In a transformative step toward eco-conscious education, GEMS Education has partnered with STS Group to unveil the Middle East’s first fully sustainable school transport fleet. The pioneering initiative, set to debut this August, will serve students of the newly launched GEMS School of Research and Innovation (SRI) in Dubai Sports City, GEMS Education’s 47th school in the UAE and Qatar.
The all-new fleet, powered by electric and biofuel-based vehicles, places environmental responsibility at the heart of student mobility. As part of the launch, STS Group is also introducing Spot2Spot, a fully electric, on-demand micro-transit service tailored specifically for students living in close proximity to SRI.
The partnership was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Jay Varkey, Deputy CEO of GEMS Education, and Steve Burnell, Managing Director of STS Group, at the GEMS corporate headquarters in Dubai.
This partnership demonstrates our unwavering commitment to leading the education sector with purpose-driven innovation,” said Jay Varkey. “The sustainable fleet and Spot2Spot’s smart transport model deliver measurable value for families while aligning with the UAE’s environmental goals.
A Living Lab for Climate Innovation
James Monaghan, CEO and Founding Principal of SRI, emphasized that the school is built as a “living lab” for sustainability, innovation, and wellbeing. “Green transport is an extension of our mission to deliver education for a rapidly changing world,” he noted.
Fleet Innovation & Spot2Spot Highlights
- Spot2Spot: A fully electric, demand-responsive transport service for nearby students, aiming to cut journey times and ease local congestion
- Smart Tech Integration: STS app offers real-time student check-in/out notifications and live journey tracking for parents
- Environmental Impact: Expected to cut private car use by 30%, reduce CO₂ emissions by 1.2 kg per student daily, and keep average ride times under 30 minutes
With built-in data analytics capabilities, the green transport model will monitor environmental impact and operational efficiency, serving as a scalable blueprint for future GEMS schools and education providers across the region.
Operating the service with EVs sets a new benchmark for clean, intelligent, and community-based student mobility,” said Steve Burnell. “It’s a smart solution for the modern city.
Supporting National Sustainability Goals
This strategic initiative aligns with the UAE Net Zero 2050 strategy and Dubai’s smart mobility vision, showcasing how educational institutions can contribute meaningfully to broader climate action goals. It also reinforces GEMS and STS Group’s long-term commitment to reducing school commute-related emissions and easing traffic congestion around campuses.
Set to launch this August, the SRI pilot project represents a bold leap toward safe, smart, and sustainable student transportation in the Middle East.
