Abu dhabi: H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee, inaugurated the GEMS School of Research and Innovation (SRI), a leading school focused on AI-driven and innovation-centered learning.
According to Emirates News Agency, during his visit, H.H. Sheikh Mansoor was briefed on the school’s facilities in Dubai Sports City, which cover 47,600 square metres. The school integrates cutting-edge AI technologies and sustainable design to foster creativity and encourage a learning approach rooted in innovation and collaboration.
The heart of the campus is the Research Hub, a three-storey vertical learning space that serves as a collaborative centre for research and innovation. This space, along with immersive research zones, robotics labs, Extended Reality studios, and 360° digital lounges, is designed to nurture curiosity and critical thinking while aligning with national priorities in sustainability, innovation, and space exploration.
H.H. Sheikh Mansoor praised GEMS Education for its contributions and emphasized the private sector’s role in supporting Dubai’s educational ecosystem. He highlighted the importance of advanced academic programmes in achieving the goals of the Education Strategy 2033, which aims to transform the education landscape with a world-class, student-centered model.
Sunny Varkey, Chairman and Founder of GEMS Education, expressed honor in Sheikh Mansoor’s presence at the inauguration. He stated that SRI embodies the belief that tomorrow’s classroom empowers students to explore, create, and lead, preparing them to shape the future.
SRI stands at the forefront of educational innovation, introducing numerous regional firsts. It features a fully AI-integrated ecosystem, humanoid and quadruped robotics, an Esports and Game Design Academy, and specialized engineering facilities. The campus also emphasizes sustainability, being LEED Gold-certified and utilizing solar energy, smart systems, and hydroponic gardens.
Beyond technology, SRI supports holistic development with over 30,000 sq. ft. of innovation zones and specialist facilities. Its athletic facilities include an Olympic-size swimming pool, FIFA-certified football pitch, and a 400m athletics track.
SRI’s professional-grade Media Suite and all-Steinway Premier Music Academy offer students industry-standard resources, bridging classroom learning with real-world expertise. Strategic collaborations with companies like Microsoft, HP, and KUKA Robotics exemplify GEMS Education’s mission to deliver world-class, innovation-driven learning.