Brief
Dubai private schools to add nearly 18,000 affordable seats by 2028
The Knowledge and Human Development Authority says the growth supports the emirate's Education 33 Strategy.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Dubai’s private schools recorded a 4.6% enrolment rise at the start of the 2026‑27 academic year, bringing total private‑school students to 406,563, up from roughly 388,731 in June 2026, according to Khaleej Times.
What happened
In the current academic year, 26 new private educational institutions opened, including seven schools, 17 early‑childhood centres (ECCs) and two international higher‑education institutions. The seven new schools contribute nearly 17,000 seats, while the ECCs add more than 1,700 places. KHDA projects an additional 18,000 affordable seats will be created over the next two academic years to meet sustained family demand.
What the reports add
The article notes that over the past two academic years, 51 private institutions have opened across early childhood, school and higher‑education levels, expanding capacity further. It also highlights that Dubai’s private schools rank among the world’s top‑10 education systems in the PISA 2025 assessment, and Emirati student scores improved by 31 points in mathematics, 30 in science and 18 in reading.
What was said
Aisha Miran, Director General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, told a KHDA media briefing that the expansion aligns with the Education 33 Strategy, which guides Dubai’s education ecosystem toward 2033. She said, “We want its impact to reach every student, family, teacher, and educational institution in Dubai.” Miran added that each initiative, policy and partnership is intended to respond to learner needs, develop skills, strengthen identity and support Dubai’s global competitiveness.
How it came about
The growth follows the emirate’s longer‑term ambition under the Education 33 Strategy, adopted two years ago. KHDA’s priorities for 2026‑27 include improving performance of schools with high Emirati enrolment, strengthening cultural identity and Arabic language education, enhancing student wellbeing, empowering parents and expanding affordable access. The authority’s focus on capacity expansion reflects ongoing demand from families choosing Dubai as a place to live and educate their children.
Key facts
- Private school enrolment rose 4.6% to 406,563 students. (khaleejtimes.com)
- 26 new private institutions opened this academic year, adding nearly 18,700 seats. (khaleejtimes.com)
- KHDA expects about 18,000 additional affordable seats over the next two years. (khaleejtimes.com)
- Dubai private schools rank in the world’s top‑10 for PISA 2025 results. (khaleejtimes.com)
- Emirati student scores improved by 31 points in maths, 30 in science, 18 in reading. (khaleejtimes.com)
Sources
- [1] khaleejtimes.com — originally reported as “Dubai expected to add nearly 18,000 affordable seats in schools over next 2 years”
