The first secular school in Dubai began to be built more than 100 years ago, in 1912, with funds from Sheikh Ahmed bin Dalmouk. Unfortunately, the distinguished founder did not live to see its opening, and his son Muhammad, having completed the construction, named the school in honor of his father – “Al-Ahmadiya.” This ancient educational institution is located in the center of the old city, and it is easy to find – any resident of Dubai will show you the way.
This school is a very important place for the Arab people. The best teachers from Iraq and Saudi Arabia once taught Arabic language, literature, mathematics, and the teachings of the Quran here. Education was free for all primary classes, with Sheikh Muhammad bin Dalmouk covering the expenses himself, and only well-off upper-grade students paid a symbolic fee.
The influence of Al-Ahmadiya School on the development of science and culture in the UAE is enormous; it marked the beginning of the era of widespread secondary education in Dubai. Many of the school's graduates became scholars and continued educational work in other regions of the Arab world.
At present, the school has been restored and operates as a museum, where you can see photographs, drawings, and the interior as it was over the course of several decades.
