Private schools in Dubai have shown a 4.6 percent increase in student enrollment at the start of the new academic year. Currently, 406,563 students are studying in the emirate's private educational institutions, which is higher than the figure of 388,731 recorded in June 2026.
This growth occurs against the backdrop of the ongoing expansion of the private education sector in Dubai. Twenty-six new private educational institutions were opened this academic year, including seven schools, 17 early childhood centers (ECCs), and two international higher education institutions.
The seven new schools added nearly 17,000 places, and the new early childhood centers are expected to increase the offering by more than 1,700 places. Further expansion is planned, with approximately 18,000 available places expected to be added over the next two academic years. This is the emirate's response to sustained demand from families choosing Dubai for living and educating their children.
Aisha Miran, CEO of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), noted during the KHDA Media Majlis on Thursday that this growth is part of Dubai's long-term educational goals under the 'Education 33' Strategy. Miran emphasized that this strategy serves as a guide for work and defines the desired state of Dubai's education ecosystem by 2033. Despite the progress made in two years since its adoption, the institution's ambitions extend further.
She stated that the goal is for the strategy's impact to reach every student, family, teacher, and educational institution in Dubai. According to Miran, the strategy aims to create an educational ecosystem that adapts to changing student needs while supporting Dubai's broader aspirations.
Miran specified that every launched initiative, developed policy, and established partnership contributes to forming an educational ecosystem that meets learners' needs, develops their skills, strengthens their self-awareness, expands opportunities, and supports Dubai's global competitiveness.
In the last two academic years, 51 new private educational institutions have been opened in Dubai, increasing capacity in early childhood, schools, and higher education sectors.
The expansion comes amid strong international results. Dubai's private schools have entered the top 10 global education systems in all areas of the PISA 2025 assessment. The performance of Emirati students has also improved: their scores increased by 31 points in mathematics, 30 points in natural sciences, and 18 points in reading, reflecting progress in student learning outcomes.
For the 2026–27 academic year, KHDA has identified several priorities, including improving the academic performance of schools with a high concentration of Emirati students, strengthening cultural identity and Arabic language teaching, enhancing student well-being and protection, empowering parents, and increasing access to affordable education.
Furthermore, the authority will focus on developing Emirati talent across the entire educational ecosystem, as well as strengthening literacy in artificial intelligence, financial literacy, future skills, and career readiness.
The new academic year will also see the establishment of the second Dubai Student Council, the launch of the first Dubai Parents Council, and the first Dubai Teachers Council. These councils are intended to provide students, parents, and educators with a direct platform to participate in the development of Dubai's education sector and assist in shaping educational paths.
Parental involvement has also become a focus within the 'Education 33' Strategy. Since the strategy's adoption, KHDA has conducted over 20 parent awareness sessions, reaching more than 5,000 parents on topics such as positive parenting, family resilience, digital safety, and supporting children during stressful periods.
Miran also highlighted the role of the media in helping families understand changes in the education sector. She noted that the Media Majlis reflects a commitment to maintaining an open and continuous dialogue with the media and providing clear information on progress, priorities, and next steps.
In addition to schools, Dubai continues to expand its higher education offerings. Eleven new higher education institutions have been opened in the last three years, accompanied by a 29 percent increase in student enrollment. This academic year, two globally recognized universities are also expanding their presence in Dubai: the Beirut American University campus opened in September 2026, and the HSBC Business School of Peking University plans to launch MBA and EMBA programs in January 2027.
The overall landscape of private education—covering pre-school, schools, and higher education—has demonstrated an annual growth of 4.6 percent over the last three academic years.
Under the 'City of Students' initiative, KHDA will continue efforts to attract international students, talent, and global institutions while supporting research, innovation, and knowledge creation in the emirate.
Since the launch of 'Education 33' two years ago, KHDA has introduced over 20 transformative 'game-changer' initiatives and developed 28 policies, guidelines, and regulatory frameworks covering areas such as quality assurance in education, future skills, Arabic language teaching, national identity, inclusivity, teacher well-being, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence.
The authority stated that the next phase will continue to focus on strengthening the quality, accessibility, and sustainable growth of Dubai's private education sector, placing students, families, and educators at the center of the educational process.