The annual student enrolment has grown by 12% since the previous academic year 

Dubai, Nov 27, 2023: Annual student enrolment figures in Dubai have gone up by a record 12% since the previous academic year, says an announcement by Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).  

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 when KHDA was established. Similarly, Dubai now has more than twice the number of schools, increasing from 136 in 2007-08 to 220 in 2022-23. Five new schools opened in Dubai in the 2023-24 academic year. 

The quality of education offered by Dubai schools has also improved since KHDA’s establishment. More than three quarters (77%) of students were enrolled in schools rated ‘Good’ or ‘Better’ in the past academic year compared to 30%in the first inspection cycle during the 2008-09 academic year.  

Dr Abdulla Al Karam, Director General of KHDA says,  “Dubai is increasingly recognised for the diversity and excellence of its private schools. The latest data shows the progress that schools have made since 2007 and is a strong indication of the improvement they will continue to make in future.” 

Dubai’s private schools offer 17 different curricula. The UK curriculum remains the top choice for families, with more than one-third of students (36^) enrolled in British curriculum schools, followed by the Indian curriculum (26%) and the American curriculum (15%). The International Baccalaureate (7%) and Ministry of Education curriculum (4%) round up the top five curriculum choices.