Dubai to welcome 25 new private education institutions
16 new early childhood centres, six schools, and three higher education institutions set to open this academic year
DUBAI’s private education sector is preparing for a significant expansion during the 2025-26 academic year, with 25 new institutions set to open their doors.
The line-up includes 16 early childhood centres (ECCs), six schools, and three international universities, collectively adding more than 11,700 school seats and over 2,400 new ECC enrolments.
This growth reflects rising demand from families and strengthens Dubai’s global standing as a hub for quality education.
New school openings
Among the six new schools are five that will deliver the UK curriculum: 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, and Al Fanar School in Nad Al Sheba. Joining them is one French curriculum institution, the Lycée Français International School in Mudon.
The expanded offerings are designed to enhance access to diverse curricula, ensuring families have a wider array of educational choices across the emirate’s communities.
Expanding early learning
The 16 early childhood centres launching this year include 11 offering the UK’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), three adopting the Creative Curriculum, one Montessori, and one Maple Bear model. These centres will support parents in accessing innovative, high-quality early learning programmes tailored to different preferences and pedagogies.
Global universities
Dubai’s higher education sector is also broadening its horizons with the arrival of three new institutions. The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA), ranked 27th globally for Business and Management in the QS World University Rankings by subject, will be joined by the American University of Beirut, positioned 237th in the QS global rankings, and Saudi Arabia’s Fakeeh College for Medical Sciences.
Aisha Miran, Director General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), noted that these developments demonstrate investor confidence in Dubai’s education sector and align with the Education 33 Strategy (E33), designed to ensure every learner receives world-class opportunities.
Currently, Dubai’s private education ecosystem comprises 331 early childhood centres, 233 schools, and 44 higher education institutions.