GEMS Education partners with UAE fintech Leap to launch co-branded financial literacy app for students

Press release
Published February 16th, 2026 - 08:12 GMT

GEMS Education partners with UAE fintech Leap to launch co-branded financial literacy app for students

GEMS Education has partnered with UAE fintech platform Leap to introduce a co-branded financial literacy experience designed exclusively for GEMS families. The partnership brings together GEMS’ leadership in education with Leap’s innovative approach to financial learning, helping students develop essential money skills and early financial confidence through real-world, age-appropriate experiences at home.

Available to students aged 6 to 18, the ‘Leap for GEMS’ app enables children to learn how to earn, save, and spend responsibly under parental guidance. Through an app and prepaid Visa card, families can turn everyday moments such as pocket money, chores, and saving for goals into practical lessons that build long-term financial responsibility.  

The initiative reflects GEMS continued focus on preparing students for life beyond the classroom by equipping them with essential life skills that complement traditional curricula. By integrating financial literacy into daily family routines, the partnership supports students in developing independence, accountability, and healthy money habits from an early age.

Commenting on the partnership, Jay Varkey, GEMS Deputy CEO, said, “At GEMS, we recognise that important life skills are often developed through everyday experiences. Introducing Leap to our families offers them a practical and structured way to begin conversations around financial responsibility at home and instil the right financial habits. The app cultivates positive money habits in children from an early age, enabling them to navigate their financial future with ease and understanding. This collaboration reflects our commitment to preparing students for life beyond academics.”

Designed with both parents and children in mind, the experience ensures parents remain fully in control, with tools to set boundaries, monitor activity, and guide learning, while children gain hands-on exposure to managing money in a safe and engaging environment.    

Ziad Toqan, Leap Co-Founder and CEO said, “Education today goes far beyond the classroom, and money management is one of the most important skills children needs for the future. With 'Leap for GEMS', we're bringing real-world money education to help children build confidence, independence, and healthy financial habits from an early age. We’re proud to partner with GEMS and empower families with the tools they need to prepare their children for the real world.”

The co-branded ‘Leap for GEMS’ app experience is available exclusively to GEMS schools in the UAE. Parents can learn more through their school communication channels and discover how Leap can support their family in raising financially confident children.

Background Information

GEMS Education

In 1959, two teachers, KS Varkey and his wife Mariamma, arrived in Dubai. 

At the time, Dubai was a burgeoning trade centre on the Arabian Gulf. The Varkey family had left Kerala, India to seek a better life for their family. What they found was a real need to educate children arriving in the city from around the world.

Their son, Sunny, added a visionary’s ambition to a practitioner's experience. From simple roots in a family of teachers, GEMS Education, is today an international company with schools and education services across the Middle East. We still share the same mission - to provide a quality education to everyone.

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