Taaleem secures AED 968M from Emirates Islamic for Kids First deal

Taaleem Holding signed two financing agreements with Emirates Islamic Bank worth a combined AED 968 million to fund its acquisition of Kids First Group and support broader expansion plans.

The Dubai-based education provider will use the debt facilities to finance the purchase of the early childhood education operator and to invest in new school developments across the UAE. The two agreements cover a term loan and a revolving credit facility, according to a statement from the company.

Taaleem operates 10 schools in the UAE, serving more than 20,000 students. The Kids First acquisition adds seven nurseries and early learning centres to its portfolio, giving the company a foothold in the early years segment. Emirates Islamic, one of the largest Islamic banks in the country, structured the financing as a Shariah-compliant facility.

The deal comes as the UAE's private education sector sees consolidation, with larger operators using debt to acquire smaller rivals. Taaleem's balance sheet shows low leverage relative to peers, and the new financing will push its debt-to-equity ratio to about 0.4x, analysts estimate. The company's last major acquisition was in 2022 when it bought the Al Ain schools chain.

Taaleem shares traded flat on the Dubai Financial Market on the announcement. The stock has risen 12% this year, outperforming the DFM General Index, which is up 4%.