CIRA Education launches business in Red Sea region via acquisition deal
Updated 8/10/2025 11:40:00 AM
Arab Finance: CIRA Education has acquired a 51% stake in L'École Française d'Hurghada, marking its first entry into the Red Sea region's international education sector, according to a press release.
This strategic investment will enable CIRA to expand its geographic footprint as well as its curricular offerings to serve a wider spectrum of students in Hurghada.
Bouchra Cherkaoui, the school’s founder, will hold the remaining 49% ownership and continue to play an active role in the school's future development.
Established in 2004, L'École Française d'Hurghada marks the sole institution in the Red Sea region offering French curriculum education under the official accreditation and oversight of the Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE).
Set to begin in September, the school will introduce a new German section under the SIS brand, marking the first dedicated German-curriculum offering in Hurghada.
The enrollment of 160 students spanning kindergarten through Grade 12 has already been confirmed.
CIRA Education's CEO, Mohamed El Kalla, highlighted: "At CIRA, we're committed to delivering quality education where it's needed most, and Hurghada represents an exciting, underserved geography for us. By introducing German and American tracks alongside the existing French program, we're creating a richer, more inclusive academic environment for families in the region.”
He added: “We will continue to focus on unlocking opportunities in underserved markets, while introducing innovative academic models that enrich and diversify the learning experience."
On his part, Cherkaoui said: "Joining forces with CIRA allows us to scale our impact while preserving the core values the school was built on. With this new chapter, the school is set to broaden both its vision and its offering, and I'm excited to continue this journey together and see the school evolve into a truly multi-curricular institution."
Khaled Taha, Vice President SIS Middle East, commented: "This launch is not only a milestone for SIS but also a meaningful step forward for educational diversity in the Red Sea region. We look forward to working closely with the school community to deliver an exceptional German academic experience."
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