Dubai private school enrolment increases 6 per cent as emirate's population continues to rise

Ten new schools opened for the current academic year

Dubai British School Jumeria welcomes pupils on the first day of term. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The number of pupils enrolled in Dubai's private schools increased by 6 per cent this year, according to data from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority.

There are 387,441 pupils enrolled at 227 private schools in the academic year 2024-25. Official statistics showed more than 365,000 pupils were enrolled in Dubai's classrooms in 2023, up from 326,000 in November 2022. Ten schools opened in the emirate for the current academic year. In line with Dubai's Education Strategy 2033, the KHDA aims to establish more than 100 private schools by 2033.

Education chiefs say the high demand for pupil places and new schools emphasises the global draw Dubai has on the world. The emirate's population stands at 3.83 million, with growth projected at 3.6 per cent annually until 2030.

“Dubai continues to be an attractive destination for families seeking world-class education and for educators dedicated to shaping future generations," Aisha Miran, Director General of KHDA said.

"The growth in student enrolment, including Emirati students, alongside the expansion of new schools, reflects the strength of the city’s education ecosystem."

The data also revealed that 33,210 Emirati pupils were enrolled in Dubai’s private schools, with the US curriculum being the most popular choice among Emirati families, followed by the UK and IB curriculums. Dubai’s private schools now employ 27,284 teachers, a 9 per cent increase since the last academic year.

UAE schools are currently preparing to fill around 900 vacancies amid a shortage of talent globally. There are about 700 roles advertised in Dubai, more than 130 in Abu Dhabi, and dozens of vacancies in the Northern Emirates, according to Tes, formerly known as The Times Educational Supplement. Major UAE school developers such as Gems and Taaleem are on the lookout for teachers.

Preparing for the future

The Education Strategy 2033 – known as E33 – was announced in October by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, as part of a wider package of initiatives to encourage people to live, learn and invest in the city.

Dubai's Education Strategy 2033 aims to ensure there are more than 40,000 seats available in affordable schools.

The city's latest education strategy will also match pupils in high schools with potential employers to ensure they get real-life work experience, while pupils who do not wish to follow an academic route will be able to choose from vocational options.

“The E33 Strategy will continue to drive this sector forward by creating a diverse, inclusive environment where every student – regardless of background or ability – can access high-quality education and develop the skills they need to thrive in a globalised world," said Ms Miran.

"Our focus remains on fostering innovation, enhancing student well-being, and ensuring that education in Dubai empowers individuals to succeed and contribute to the ambitious goals set under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the Dubai Social Agenda 33.”

Dubai's top private schools have waiting lists in place and private school operators are planning to expand their campuses or launch new schools to keep up with demand from the growing population, with more than two million people expected to live in the emirate within six years.

Dubai English Speaking School, established in 1963, is one of the oldest schools in the city and has hundreds of pupils on its waiting list. To meet this demand, leaders at the institution have decided to launch another school.