By Joseph George
The region’s private K–12 sector is on a rapid upward trajectory, projected to exceed US$58 billion by 2030 and requiring nearly 2,800 new schools by 2029. With demand surging in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar, the GCC is becoming a focal point for education investment and expansion
Technology integration and population growth are catapulting the K-12 education sector in the region, despite pressures of teacher shortages, rising tuition fees and high operational costs.
Governments and private schools are investing heavily in EdTech, AI-driven platforms, cloud-based learning systems and smart classrooms, fuelling opportunities for suppliers of innovative technology products and solutions.
The UAE has introduced AI education from age four, while Saudi Arabia is embedding AI and coding into core curricula across all school levels.
“The K–12 education sector across the GCC region is undergoing a period of profound transformation, driven by ambitious national visions, rapid population growth and evolving expectations from parents, governments and investors,” says Sami Yosef, Head of Global Research at ISC Research.
Soaring K-12 market
According to recent data from ISC Research, the private K–12 market is accelerating, with projections suggesting it could surpass US$58 billion by 2030, requiring around 2,800 new schools across the GCC by 2029. Demand is particularly strong in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar.
There are 53 new schools expected to open in the GCC in the academic year 2025-26, with 31 in the UAE alone.
The number of international schools in the GCC too has grown by 8% (between Jan 2020-Jan 2025), from 1,599 to 1,720. This now represents 11% of the total number of international schools worldwide.
