The premium British curriculum school is set to welcome students from schools worldwide for the Middle East’s inaugural Wharton Global Youth Learning Sprint
UAE – December 2025: Arcadia British School, a premium British curriculum school managed and operated by Arcadia Education in the UAE, along with the Wharton Global Youth Program, proudly welcomes students from across the world to the Middle East’s first-ever Wharton Global Youth Learning Sprint: Insights into Modern Finance and Private Equity, from 9 – 11 January 2026.
Students from high schools in the Middle East and worldwide will visit Arcadia British School’s Jumeirah Village Triangle (JVT) secondary campus in Dubai, marking a significant milestone for the region and for the school’s commitment to nurturing lifelong learners.
The Wharton Global Youth Learning Sprint, organised by the Wharton Global Youth Program, a leader in business education for the high school market, introduces students to innovative techniques for investing and the fundamentals of how financial markets create value. The workshop aligns with Wharton Global Youth’s signature hands-on, case-style approach, offering young learners real-world outcomes in the international financial sector. Since the program was announced, it has already generated strong interest from more than 100 students, with participation continuing to grow.
Giles Pruett, Executive Principal at Arcadia British School and Member of the Board of Governors at Arcadia Education, said: “We are proud to host the world’s first Wharton Global Youth Learning Sprint. This event will provide students with valuable insights and opportunities to learn from expert educators. At Arcadia British School, our values of confidence, curiosity, resilience, respect, and altruism guide our approach to education, and the Wharton Global Youth Learning Sprint mission strongly aligns with the Arcadia ethos. It will offer students a meaningful platform to understand the complexities of the real world, while honing the skills that will serve them in the years ahead.”
Led by Dr. David K. Musto, the Ronald O. Perelman Professor in Finance and Faculty Director of Wharton’s Stevens Center for Innovation in Finance, and Dr. Burcu Esmer, Co-Director of the Wharton Harris Family Alternative Investments Program and Senior Lecturer of Finance, the global program will immerse students in interactive sessions, workshops, and team-based challenges. Participants will explore themes such as Strategy and Decision-making, Markets and Innovation, Business in the Digital Age, and more.
During the three-day workshop, students will analyse market challenges, collaborate, and present ideas, gaining first-hand experience of the teamwork, critical thinking, and creativity that define the Wharton Global Youth experience. Additionally, students will build networks with their peers, Wharton alumni, and industry professionals.
“Our new Learning Sprint design is a great addition to the portfolio of programs that Wharton Global Youth offers,” noted Dr. Serguei Netessine, Wharton’s Dhirubhai Ambani, Professor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship and Senior Vice Dean for Innovation and Global Initiatives. “In just a few days, students will receive an immersive and impactful educational experience. We are also thrilled to be launching the Wharton Global Youth Learning Sprint in Dubai, one of the world’s most dynamic cities. Our hope is that high school students from the Middle East and beyond will embrace the chance to learn about finance from a world leader in business education.”
The Wharton Global Youth Learning Sprint will empower all students to further reinforce Arcadia British School’s values of confidence and resilience, as they explore real-world scenarios. Students will also benefit from extended learning through Wharton’s online Canvas platform, where they can access key information on the presenting experts, programme resources, and enrichment materials both before and after the workshop. All participants will also receive a Wharton Global Youth Digital Badge recognising their achievement.
