At 90, Haji Jamaluddin remains as active as ever, overseeing Crescent English High School in Dubai, which he founded in 1984 to provide affordable education to low- and middle-income families. Despite his age, the Indian expat continues to visit the school every day at 10:30 AM, where the tuition fees remain among the most affordable in Dubai, at around Dh3,500—significantly lower than many other institutions in the city.
For Jamaluddin, the school is more than just a business; it’s a lifelong mission. He credits his resilience to his faith, stating, “Allah gives me the strength to continue this mission.” When asked why he hasn’t retired, he says the school is his lifeline. “When I’m with the children, I forget everything. They make me feel alive. As long as I can, I want to keep going.”
Crescent English High School, following an Indian CBSE curriculum, was established to offer educational opportunities to children from families with limited incomes, who otherwise had few options. Jamaluddin views the school as a form of sadaqah jariyah (ongoing charity) — a continuous act of giving. “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 explains.
Over the years, many of Crescent’s alumni have gone on to achieve success in various fields globally. Their visits to the school remind Jamaluddin of the far-reaching impact of his work. “They often come back to meet me, and those moments are priceless. Eventually, all of us will go, but when I go, I want to take something meaningful with me.”
Originally from Kollakadavu, Mavelikara, Kerala, Jamaluddin’s career began as an auditor with the Government of Maharashtra before moving to Air India International in Mumbai. In 1965, he moved to Dubai, which was then a small port town, to work for First National City Bank (now Citibank), and later joined Bank of Oman (now Mashreq Bank), where he helped launch the Indian Rupee Draft business and worked to establish consular services for Indian expats in Dubai. He also played a key role in bringing direct flights from Kerala to Dubai.
In 1983, Jamaluddin resigned from the bank and turned down several lucrative offers to pursue his dream of establishing a school. He wanted to create something that would serve the community and leave a lasting legacy. Crescent English High School began in a modest villa in Rashidya in 1984, moved to larger premises in Nad Al Hammar in 1993, and finally settled in its current expansive campus in Al Ghusais in 2000. Today, the school educates over 1,600 students from diverse nationalities, including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Afghanistan, and the Philippines.
“The diversity here is incredible,” says Jamaluddin. “We have students from all over, and there’s a waiting list of 5,000 for just 150 seats. Just yesterday, an Indian member of parliament requested admission for a student.”
Jamaluddin’s dedication to the school is shared by his family. His son, Dr. Riyas Jamaluddin, a restorative dentist in Sharjah, calls the school a “miracle,” saying, “It doesn’t make economic sense, but it works.” His eldest son, Dr. Saleem Jamaluddin, an internal medicine specialist in Dubai, adds, “For Baba, the school is a legacy, not just an institution.”
Despite facing challenges, including during the Covid-19 pandemic, Jamaluddin remained steadfast in his commitment. “We didn’t let go of a single staff member,” he said.
Jamaluddin’s legacy continues to inspire not only his students but also his family and the wider community. As he puts it, “Children join us as crescents; they leave us as full moons, ready to light up the world.” His work leaves a lasting impact that extends far beyond the classroom.
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