James Monaghan has been appointed Founding Principal of GEMS’ flagship School of Research and Innovation, opening in Dubai 2025
GEMS Education has announced Mr James Monaghan’s appointment as the Founding Principal of its most ambitious project to date: the GEMS School of Research and Innovation (SRI), which will open in Dubai Sports City in August 2025.
A familiar name to UAE families, Mr Monaghan previously led North London Collegiate School in both Dubai and South Korea.
With over 30 years of global experience across the UK, US, and Asia, he is known for his inclusive leadership and future-focused educational philosophy.
“Leading the launch of GEMS School of Research and Innovation is a defining moment in my career,” said Mr Monaghan.
“Helping a world-class team shape a school that not only prepares students for the future but inspires them to create it.”
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SRI represents GEMS Education’s most pioneering and forward-thinking school yet.
The $100 million campus will open initially with FS1 to Year 6.
Fees will start at AED 116,000 and are expected to exceed AED 200,000 for senior years, placing it among the most expensive schools globally.
With an enhanced British curriculum, cutting-edge AI and technology, and hand-picked global teaching talent, SRI aims to nurture the changemakers of tomorrow.
Former UK Foreign Secretary Lord Hague serves as Honorary Patron, and a line-up of additional high-profile advisors is set to follow, already placing SRI firmly on the global education stage.
Mr Monaghan’s appointment comes as the UAE prepares for several high-profile school launches, including Harrow Dubai and Harrow Abu Dhabi—further enriching the educational landscape and reflecting the growing demand for premium, future-focused schooling.
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