Dubai (Commonwealth Union)_ Sunny Varkey, a name synonymous with educational excellence, stands as one of the wealthiest Indians in Dubai today. Born in India’s southern state of Kerala on April 9, 1957, Varkey’s remarkable journey from humble beginnings to becoming the founder and chairman of GEMS Education, the world’s largest private K-12 school network, is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and vision. Varkey’s rise to prominence began long before his business empire took shape. Growing up in a family of educators, his parents, Mariama and KS Varkey, moved to Dubai in 1959, where they established Our Own English High School in 1968.
Also read: Vivek Ramaswamy’s Next Move: Can He Take Over Ohio’s Governor’s Mansion?
As the family expanded the school to accommodate the growing expat population, Sunny Varkey noticed a crucial gap in the education sector. Local schools in the UAE primarily catered to Arab students, leaving a significant number of expat children without access to quality education. This observation set the stage for Sunny’s future ventures. His own education in Dubai, where he attended Jesus Anglo-Indian Boys School and St. Mary’s Catholic High School, was the foundation for his later success. After completing his higher studies, Varkey started his career at Standard Chartered Bank. However, his entrepreneurial instincts led him to explore diverse sectors, including trading, hospitality, and healthcare, before ultimately returning to the educational field, where he found his true calling.
Also read: Trump Nominates S. Paul Kapur for South Asia Post—Is He the Key to a Stronger US-India Alliance?
In 2000, he founded Global Education Management Systems (GEMS), a network of schools offering various curricula, including CBSE, ICSE, IB, British, and American. GEMS quickly expanded its reach, with Varkey leveraging his family’s educational legacy and his keen business acumen to make it the largest private school operator in the world. By 2003, GEMS had its first school in England, and by 2004, it entered India. Today, GEMS operates over 80 schools globally, and Varkey’s net worth as of January 2025 is estimated at $3.8 billion, according to Forbes. One of the most ambitious projects that Varkey and GEMS Education are undertaking is the opening of the Gulf’s most expensive private school, the GEMS School of Research and Innovation, scheduled to open in Dubai Sports City in 2025. The school, which costs a staggering USD 100 million to build, will set new benchmarks for educational facilities in the region.
Also read: Genetic Goldmine? Why Breeders Are Paying a Fortune for This Indian-Origin Cow!
A 600-seat auditorium, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and cutting-edge laboratories for robotics and science are just a few of the world-class amenities that the GEMS School of Research and Innovation promises to offer. The school will also feature learning centers equipped with augmented and virtual reality technologies, fostering an environment where students can thrive in an advanced technological landscape. For those with an interest in sports, an elevated football field that doubles as a helipad will provide a unique addition to the campus. Tuition fees for the new school will be among the highest in the region, with yearly expenses for nursery students expected to start at INR 27 lakhs, rising to INR 35 lakhs by the time students graduate. Although these fees may seem high, they are still considered lower than some of the world’s most prestigious schools, such as Phillips Academy Andover in Massachusetts, where tuition fees range between INR 48-49 lakhs.
The GEMS School of Research and Innovation will not only cater to academic excellence but will also focus on innovation and sustainability. The school will act as a hub for cutting-edge research, sustainable practices, and technological advancements, attracting a globally minded, affluent student body. Its opening will contribute to the UAE’s continued efforts to strengthen its economic stability by fostering a future-ready workforce equipped with the skills needed in today’s ever-changing world. Sunny Varkey’s latest venture is more than just a new school. It is a bold statement of Dubai’s educational future. As the city continues to evolve into a global hub for innovation and excellence, the GEMS School of Research and Innovation is poised to lead the charge in shaping the next generation of leaders and thinkers.
