GEMS to set up international school in Jordan

H.E. Imad Fakhoury, Chairman of the Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC) and Deputy Chief Commissioner and Commissioner for Investment and Economic Development for the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) in Aqaba, Jordan, signed the declaration of intent with GEMS Chief Operating Officer Hugh MacPherson at a ceremony in Dubai on Tuesday 30 November 2004.

"ADC is committed to providing the best development foundations for the Aqaba Special Economic Zone (ASEZ). The signing of this declaration with GEMS, a market leader in education management, signifies our dedication to social enablers that are critical for Aqaba's evolution into a leading business and leisure hub on the Red Sea," Fakhoury said.

Commenting on an agreement that signifies GEMS' first entry into Jordan, MacPherson said: "GEMS is delighted to be chosen as 'best in class' education provider for this exciting and innovative ASEZ project. The ADC's commitment to providing world class infrastructure is clear and parallels GEMS commitment to educating today's children for tomorrow with a strong emphasis on world citizenship and forward thinking."

Classes at the international school in Aqaba will start in September of 2005 with 300 students in existing facilities. A new school that will accommodate up to 1500 students will also be developed at the same time.

ASEZ, is a 375 sq km zone that includes the city of Aqaba with a population of 86,000. ASEZ provides businesses the needed enablers, infrastructure and incentives in a strategic location with free zone status at the crossroads of four countries and three continents, and predicts a population increase of up to 200% by 2020.

Established in Dubai almost 40 years ago, GEMS provides high quality education to almost 50,000 children of all nationalities through its international network of managed schools. GEMS has presence in the UK, Europe, North America, the Middle East and India.