UAE-based philanthropist Faizal Kottikollon launches DREAM School in Kashmir under Indo-UAE partnership to uplift public education standards.
SRINAGAR: In a landmark move for cross-border philanthropy and education reform, Dubai-based entrepreneur Faizal E. Kottikollon has inaugurated the newly transformed DREAM School block at Government Girls Higher Secondary School (GGHSS), Kothibagh, Srinagar, in the presence of Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha. The initiative, led by the Faizal & Shabana Foundation (FSF), marks a significant milestone in Indo-UAE socio-developmental collaboration.
The DREAM School project is rooted in FSF’s PRISM framework, which has already transformed over 900 government schools across India. The Kothibagh model brings this proven approach to Kashmir, integrating smart infrastructure, innovative pedagogy, and strong community engagement.
Key features include smart classrooms, modern IT labs, a digital library, and teacher training programmes conducted across Kerala and Kashmir. The vision is to reimagine public education as a space of equity, innovation, and dignity—transforming not only school facilities but mindsets, aspirations, and futures.
The event was attended by prominent dignitaries from both India and the UAE, including senior officials from the School Education Department of J&K, members of the UAE India Business Council – UAE Chapter (UIBC-UC), and global business leaders.
Speaking at the inauguration, Lt. Governor Shri Manoj Sinha commended the project’s transformative impact and thanked the foundation for its commitment to uplifting education in the region. “This is just the beginning,” he said. “This initiative proves that with visionary leadership and compassion, public education can match global standards.”
Mr. Kottikollon added, “We are humbled to invest in Kashmir’s youth through this DREAM School, which reflects the shared values of the UAE-India relationship. Education is the strongest investment we can make in a better, inclusive future.”
As part of the event, the UIBC-UC also launched a policy research paper titled “Bridging Horizons”, examining the role of education-led development in Indo-UAE ties, with a special focus on Jammu & Kashmir.
With India having the world’s largest youth population and government schools educating nearly half the country’s children, the DREAM School stands as a model of scalable public-private collaboration. It signals a shift from aid to impact—making education a platform for unity, equity, and excellence.
