Record growth in numbers, quality at Dubai private schools

File picture [for illustration]

Growth in the size and quality of Dubai’s private school sector has more than doubled since the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) was established in 2007.

The announcement follows the recent release of annual student enrolment figures, which grew by a record 12 per cent since the previous academic year.

The total number of students attending Dubai’s private schools now stands at 365,572 – more than double the 156,504 students enrolled in the 2007/08 academic year.

Dubai now has more than twice the number of schools, increasing from 136 in 2007/08 to 220 in 2022/23, with five new schools opening in the 2023/24 academic year.

The quality of education offered by Dubai schools has also improved since the KHDA’s establishment.

More than three quarters (77 per cent) of students were enrolled in schools rated Good or better during the last academic year, compared to 30 per cent during the first inspection cycle during the 2008/09 academic year.

"We’re grateful to school leaders and teachers for their invaluable role in elevating the standard of schooling in Dubai, and for their contribution in making our city a truly global destination for education," said Dr Abdulla Al Karam, Director General of KHDA.

Dubai’s private schools offer 17 different curricula. The UK curriculum remains the top choice, with more than one-third of students (36 per cent) enrolled in British curriculum schools, followed by the Indian curriculum (26 per cent) and the American curriculum (15 per cent).

The International Baccalaureate (seven per cent) and Ministry of Education curriculum (four per cent) round up the top five choices.

More from Local News

  • 3.5 million vehicles use Dubai's roads daily, registrations up 10%

    The number of vehicles in Dubai during daytime hours has reached 3.5 million, with a 10 per cent increase in registered vehicles over the past two years, compared to a global average of 2–4 per cent, according to Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

  • UAE President marks Flag Day at Qasr Al Hosn

    UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan marked Flag Day by raising the national flag at Qasr Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi, symbolising the pride, unity, and sense of belonging that the flag represents.

  • Trackless trams planned for eight locations in Dubai

    His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai has reviewed Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) plans to expand the Dubai Tram network with trackless trams at eight locations across Dubai.

  • UAE announces cancellation of EmSAT for Grade 12 students

    The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research have announced the immediate cancellation of the EmSAT exam for 12th-grade students and the implementation of revised university admission criteria.

  • Dubai Autism Center launches early screening campaign

    The Dubai Autism Center (DAC) has officially launched its annual Autism Pre-screening Campaign for the 2024-2025 academic year under the slogan ‘Schools for All’.

  • UAE expresses deep concern over escalating violence in Sudan

    Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, has expressed the UAE’s deep concern over violence in Sudan, particularly against women, children, and the elderly in Al Jazirah state, which has resulted in the killing and wounding of a number of innocent civilians.

  • UAE President, Emir of Qatar discuss bilateral relations

    UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, spoke over the phone on Saturday to review ties between the two nations and explore ways to strengthen cooperation.

  • UAE expresses solidarity with Serbia

    The United Arab Emirates extended its condolences and solidarity with Serbia following a tragic roof collapse at a train station in Novi Sad, which resulted in 14 deaths, including two children and three people injured.

Blogs