Dubai's private schools have recorded a 4.6 per cent rise in enrolment at the start of the new academic year, with 406,563 students now studying in the emirate's private schools, up from approximately 388,731 in June 2026.

The increase comes as Dubai continues to expand its private education landscape, with 26 new private educational institutions opening this academic year, including seven schools, 17 early childhood centres (ECCs) and two international higher education institutions. Over the past two academic years, 51 new private educational institutions have opened.

The seven new schools have added nearly 17,000 seats, while the new ECCs are expected to add more than 1,700 places to the sector. The expansion is set to continue, with approximately 18,000 affordable seats expected to be added over the next two academic years, as the emirate responds to sustained demand from families choosing Dubai as a place to live and educate their children.

Speaking at the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) Media Majlis on Thursday, Aisha Miran, Director General of KHDA, said the growth forms part of Dubai's longer-term education ambitions under the Education 33 Strategy.

"Dubai's Education 33 Strategy is the compass that guides our work and sets out where we want Dubai's education ecosystem to be by 2033. Two years since its adoption, we have made important progress, but our ambition extends further. We want its impact to reach every student, family, teacher, and educational institution in Dubai," she said.

(Source: Khaleej Times)