In a remarkable testament to its growth and vision, Dubai’s private school sector has witnessed an unprecedented surge in enrolments for the 2023/24 academic year. With the enrolment rate climbing to a double-digit increase of 12%, this translates to an addition of over 39,000 students from the previous year. This impressive figure brings the total count of students in Dubai’s private institutions to an all-time high of 365,000.
Since the inception of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in 2007, no such year has seen this magnitude of growth. What makes this achievement even more remarkable is the sheer diversity that Dubai’s education system upholds. Currently, the emirate boasts 220 private schools, catering to the educational needs of students from more than 180 nationalities with a choice of 17 different curricula. A testament to the quality of education in the city, the Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau reports that over three-quarters of all students in Dubai, including 76% of Emirati students, are enrolled in schools rated ‘Good’ or even better.
A significant contributor to this booming enrolment is the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33). This ambitious initiative seeks to double the size of Dubai’s economy within the next decade, ultimately positioning it as a premier global city. The escalating number of families moving to Dubai, combined with the eagerness of parents to have their children in prestigious schools, showcases the city’s rising stature as a top-tier destination for both work and living.
Dr Abdulla Al Karam, the Director-General at KHDA, offered insights into this phenomenon. He observed, “Dubai isn’t just on the receiving end of growth; it’s actively forging it. An ambitious metropolis naturally attracts ambitious individuals, and each year we see a record influx of families and educators. The emphasis that schools in Dubai place on quality, well-being, and inclusiveness, not to mention the diversity in curriculum and demographics, results in a unique educational landscape. It provides educators with unparalleled career experiences and assures parents of world-class education for their children.”
In his vision of what lies ahead, Dr Al Karam stated, “We’re on the cusp of a transformative phase in Dubai’s evolution. The future likely holds a private school community galvanized by the foresight of Dubai’s leaders, with stakeholders ranging from principals to students crafting an education culture famed for its global diversity and excellence. Education in Dubai is poised to rank among the world’s best.”
