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About JESS Alumni

From 17 children in Deira to three schools, two sites, one JESS.

The JESS story

In the mid-1970s, expats were drawn to work in the oil industry in the Middle East, and their children needed a good-quality, affordable English-speaking school. JESS opened near the Deira Clock Tower in 1975 with 17 children and two teachers.

Watch the docuseries

Welcome to JESS Alumni

We love being able to stay in touch with our alumni and extend our reach across the world. The JESS Alumni community welcomes everyone who attended JESS as a pupil, whether it was recently or over 40 years ago - at the Jumeirah villa, at Arabian Ranches, or both. If you are a previous JESS pupil, we would love to hear from you.

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A welcome from the Director

"Dear JESS alumni - whether you left our Jumeirah villa in the 1970s or crossed the graduation stage last May, you are part of a story that began with 17 children and two teachers. Our vision is educating to make a difference in the world, and you are the proof of it. Please come back, share your stories and inspire the students who follow you. Once JESS, always JESS." - The Director, JESS Dubai (placeholder message).

Come to the May reunion

Always guided by our values

Six values every JESS student carries out into the world.

Commitment

We are dedicated and persevere in every undertaking.

Respect

We embrace differences and celebrate our unique identities.

Excellence

High expectations drive all that we do.

Care

We act with empathy and compassion towards people and our planet.

Integrity

We do the right thing, even when faced with difficult decisions.

Curiosity

We are excited to learn and have the courage to explore.

Three schools, two sites, one JESS

JESS Jumeirah

The first JESS school, built in 1976 in Al Safa on land gifted by HH Sheikh Rashid. Foundation Stage and Primary, ages 3 to 11.

JESS Arabian Ranches

Opened in 2005 on the outskirts of Dubai: Primary, Secondary and Sixth Form, real-grass pitches, an amphitheatre and courtyards.

JESS then, JESS today

Fifty years in six moments - how many do you remember?

1975

JESS opens near the Deira Clock Tower with 17 students and two teachers.

1976

The move to a villa in Jumeirah, on land gifted by the Ruler of Dubai.

1980s

A sabkha track off Hadiqa Street, Topical Nights and Headmistress Rita Lane.

2005

Arabian Ranches opens, and JESS becomes a 3-18 school.

2025-26

The 50th year: 50 Faces of JESS, the exhibition and the docuseries.

JESS today

Over 2,300 students from over 70 countries, rated Outstanding. IB average 38.2.

The JESS Alumni Office

Jumeirah English Speaking School
PO Box 24942, Dubai
United Arab Emirates

+971 4 361 9019
alumni@jess.sch.ae

JESS Jumeirah
Al Safa, Dubai
Foundation Stage and Primary

JESS Arabian Ranches
100 Wadi Al Safa 6 Street, Dubai
Primary, Secondary and Sixth Form

Find your classmates
Hubs
News
Gallery

Whether you left last May or over 40 years ago, we would love to hear from you.

Join now
JESS Alumni Reunion, 15 May 2027

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