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Ten new private schools opened in Dubai during the 2024-25 academic year, according to a new report published by KHDA. The emirate has set a target of a minimum of 100 new private schools by 2033
Dubai, Jan 9, 2025: Dubai has seen a surge in new private schools and student enrollments in 2024-25, according to the latest data released by Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). There has also been an increase in the number of Emirati students joining private education, with a growing preference for US curriculum.
Apart from the ten new schools, student enrolment increased by 6% during the 2024-25 academic year, reaching a total of 387,441 students across 227 private schools, the KHDA report notes. This growth is in sync with Dubai’s Education Strategy E33, which targets the establishment of at least 100 new private schools by 2033.
Aisha Miran, Director-General of KHDA, says, “Dubai continues to be an attractive destination for families seeking world-class education and for educators dedicated to shaping future generations. The growth in student enrolment, including Emirati students, alongside the expansion of new schools, reflects the strength of the city’s education ecosystem.
Dubai’s private schools offer 17 different curricula. The UK curriculum remains the top choice for families, with more than one-third of students (37%) enrolled, followed by the Indian curriculum (26%), US curriculum (14%), International Baccalaureate (7%) and UK/IB hybrid curriculum (4%), rounding up the top five curriculum choices.
The data also reveals that 33,210 Emirati students are 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. A key goal of the E33 Strategy is to empower Emirati students by providing access to world-class education, enhancing student wellbeing, and promoting a culture of lifelong learning.
Dubai continues to be a sought-after destination for international educators, with 27,284 teachers now employed in the emirate’s private schools—a 9% increase compared to the previous academic year. This growth reflects Dubai’s ability to attract top teaching talent from around the globe.
