Dubai’s education sector: 25 new schools, ECCs, universities to open up

Image credit: Dubai Media Office/ Website

Dubai’s private education sector is set for another significant growth spurt as the city welcomes six new schools, 16 early childhood centres (ECCs), and three prestigious international universities in the 2025–26 academic year. The expansion reflects Dubai’s continued evolution as a global hub for high-quality education and family-friendly living.

Together, the new institutions will add over 11,700 school seats and accommodate more than 2,400 new learners in early education, offering increased options for families across the emirate, a Dubai Media Office report.

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Diverse school options for a growing population

Among the schools opening their doors this academic year are five UK curriculum institutions and one following the French curriculum, reinforcing the emirate’s focus on offering globally recognised education systems.

The new UK curriculum schools include:

• GEMS School of Research and Innovation in Sports City

• Victory Heights Primary School in City of Arabia

• Dubai British School Mira

• Dubai English Speaking School in Academic City

• Al Fanar School in Nad Al Sheba

The Lycée Français International School, located in Mudon, will provide French curriculum education.

The addition of these schools is expected to ease capacity pressures, meet the growing demand from families, and diversify educational offerings in key residential communities.

Early childhood centres cater to expanding demand

Early childhood education is also seeing an uptick, with 16 new ECCs opening across Dubai in response to rising demand from young families.

These new centres will feature a variety of curriculum options:

• 11 following the UK’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

• Three offering the Creative Curriculum

• One Montessori centre

• One Maple Bear curriculum centre

This variety reflects the city’s commitment to nurturing foundational learning in the critical early years.

Global universities set up shop in Dubai

Dubai is also attracting global higher education leaders. The 2025–26 academic year will see the opening of three new international universities:

• Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA), ranked 27th globally in Business and Management (QS World University Rankings by Subject)

• American University of Beirut (AUB), ranked 237th globally

• Fakeeh College for Medical Sciences from Saudi Arabia

These institutions are expected to enhance the academic landscape, offering more options for local and international students and reinforcing Dubai’s status as a regional education hub.

KHDA highlights strategic growth

Commenting on the sector’s continued momentum, Aisha Miran, Director General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), said:

“Dubai’s private education sector continues to grow in scale, quality, and diversity. The new schools, ECCs, and universities reflect strong investor confidence and align with the Education 33 Strategy (E33). By welcoming trusted operators and innovative models, we’re creating new opportunities for learners and supporting Dubai’s long-term economic and social aspirations.”

Dubai currently hosts:

• 331 early childhood centres

• 233 private schools

• 44 higher education institutions

More information on education options is available via the KHDA website and mobile app.

Education fee adjustments also announced

In a parallel development, KHDA in May 2025 approved a 2.35 per cent Education Cost Index (ECI) for for-profit private schools for the 2025–26 academic year. This figure was determined after reviewing audited financial statements in coordination with the Digital Dubai Authority.

The ECI accounts for key operational costs like:

• Teacher and staff salaries

• Support services

• Facility rental expenses

Schools that have operated for more than three years may apply for a fee increase up to the ECI limit, but not beyond. Each application is subject to KHDA’s review and must meet strict criteria to ensure continued education quality.

In the current 2024–25 school year, the ECI stands at 2.6 per cent.