Education is the most powerful tool for building a sustainable world
We believe lasting change begins in the classroom and extends outward. By building skills like resilience, environmental awareness, collaboration, and ethical leadership, we empower students to make a positive impact beyond school.
Through initiatives such as hydroponic farming, zero-waste campaigns, digital wellness, and climate action, our schools show that learning can be meaningful and actionable—strengthening sustainability and amplifying impact.
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Materiality assessment
Taaleem conducted a GRI 3–aligned Materiality Assessment to identify and prioritise key ESG topics affecting its long-term value. Guided by UAE SCA directives and global standards, the process involved structured stakeholder engagement to align sustainability priorities with expectations and strategic risks.
| Materiality Grading | Material Topics |
|---|---|
| Major | S6: Safe & Supportive Workplaces |
| G6: Secure & Responsible Digital | |
| G2: Board Leadership & Accountability | |
| S3: Holistic Student Well-being & Safety | |
| G5: Data Privacy | |
| G1: Ethical Governance & Financial Integrity | |
| Significant | S1: Sustainable & Responsible Procurement |
| El: Climate Action & Carbon Neutrality | |
| S7: Global Safety Standards & Employee Well-being | |
| G3: Enterprise Risk & Whistleblower Protection | |
| E3: Climate Resilience & Disaster Preparedness | |
| S5: Inclusive & Multicultural Education | |
| G4: Al Ethics & Cybersecurity in Education | |
| S8: Sustainable Community & Stakeholder Engagement | |
| E2: Green Infrastructure & Resource Management | |
| S4: Fair & Equitable Workforce | |
| S2: Innovative & Inclusive Education | |
| Moderate | G7: Parental & Stakeholder Engagement in ESG |
Major, significant, and moderate are all important priorities. The categories simply indicate different levels of urgency and impact as identified through a stakeholder survey.
Aligned UNSDGs
Taaleem's educational framework aligns with UNSDGs, combining academic skills with environmental stewardship and global citizenship to promote a holistic understanding of sustainability challenges and solutions through various initiatives.
School Uniforms
School Food
School Buses
School Buildings
Education for Sustainability
Our ESG progress
ESG performance is measured across key environmental, social, and governance priorities, guided by a structured materiality assessment aligned with global standards and UAE regulatory expectations. These metrics provide a clear view of progress and impact across the organisation.
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During FY2024/25, Taaleem educated more than 41,000 students representing over 100 nationalities, reflecting one of the most diverse educational communities in the region. Our workforce remains strongly inclusive, with women representing 75% of employees and 55% of leadership positions. We continued to invest in student wellbeing, mental health support, safeguarding, digital safety, professional development, and community engagement initiatives across our schools. Community outreach programmes generated more than 5,000 volunteer hours and over AED 220,000 in charitable donations and partnerships, reinforcing our commitment to making a meaningful difference beyond the classroom.
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Across Taaleem's network of schools during FY2024/25.
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Reflecting a diverse and inclusive learning community.
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By students and staff through community engagement initiatives.
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All Board members are Independent and/or Non-Executive, supporting objective oversight and governance integrity.
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No reported violations, penalties, or enforcement actions from the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA).
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All new employees undergo mandatory Code of Conduct and whistleblower training, with annual refresher programmes in place.
Key Initiatives
Sustainability is embedded across the Taaleem network, shaping how we educate, operate and engage with our communities. Through innovative learning programmes, responsible resource management and student-led environmental initiatives, we are equipping future generations with the knowledge, skills and values needed to contribute to a more sustainable world. Our commitment extends beyond the classroom, creating measurable environmental and social impact across our schools and the communities we serve.
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Driving Sustainable Impact
The hydroponic farming programme forms part of a broader sustainability framework that encourages students to become active environmental champions. From growing fresh produce and supporting community initiatives to promoting responsible consumption and conservation, students are empowered to transform learning into meaningful action and lasting impact.
“Our approach to sustainability goes beyond environmental stewardship. We are developing responsible global citizens while creating measurable environmental and social value across our schools and communities.”
Health, Safety & Sustainability Manager
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Creating the Changemakers of Tomorrow
By combining classroom learning with practical action, Taaleem empowers students to lead meaningful sustainability initiatives that benefit both their school communities and the wider society. From environmental campaigns and recycling drives to climate action projects and social impact programmes, students are encouraged to transform ideas into measurable outcomes and become lifelong advocates for sustainable development.
“The most meaningful sustainability lessons happen when students move from awareness to action. By empowering young people to lead initiatives that create real impact, we are developing the next generation of responsible leaders and changemakers.”
Health, Safety & Sustainability Manager, Taaleem
Turning Waste into Positive Environmental Impact
The e-Waste Offset Programme demonstrates how responsible resource management can create meaningful environmental outcomes. By diverting electronic waste from landfill and supporting certified carbon reduction projects, students and staff actively contribute to climate action while gaining a deeper understanding of the circular economy and sustainable consumption.
“Every sustainable choice matters. Through initiatives such as our e-waste programme, we are empowering our school communities to understand that local actions can contribute to meaningful environmental impact on a global scale.”
Health, Safety & Sustainability Manager, Taaleem
Strategic partnerships
Taaleem strategically leverages partnerships to enhance its impact in health, environmental protection, and inclusion. The organisation maintains active membership in multiple educational and sustainability-focused associations, fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation in ESG and education.
Students and families worked together through charity events to bring hope and joy.
Promotes circular economy awareness
Promotes circular economy awareness
Students and families worked together through charity events to bring hope and joy.
Students and families worked together through charity events to bring hope and joy.
Students and families worked together through charity events to bring hope and joy.
Promotes circular economy awareness
Awards and certificates
Governance
Taaleem upholds the highest standards of ethical governance, placing sustainability, and financial integrity at the core of decision-making. All the Board meetings in 2024–2025 included ESG discussions, and the Board of Directors demonstrated strong leadership commitment to environmental, social, and governance principles. A well-structured, multi-tiered ESG governance model ensures these principles are embedded transparently and effectively across the group’s operations and strategic planning.
