Almasar Education Reported Revenue Growth in First Half 2026
The education firm saw revenue rise 22% and student populations grow by 21% amid expansion across the Gulf region.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Distance Learning
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Almasar Alshamil Education reported a 22% year-on-year revenue increase during the first half of 2026. The company also expanded its total reach to 28,900 students and beneficiaries across its operations in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Why it matters
Growth across the firm was driven by regional population increases, private sector participation, and government investment in human capabilities. The expansion addresses a rising demand for specialized care and higher education services throughout the Gulf.
The company operates a portfolio of 41 daycare centers, 15 schools, and three clinics in Saudi Arabia, alongside serving 21,200 university students in the UAE. Total beneficiaries across all regions now reach 28,900.
The players
Almasar Alshamil Education
This is an education provider that operates a network of daycare centers, K-12 schools, and higher education institutions in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
NEMA Holding
This educational holding company focuses on higher education and K-12 schooling, maintaining operations in the UAE.
Heriot-Watt University
This is a public research university that maintains a global presence and has partnered with Almasar Education for regional expansion.
Middlesex University Dubai
This is the Dubai-based campus of the UK university that recorded increased enrollment figures in early 2026.
Abu Dhabi University
This is an academic institution that saw its standing improve significantly in the 2027 QS World University Rankings.
The details
Almasar Education launched two new daycare centers and one school in Saudi Arabia during the first half of 2026 to meet infrastructure demands. Additionally, the firm signed a non-binding memorandum to acquire a 60% stake in Al Qalam Educational Trading Company and plans to establish a new university in Saudi Arabia via a partnership with Heriot-Watt University.
Timeline
December 2025: Almasar Alshamil Education listed on the Saudi Exchange.
January 2026: Middlesex University Dubai welcomed record student intake.
H1 2026: The firm recorded significant revenue and enrollment growth.
June 2026: The company signed an MOU to acquire a stake in Al Qalam.
Roadmap
The expansion of Almasar Education mirrors a wider shift toward private sector dominance in the Gulf's educational landscape. This trajectory supports government initiatives to modernize human capital through increased specialized facility availability and international academic partnerships.
Future expansion plans for the company include the construction of two new K-12 campuses expected to house 5,000 students. These developments will provide additional school enrollment capacity for residents in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
The takeaway
The company’s growth indicates that demand for private, specialized education in the Gulf region remains high. Families should monitor regional enrollment timelines as new facilities prepare for capacity increases.
Further reading
For more on evolving academic infrastructure, visit Distance Learning.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Saudi Gazette.
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