DUBAI – Dubai’s private education sector is set for further expansion, with 26 new private education institutions scheduled to open during the 2026-27 academic year, adding thousands of new places for students and expanding education choices for families.
The new institutions comprise 17 private early childhood centres (ECCs), seven schools and two international higher education institutions. The new schools will add 16,846 places, while the ECCs will provide more than 1,700 additional seats.
The expansion supports the objectives of the Education 33 Strategy, which seeks to improve access to high-quality education, expand choice for learners and strengthen Dubai’s position as a leading global education destination.
Dubai’s private education sector has recorded annual growth of 4.6% across early childhood education, schools and higher education over the past three academic years, despite the exceptional circumstances experienced during the 2025-26 academic year.
Continued investment by education providers, together with the arrival of internationally recognised institutions, has contributed to the sector’s growth.
Dubai is also attracting a growing number of education professionals. The number of teachers working in the emirate’s private education sector has increased by 17.5% over the past three academic years, supporting the delivery of high-quality learning experiences.
Aisha Miran, Director General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), said the continued growth of Dubai’s private education sector reflects the confidence of learners, families, educators and investors in the emirate as a destination for high-quality education.
“Every new early childhood centre, school and higher education institution expands opportunities for learners at every stage of their educational journey and contributes to our shared ambition to build one of the world’s best education systems,” she said.
Miran said the Education 33 Strategy was creating an education ecosystem that offers greater choice, nurtures talent and attracts world-class institutions while equipping learners with the knowledge, skills and values needed for the future.
The early childhood sector will see 17 new ECCs offering a range of curricula, including the UK’s Early Years Foundation Stage, Montessori, Ontario, French and Indian curricula.
Over the past three years, 87 new early childhood centres have opened in Dubai, while enrolment in the sector grew by 2.6%.
Seven new private schools will also open, including four offering the UK curriculum and three offering the International Baccalaureate. Among them are Dubai campuses of renowned British schools including Harrow International School Dubai, Queen Elizabeth’s School Dubai Sports City and Rugby School Dubai.
The new schools will add 16,846 places across the emirate. Over the past three years, Dubai’s private school sector has added 21 schools, with enrolment increasing by 3.1%.
Higher education options will also expand with the opening of two internationally recognised institutions.
Peking University HSBC Business School will launch MBA and EMBA programmes in January 2027. The school is ranked 47th globally in QS ratings.
The American University of Beirut’s Dubai campus is scheduled to open in September 2026, further strengthening Dubai’s higher education and research ecosystem.
Eleven new higher education institutions have opened in Dubai over the past three years, during which enrolment in the sector increased by 29%.
