All Brands Owned by GEMS Education

What does GEMS Education own?
GEMS Education owns and operates 45 schools in the UAE serving approximately 146,000 students, plus schools in Qatar, Egypt, and India. The company's school brands include GEMS World Academy, GEMS Modern Academy, Our Own English High School, GEMS American Academy, Cambridge International School, GEMS Founders School, and several UK-based schools managed through its Bellevue Education subsidiary.

Is GEMS Education publicly traded?
No, GEMS Education is a privately held company. The Varkey family retains controlling ownership. In 2024, the State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ) invested $100 million in the company, but GEMS remains private and does not trade on any stock exchange. The company does not publicly disclose detailed financial results.

Who founded GEMS Education?
GEMS Education was founded by Sunny Varkey, who took over his parents' small school in Dubai in 1980 and expanded it into a global education company. His parents, Mariama and K.S. Varkey, started the original school in 1968. Sunny Varkey formally established GEMS (Global Education Management Systems) in 2000 as the corporate entity for the school network.

Where is GEMS Education headquartered?
GEMS Education is headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The company has maintained its headquarters in Dubai since its founding and operates its largest school network in the emirate, with 99,000 of its 146,000 UAE-based students attending schools in Dubai.

How many brands does GEMS Education own?
GEMS Education operates 9 school brands and campus networks, including GEMS World Academy, GEMS Modern Academy, Our Own English High School, GEMS American Academy, Cambridge International School, GEMS Founders School, Sherborne House, The Hampshire School Chelsea, and GEMS Learning Trust. The company is also building a network of 1,000 GEMS Partner Schools in India.

Who owns GEMS Education?
GEMS Education is controlled by the Varkey family. Sunny Varkey serves as Founder and Chairman, and his elder son Dino Varkey serves as CEO. The State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ) invested $100 million in 2024, making it a significant minority investor. The company is privately held and does not have a controlling shareholder outside the Varkey family.