90 Years Young: The Man Transforming Dubai’s Education Landscape
At 90 years old, Indian expat Haji Jamaluddin remains committed to providing affordable education in Dubai for low- and middle-income families through Crescent English High School.
Founded in 1984, this institution charges a modest annual tuition fee of around Dh3,500, a fraction of what many other schools in the city demand. For Jamaluddin, the school is not a commercial enterprise but a heartfelt service to the community.
“Parents with limited incomes had few options for their children’s education. These children would have nowhere to go otherwise,” he told Khaleej Times. Crescent follows the Indian CBSE curriculum and operates as sadaqah jariyah—ongoing charity.
A Legacy of Community Impact
Over the decades, Crescent’s alumni have excelled in various industries worldwide, a source of pride for Jamaluddin.
“They often come back to meet me, and those moments are priceless,” he shared. “Eventually, all of us will go, but when I go, I want to take something meaningful with me.”
Jamaluddin’s passion for providing affordable education in Dubai is central to that legacy.
Crescent English High School started in a modest villa in Rashidya in 1984, moved to Nad Al Hammar in 1993, and finally settled in its current expansive campus in Al Ghusais in 2000.
Today, it serves over 1,600 students from diverse backgrounds, including nationalities such as India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Afghanistan, and the Philippines.
The Man Behind the Mission
Jamaluddin’s journey began in Kollakadavu, Mavelikara, in Kerala. He initially worked as an auditor in Maharashtra before joining Air India International in Mumbai.
In 1965, he moved to Dubai, then a quiet port town, to work at First National City Bank (now Citibank). Two years later, he joined the Bank of Oman (now Mashreq Bank) and served as a manager until 1983.
During his banking career, Jamaluddin was instrumental in establishing consular services for Indian expats in Dubai and securing direct flights from Kerala to the UAE, significantly improving life for the Keralite diaspora.
Despite receiving lucrative offers after resigning from the bank, Jamaluddin chose to dedicate his efforts to education. “I wanted to build something that would serve the community and leave a lasting legacy,” he explained.
Crescent’s Global Impact
Beyond affordable tuition, Crescent English High School’s emphasis on quality education has made it a stepping stone for students to achieve global success. Alumni frequently return to express their gratitude, a testament to the school’s enduring influence.
Jamaluddin believes his work is a way of giving back to the UAE, which he considers his second home.
“The UAE has given so much to me and my family; it’s our home away from home. This is my way of repaying that debt,” he said. His dedication continues to impact affordable education in Dubai as a core value of Crescent English High School.
A Life Dedicated to Service
Jamaluddin’s daily routine reflects his unwavering commitment. Arriving at the school every day at 10:30 a.m., he oversees operations, ensuring Crescent remains a haven for families seeking quality education at an affordable cost.
As Dubai continues to grow as a hub for education and opportunity, Jamaluddin’s Crescent English High School stands out as a beacon of hope for underserved communities. His life story serves as a reminder of the profound impact one individual can have through vision, dedication, and a sense of service.
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