A landmark Dubai school backed by $100m in investment has set out its ambitious mission to develop the "classroom of tomorrow", after opening its doors.

The Gems School of Research and Innovation - the UAE's most expensive with fees ranging from Dh116,000 ($31,500) for pupils in Foundation Stage One, to Dh206,000 ($56,000) in Year 12 - is at the forefront of the UAE's super premium education strategy.

The school, which opened for the new academic year in September, was officially inaugurated this week by Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee.

The high-tech institution aims to champion artificial intelligence, innovation and sustainability to prepare learners for an evolving global landscape.

“Education remains the cornerstone of our nation’s future, and initiatives such as the Gems School of Research and Innovation play a vital role in preparing the next generation to lead progress with creativity, purpose, and a strong sense of responsibility,” said Sheikh Mansoor.

Sunny Varkey, chairman and founder of Gems Education, spoke of the school's key role in shaping future generations.

“The Gems School of Research and Innovation embodies our belief that the classroom of tomorrow is one where every child is empowered to explore, create and lead," he said.

"SRI represents the very best of our mission to deliver world-class education that prepares students to shape the future."

Top of the class

Spanning more than 47,000 square metres, it features a three-storey Research Hub, which includes robotics labs, extended reality studios, and digital lounges to serve pupils from early years to secondary school.

Each teacher at the school is provided with AI-enabl