GEMS School Management (GSM), the advisory arm of GEMS Education, and Infinity Developments, a leading real estate group behind landmark residential and hospitality projects across East Africa, today announced plans to explore the establishment of a new international school in Zanzibar.Scheduled to open in 2027, the school will be part of Infinity Hills, a mixed-use community featuring sustainable housing and modern infrastructure within the UNESCO heritage zone of Stone Town. The collaboration, which is non-binding, marks a major step toward advancing educational access and quality in Zanzibar, positioning GSM as a long-term partner in the region’s growth.The proposed school will deliver international-standard education aligned with Zanzibar’s development goals, emphasizing digital innovation, STEM learning, and teacher training. GSM will bring GEMS Education’s 68-year legacy of academic excellence and its proprietary ASPIRE model, while Infinity Developments will contribute expertise in sustainable construction, master planning, and community integration.Together, the partners aim to build a transformational learning environment and create capacity-building opportunities for local educators through leadership and training programs.

Robert Tarn CBE, Managing Director, GEMS School Management, said:

“We look forward to exploring this partnership with Infinity Developments, marking an important step in GSM’s expansion across Africa. Zanzibar offers a unique opportunity to extend access to high-quality education and support the government’s vision for an inclusive, future-ready school system.”

Samuel Saba, Founder and Chairman, Infinity Developments, added:

“Education is the foundation of every thriving community. Partnering with GSM allows us to bring that vision to life, creating a school that stands for excellence, sustainability, and opportunity at the heart of Infinity Hills.”This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to education-led community development and opens the door to future partnerships across Africa, where both organizations see growing opportunities to pair world-class schooling with visionary real estate projects.This announcement outlines a potential collaboration between GEMS School Management (GSM) and Infinity Developments and is non-binding in nature, creating no legal or financial commitment by either party.

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About GEMS School Management (GSM)

GEMS School Management (GSM) is the global advisory and operations arm of GEMS Education, established to deliver world-class K-12 schools in partnership with governments, investors, developers, and school groups.Backed by over 65 years of GEMS’ educational expertise, GSM offers a comprehensive ‘school-in-a-box’ solution that includes school design, curriculum planning, recruitment, training, technology integration, safeguarding, and operational systems.At the heart of GSM is its proprietary ASPIRE model – a turnkey framework enabling the rapid delivery of high-performing schools across a range of curricula including British, American, IB, Indian, and national systems. Designed for both new builds and the transformation of existing schools, GSM’s flexible, fully costed solutions are tailored to meet local needs while adhering to the highest international standards.GSM is currently in advanced discussions across eight international markets, supporting visionary partners to build and operate schools that set new educational benchmarks.To learn more, visit www.gems-sm.com or contact info@gems-sm.com

About the ASPIRE model

ASPIRE is GEMS School Management’s all-in-one model for designing, opening and elevating schools bundling six essential pillars into a single, proven package: a ‘school-in-a-box’. The six pillars are: All-encompassing end-to-end support; Systems processes, and procedures; Partnerships and stakeholder engagement; Inclusivity and high standards; Recruitment, retention, and staff development; Education excellence.

About GEMS Education

GEMS Education is one of the world’s leading private K-12 education providers, educating more than 200,000 students from 176+ nationalities across its global network of owned and managed schools. With nearly half a million alumni, GEMS has built a legacy of impact that spans generations and continents.Established in Dubai in 1959, GEMS remains a family-founded and family-led organization, guided by its visionary founder and chairman Sunny Varkey, and his sons Dino Varkey (Group CEO) and Jay Varkey (Deputy Group CEO).With a focus on delivering high-quality education to students from all walks of life, GEMS offers a wide range of curricula and learning pathways. Each year, GEMS students graduate into the world’s top universities, including all eight Ivy League institutions and every UK Russell Group university, and go on to become leaders, innovators, and changemakers in every sector.Through its expanding school network and philanthropic initiatives, GEMS is committed to its mission: to put quality education within reach of every learner, everywhere.Learn more at www.gemseducation.com

About Infinity Developments

Infinity Developments is a subsidiary of Infinity Group, a Dubai-based investment company with a diversified portfolio spanning real estate, hospitality, and education. The company currently has launched over USD 500 million worth of projects in Zanzibar, Tanzania, and operates with a vision to create luxury and sustainable community-driven developments that combine design excellence with long-term value creation.Infinity Developments has established a strong presence in East Africa through landmark projects such as Anantara Resort & Residences Zanzibar, the Old Fort restoration, Zanzibar Museum, Infinity Hills residential community, and the Africa House Garden restoration. Guided by principles of integrity, innovation, and social responsibility, the company continues to play a key role in shaping modern living environments that respect cultural heritage and support economic growth across the region.Learn more at www.infinitydevelopments.ae

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