MVA Middle East Officially Launches in Abu Dhabi
After a phenomenal launch in Dubai at the start of term in September, MVA's Gulf Community this month made its official launch in the UAE's capital city, Abu Dhabi.
Despite being headquartered in the UK, MVA has long had students from all over the world, including as far as Taiwan, and a notable student body in Spain. MVA Middle East, however, was Minerva's first experiment with setting up a regional hub decoupled from the GMT timezone but still integrated into the wider MVA community.
Under the leadership of Vice Principal Middle East Harry Allen, the result has exceeded expectations, with students deeply enjoying in particular local trips, clubs and events in addition to MVA's award-winning schooling and wellbeing support.
Now, with a proven track record and growing interest in the region from families looking for flexibility without compromising on wellbeing and socialisation, MVA Middle East is beginning its launch across the UAE.
At an event at the VOGO Hotel, Vice Principal Harry was joined by CEO and Founder Hugh Viney, Regional Marketing Manager Heather Pippia and, crucially, Student Ambassador Bethan who spoke about her experiences as an MVA student in the UAE.
Bethan's story is one shared with many students at MVA, and many around the world - she struggled not with learning, but with the mainstream school environment which left her lacking in confidence, and her studies overshadowed by bullying and daily school life.
Since moving to MVA, Bethan has transformed, coming out of her shell and even flying to Cornwall to join her friends on MVA's first ever multi-day residential trip in December 2025.
You can hear Bethan in her own words on that trip in an interview with Hugh here:
MVA's expansion into Abu Dhabi is also designed to be the full MVA experience, similar to that of a student in London, Birmingham, or anywhere else in the UK.
Built on local partnerships to ensure opportunities for physical meet-ups and events near any family, MVA Middle East is proving that the Minerva model can be replicated anywhere in the world.
That's world-class learning and a wellbeing-first approach with dedicated pastoral care that means every single child can go to a school that they love, no matter their needs, no matter who they are.
You can read more about MVA Middle East and our Abu Dhabi launch in local coverage linked below.
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