Dubai’s premier early childhood institution, British Orchard Nursery (BON), has marked a significant expansion milestone with the inauguration of its newest facility within the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) headquarters. This opening represents the nursery chain’s 15th establishment within a UAE government entity and its 37th branch nationwide, reinforcing its position as the Emirates’ most decorated early education provider.
The timing of this launch carries profound national significance, coinciding with both the UAE’s 54th National Day celebrations and the official designation of 2025 as the ‘Year of the Community’. This dual alignment underscores the nursery’s commitment to fostering social cohesion, familial support structures, and collaborative community development—cornerstones of the nation’s current strategic vision.
The inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of distinguished leadership including Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem (PCFC Chairman), Nasser Al Neyadi (PCFC CEO), and Dr. Vandana Gandhi (BON Founder and CEO), alongside various departmental leaders. This high-level participation highlighted the institutional importance placed on early childhood development within government work environments.
Dr. Gandhi emphasized the strategic significance of this expansion, noting its synchronization with nationwide educational quality enhancements. “Across the Emirates, regulatory bodies including KHDA, ADEK, and SPEA are implementing strengthened frameworks that prioritize educational excellence, transparency, and cultural preservation,” she stated. “Our BONQ inspection model, ISO-certified safety protocols, and EFQM-driven improvement culture directly align with these national objectives as we enter our twentieth operational year.”
The new PCFC facility embodies contemporary pedagogical approaches centered on project-based, child-initiated learning experiences. Designed to stimulate curiosity and build emotional security, the nursery features open-ended resources, responsive learning environments, and culturally rich developmental spaces. This educational philosophy supports the UAE’s dual objectives of international benchmarking and cultural rootedness in early years’ education.
Beyond educational services, this expansion represents a strategic partnership model between government entities and private providers. BON currently serves over fifteen government agencies, demonstrating how institutional collaboration can advance workforce support systems and sustainable, family-oriented workplace cultures. The PCFC branch specifically enhances work-life balance for government employees while extending quality early childhood services to broader community networks.