Our Campus

Situated in Al Manakh, the Khalid bin Mohammed School (KBMS) was established in the mid-1970s as a boys’ school, forming part of a series of nearly identical schools constructed across the UAE. Its distinctive soft orange-colored design has been replicated 28 times across Sharjah City and the three port towns of Dibba Al-Hosn, Khor Fakkan, and Kalba, making it the most widely used school typology in the region. The school model, which emerged as the first primary and secondary school typology after the UAE’s union, boasts a modular precast structure designed with shaded external circulation and passively ventilated classrooms. Its eye-catching features encompass repetitive flat vaulted bays, tall arcs with long corridors, and covered walkways encircling courtyard spaces, granting the schools an iconic and unmistakable presence that enhances neighborhoods across the country. These architectural wonders were designed by the architecture studio, Khatib & Alami, under the patronage of the Ministry of Education.

Over time, the doors of Khalid bin Mohammed School eventually closed, but its story did not end there. Recognizing the potential of this historical structure, the Sharjah Art Foundation acquired it from the government and architect, Mona El Mousfy, led the renovation, not only preserving Sharjah’s modern heritage but also showcasing a brilliant example of adaptive reuse, breathing new life into the existing framework.

Today, the once-abandoned school has metamorphosed into the vibrant nucleus of Global Studies University (GSU), Sharjah. Within its walls, one can find an auditorium, workshop spaces, modular classrooms, a library, and a bookshop, all catering to the university’s mission of fostering knowledge and engaging with the broader community of Sharjah, the UAE, and beyond. This transformation reflects GSU’s commitment to honoring the past while innovating for the future, creating spaces that encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of global interconnectedness.

The remarkable transformation of Khalid bin Mohammed School not only serves as a testament to a proud era of national investment in education and civic projects across the United Arab Emirates but also exemplifies Sharjah’s unwavering commitment to knowledge, culture, and progress. As the home of GSU, the campus stands as a symbol of our dedication to becoming a world-leading institution in global studies, bridging cultural heritage with modern academic excellence.