Al Ahmadiya School- Beautiful Restored Building In The Heart Of Old Dubai.
                     Al Ahmadiya School- Beautiful Restored Building In The 
Heart Of Old Dubai. 
Abstract: 
Al Ahmadiya School is a historic educational institution located in the heart of Old Dubai. The school was 
established in 1912 by Sheikh Ahmed Bin Dalmouk, a prominent businessman and philanthropist, to 
provide education for young boys in the local community. Over the years, the school has played an 
essential role in the development of the city's education system, and it continues to serve as a reminder 
of Dubai's rich cultural heritage. 
The Restoration 
In 1995, the school was restored to its original splendor by the Dubai Municipality as part of a larger 
effort to preserve the city's historic buildings. The restoration was carried out with great care to ensure 
that the building's original architecture and design were preserved. Today, the school stands as a 
testament to the beauty and grandeur of early 20th-century architecture. 
Architecture 
The architecture of the Al Ahmadiya School Dubai is a beautiful blend of Islamic and Victorian styles. The 
building features a central courtyard, which is surrounded by classrooms on all sides. The courtyard 
serves as a gathering place for students and is also used for various school activities. The building's 
façade is adorned with intricate carvings and beautiful stained-glass windows that reflect the traditional 
Islamic design. The interior of the building is equally impressive, with high ceilings, ornate moldings, and 
intricate tilework. 
The Museum 
Today, Al Ahmadiya School serves as a museum that showcases the history of education in Dubai. The 
museum is home to a vast collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents that document the 
evolution of the city's education system. Visitors can learn about the different teaching methods used in 
early schools, the history of education in the UAE, and the role of Al Ahmadiya School in shaping the 
city's education system. 
The museum's exhibits are spread across several rooms, each dedicated to a specific period in the 
history of education in Dubai. One room displays photographs and documents from the early days of Al 
Ahmadiya School Dubai, while another showcases the city's first public school. The museum also 
features exhibits on the history of education for girls in the UAE and the role of private schools in the 
development of the education system. 
The museum's highlight is undoubtedly the restored classroom, which gives visitors a glimpse into what 
a typical classroom looked like in the early 20th century. The classroom features original furniture, a 
blackboard, and educational materials from the period. Visitors can also see the original school bell, 
which was used to call students to class. 
The museum also features a library that contains a vast collection of books and documents related to 
education in Dubai. Visitors can browse through the collection and learn more about the history of 
education in the city. 
History of Al Ahmadiya School.  
Al Ahmadiya School is a historic educational institution located in the Al Ras area of Old Dubai. The 
school was established in 1912 by Sheikh Ahmed Bin Dalmouk, a prominent businessman and 
philanthropist, to provide education for young boys in the local community. 
Early Days 
In the early 20th century, education was not widespread in Dubai. Most families could not afford to 
send their children to school, and those who did often sent them to religious schools that focused 
mainly on Islamic studies. Recognizing the need for a secular education system that would prepare 
young boys for the modern world, Sheikh Ahmed Bin Dalmouk established Al Ahmadiya School. 
The school started with just 30 students and was located in a modest building in the Al Ras area. The 
curriculum was basic, with a focus on Arabic, mathematics, and Islamic studies. The school's early years 
were challenging, with limited resources and a shortage of qualified teachers. However, Sheikh Ahmed 
was determined to provide the best education possible for the students and worked tirelessly to 
improve the school. 
Expansion and Growth 
Despite the challenges, Al Ahmadiya School Dubai grew rapidly in the early years. The school's 
reputation for providing a quality education spread quickly, and more families began to send their 
children to the school. In response to the growing demand, Sheikh Ahmed expanded the school's 
facilities, adding new classrooms and hiring more teachers. 
By the 1930s, Al Ahmadiya School had become one of the largest and most respected educational 
institutions in Dubai. The school's curriculum had evolved, with a focus on science, literature, and 
history. The students also received vocational training in fields such as carpentry and metalwork, 
preparing them for careers in various industries. 
The school's success was not just limited to academics. Al Ahmadiya School also played an essential role 
in shaping the social and cultural fabric of the local community. The school encouraged students to 
participate in various extracurricular activities, including sports and arts. These activities helped build a 
sense of community among the students and fostered a spirit of competition and teamwork. 
Impact on Education in Dubai 
Al Ahmadiya School Dubai had a significant impact on the development of education in Dubai. The 
school's success inspired other philanthropists and businessmen to establish educational institutions in 
the city, leading to the growth of the education sector. 
The school also played a crucial role in shaping the city's education policies. The government recognized 
the importance of education and started investing in the sector, building new schools, and hiring more 
teachers. Today, Dubai has one of the most advanced education systems in the world, with world-class 
universities and schools. 
Restoration 
In 1995, the Dubai Municipality embarked on a project to restore several historic buildings in the city, 
including Al Ahmadiya School. The restoration was carried out with great care, and the building's original 
architecture and design were preserved. The school was reopened as a museum in 2001, showcasing the 
history of education in Dubai. 
The museum features a vast collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents that document the 
evolution of education in the city. Visitors can learn about the different teaching methods used in early 
schools, the history of education in the UAE, and the role of Al Ahmadiya School in shaping the city's 
education system. 
Conclusion 
Al Ahmadiya School is a testament to the importance of education in shaping the future of a community. 
The school's early years were challenging, but with the dedication and determination of Sheikh Ahmed 
Bin Dalmouk, it grew to become one of the most respected educational institutions in Dubai. The 
school's impact on education in the city cannot be overstated, and its restoration by the Dubai 
Municipality is a testament to the city's commitment to preserving it.