From small apartment in Bur Dubai to large campus in Oud Metha: School started by 4 women turns 50

From small apartment in Bur Dubai to large campus in Oud Metha: School started by 4 women turns 50

They still remember the names of their first four students; many of their current staff has remained for over three decades

Published: Fri 3 Mar 2023, 1:52 PM

A UK curriculum school started by four visionary women in Dubai has turned 50.

Dubai Gem Private School (DGPS) celebrated its Golden Jubilee recently with a special commemoration day and alumni reunions in the UAE, Pakistan and Canada.

“It has been a long eventful, journey from the four walls of a small apartment in Bur Dubai to this teeming campus in Oud Metha,” said an emotional Latifa Rabi as she reflected on her labour of love during a conversation with Khaleej Times.

What began as a modest venture is now a leading educational institution, providing quality education to generations of students.

“We started with a nursery and crèche. Back then, there were hardly any English medium schools catering to the burgeoning expat population in Dubai. We decided to fill the gap,” said Bibi.

In 1978, Dubai’s late ruler Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum granted the school land in Oud Metha, enabling its expansion.

‘We have come a long way since Sultana and I set the nursery and crèche,” said Bibi. “Looking back, it’s hard to believe now that we