demand among education investors and operators for research-based, high-quality early years solutions.
Following the groundbreaking in November 2025, construction of the 24,500 sq ft centre is now progressing, bringing the HEI Schools concept closer to launch in one of Dubai’s established residential communities. (Source: AETOSWire)
Designed for children aged 0–6, the center represents a fully integrated early education environment, combining pedagogy, spatial design, and wellbeing. Purpose-built learning zones will support exploration, creativity, physical development, and social interaction—both indoors and outdoors.
For HEI Schools, this flagship is more than a single location in the UAE or all neighboring countries—it serves as a reference model for scalable, high-quality early years infrastructure aligned with international standards.
Photo: morning circle at HEI Schools
The UAE expansion builds on HEI Schools’ growing global footprint, which today includes more than 25 centres serving over 1,700 children worldwide.
Through its licensing model, HEI Schools supports partners like Ghobash Group with a comprehensive solution that integrates:
Rooted in Finland’s education system, the HEI approach emphasizes purposeful play, child-led learning, and holistic child development across social, emotional, physical, and cognitive domains.
The collaboration with Ghobash Group reflects HEI Schools’ partnership-driven growth strategy—working with established regional operators to localize and scale its education model.
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Photo: HEI Schools and Ghobash Group at the signing ceremony for their partnership in Dubai, 2024.
Ghobash Group, a diversified UAE-based family business, brings strong local expertise and a long-term investment perspective, particularly in sectors that contribute to societal development.
“Our role as a licensor is to ensure that every HEI Schools center globally delivers consistent pedagogical quality while allowing partners to adapt to their local context,” the HEI Schools team emphasizes. “The UAE is a key market where we see strong alignment between national education ambitions and the HEI model.”
The Arabian Ranches flagship is expected to be the first step in a broader rollout, with potential for multiple centres across the UAE as the partnership evolves.
Unsplash photo: the above view of Arabian Ranches in Dubai.
Across the GCC, demand for premium early childhood education is accelerating, driven by:
For education leaders and investors, the HEI UAE flagship demonstrates how a quality Finnish early education concept can be successfully implemented in a new market through:
As construction progresses, the project stands as a case example of how international education models can be effectively localized—while maintaining fidelity to research-based pedagogy.
More info about HEI UAE Learning Center Dubai can be found here.
About HEI Schools
Founded in Helsinki, Finland in 2015, HEI Schools (Helsinki International Schools Group) is an award-winning early education company that provides globally scalable education solutions inspired by Finland’s renowned school system. With its child-focused approach and scientifically-backed curriculum, HEI Schools equips educators and parents with the tools they need to foster inspiring learning environments. Today, HEI Schools operates in over 15 countries and continues to expand its mission of bringing joyful learning to children around the world. For more information, visit www.heischools.com
Established in 1981 with its headquarters in the UAE, Ghobash Group serves as one of the region’s premier privately-owned business conglomerates. Operating across diverse sectors, primarily technology, energy, chemicals, healthcare, and real estate, the Group has expanded its reach by forging strategic partnerships with key stakeholders who align with its core values. Central to its corporate strategy is its commitment to being a trusted advisor to its partners and clients, emphasizing innovation, and generating lasting impact. Today with a diverse team of 1,750+ professionals, extensive regional experience, strong financial backing, and unrivalled operational capabilities, Ghobash Group ventures confidently into the future, dedicated to pushing the boundaries for innovation and customer satisfaction.