Dubai is set to add 26 private education institutions in the 2026-27 academic year, including new early childhood centres, schools and higher education institutions, as demand for private education continues to grow across the emirate.
The new institutions comprise 17 private early childhood centres (ECCs), seven schools and two international higher education institutions. The new schools will provide 16,846 additional places, while the ECCs will add more than 1,700 seats.
Private education growth
Dubai’s private education sector has recorded annual growth of 4.6% across early childhood education, schools and higher education over the past three academic years.
The expansion comes alongside a 17.5% increase in the number of teachers working in Dubai’s private education sector over the same period.
Aisha Miran, Director General of Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), said: “The continued growth of Dubai’s private education sector reflects the trust that learners, families, educators and investors place in Dubai as a destination for high-quality education. Every new early childhood centre, school and higher education institution expands opportunities for learners at every stage of their educational journey and contributes to our shared ambition to build one of the world’s best education systems.
“Through the Education 33 Strategy, we are creating an education ecosystem that offers greater choice, nurtures talent, attracts world-class institutions, and equips learners with the knowledge, skills and values they need to thrive in the future, in line with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, and the emirate’s social and economic priorities.”
New schools
The 17 new ECCs will offer curricula including the UK’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), Montessori, Ontario, French and Indian programmes.
Dubai has added 87 new early childhood centres over the past three years, while enrolment in the sector increased by 2.6%. Seven new private schools will open, with four offering the UK curriculum and three offering the International Baccalaureate. The schools will add 16,846 places.
New campuses include Harrow International School Dubai, Queen Elizabeth’s School Dubai Sports City and Rugby School Dubai. Over the past three years, 21 new private schools have opened in Dubai, with enrolment growing by 3.1%.
Higher education
Two international higher education institutions are also set to expand Dubai’s university offering. Peking University HSBC Business School will launch MBA and EMBA programmes in January 2027. The school is ranked 47th globally in QS ratings.
The American University of Beirut’s Dubai campus is scheduled to open in September 2026. Eleven new higher education institutions have opened in Dubai over the past three years, contributing to a 29% increase in enrolment. The expansion is part of Dubai’s Education 33 Strategy, which aims to increase access to education, widen choice and strengthen the emirate’s education sector.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
