Wellington College International Qatar to Open in Lusail: A Landmark Partnership Between Al Faleh Educational Holding and Wellington College International

DOHA, QATAR – Qatar’s education sector is set to welcome one of the world’s most prestigious school brands with the establishment of Wellington College International Qatar, a state-of-the-art K–12 campus opening in Lusail City in September 2028. The announcement follows the signing of a landmark Master License Agreement between Al Faleh Educational Holding and Wellington College International (WCI). The agreement was formalised today at a ceremony held at Al Faleh Educational Holding’s NBK1 offices in Msheireb, where Sheikha Anwar Al Thani, CEO of Al Faleh Educational Holding, and Paresh Thakrar, Managing Director of Wellington College International, signed the partnership that will bring the Wellington College name to Qatar for the first time. The flagship campus in Lusail—Qatar’s fastest-growing smart city—has been meticulously planned, with architectural designs completed and construction scheduled to begin in early 2026. Purpose-built to global standards, the school will offer: expansive learning spaces, advanced science, technology, and arts laboratories, dedicated sports fields and performance facilities, creative design studios and maker spaces, green, sustainable environments throughout the campus. This project marks a major step forward in delivering world-class, future-ready education aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030. Wellington College UK, founded in 1853 and recognised by Tatler and The Week as one of the UK’s top premium independent schools, brings over 170 years of excellence in holistic education. Its international network includes leading schools in China, Thailand, Africa and India—now expanding to Qatar through this strategic partnership. Dr. Sheikha Aisha Al Thani, Chairperson of Al Faleh Educational Holding stated: “Bringing Wellington College’s distinguished heritage to Qatar is a milestone for our education sector. Wellington College International Qatar reflects our shared commitment to academic excellence, character development, and preparing future leaders for an evolving world. This partnership strengthens Qatar’s vision for a knowledge-based society.” Sheikha Anwar Al Thani, CEO of Al Faleh Educational Holding added: “This partnership represents a major stride in our vision to elevate the educational landscape of Qatar. By joining forces with Wellington College International — an institution renowned for its heritage, excellence, and innovation — we are creating a school that will nurture young minds to think globally, act responsibly, and lead with integrity. At Al-Faleh Educational Holding, we believe education is the foundation of progress, and Wellington College Qatar will stand as a testament to that belief.” Paresh Thakrar, Managing Director of Wellington College International announced: “We are honoured to be partnering with Al Faleh Education, one of the premiere school groups in Qatar. This collaboration will blend the best global practice with local insight, ensuring every student benefits from the world-class teaching and innovation that Wellington College is known for. Wellington College International Qatar will be the new benchmark for educational excellence in the region.” James Dahl, 15th Master of Wellington College said: “At Wellington College, our educational ethos is rooted in nurturing intellectual curiosity and supporting all pupils to discover their unique selves, develop true character and resilience, and become global citizens keen to serve and help shape a better world. The opening of Wellington College International Qatar extends our family’s tradition of pioneering education which blends academic rigour with innovative pastoral care, inspiring young people to lead with integrity and make a positive impact on their communities.” Sir Anthony Seldon, Founding Director, Wellington College Education concluded: “It’s a thrilling and very proud moment in Wellington’s long history for Wellington College International Qatar to be opening in Lusail City in 2028. This new chapter for our global family of schools exemplifies our worldwide mission: to bring our tradition of holistic education and character development to Qatar, empowering young people to thrive academically and personally in a rapidly changing world.” With groundbreaking scheduled for early 2026 and a planned opening in 2028, Wellington College International Qatar will deliver a comprehensive British curriculum across all grade levels. The campus will be designed to cultivate intellectual curiosity, creativity, resilience, and global citizenship—qualities central to both partners’ educational philosophy. This Master License Agreement represents not only a major strategic partnership but a transformational step in advancing Qatar’s educational offerings. Families across Lusail and the wider community will soon have access to a truly world-class institution at the heart of the country’s most dynamic new city. Al Faleh Educational Holding, Qatar: A leading Qatari education group committed to delivering world-class learning rooted in local values. Under the leadership of H.E. Dr. Sheikha Aisha Al Thani, AFEH operates several respected institutions, including Doha Academy, Doha International Kindergarten, and AFG College with the University of Aberdeen. The Group is distinguished for its academic excellence, innovation, and holistic approach to student development. Through its strategic partnerships with international education leaders, AFEH continues to advance Qatar’s educational ecosystem in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030. Wellington College, UK: The Founding School, Wellington College (Crowthorne, England), was established through the vision of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert and granted its Royal Charter in December 1853. Today, Wellington College stands as a globally recognised British co-educational boarding and day school, delivering a world-class holistic education to 1,200 students aged 13–18 within an inclusive and vibrant community. Website: https://www.wellingtoncollege.org.uk/ Wellington College International: WCI partners with organisations that share the vision of holistic education and academic excellence, licensing the brand, intellectual property and expertise of Wellington College to establish leading educational institutions within their regions. Wellington College Education: WCE is the global educational network of Wellington College, created to align and amplify the impact of all Wellington international education initiatives. Through direct operations and strategic partnerships, WCE ensures that every endeavour contributes to a shared vision—where the collective strength of the Wellington global family is far greater than the sum of its individual parts.