Words By Allegra Salvadori
In the heart of Nad Al Sheba, Dubai welcomes a new kind of school — one that looks as carefully at domes and courtyards as it does at books and lessons. Rooted in the culture of the UAE, Al Fanar honours local traditions while embracing an avant-garde approach to education.
Al Fanar School, founded by visionary developer Nadia Zaal, redefines what a learning environment can be. For Zaal, who shaped iconic projects such as Al Barari and Nurai, the purpose remains constant: to design places that elevate human potential.
At Al Fanar, architecture is not a backdrop but an active partner in education. Circular domes, inspired by the work of architect Nader Khalili, create calming, inclusive spaces that dissolve hierarchy and foster belonging. Classrooms spill into shaded gardens and sky-filled courtyards. Children climb into a treehouse classroom that develops balance and spatial awareness, cook together in an outdoor kitchen that stimulates memory through taste and smell, and care for animals in a chicken coop that awakens empathy and responsibility.
Every detail is grounded in neuroscience and child development research. Curves calm the mind, natural textures regulate focus, and multi-sensory experiences deepen learning. The curriculum itself mirrors this philosophy: taught in immersive blocks rather than isolated subjects, it allows mathematics, art, history, and science to flow together, creating connections that last.
Guided by the ethos of head, heart, and hands, Al Fanar nurtures intellectual curiosity, emotional intelligence, and practical skills in equal measure. Rooted in the culture of the UAE, it celebrates both tradition and innovation — a school of belonging where families find community, and children discover not just how to excel, but how to thrive.
In a city famed for its avant-garde skyline, Al Fanar stands apart as a different kind of landmark: a beacon where beauty and purpose meet, and where every child’s spark is seen, nurtured, and allowed to shine.
