Post by : Badri Ariffin

Dubai has officially declared that private school fees will not rise for the academic year 2026-27. This announcement comes from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), following the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council.

This decision aligns with Dubai's broader economic stimulus strategy, which includes a second package of economic incentives amounting to AED 1.5 billion. Thus, the total economic support offered in the region has now reached AED 2.5 billion. The incentives encompass 33 initiatives set to be rolled out over the coming three to twelve months.

Among the supportive measures, KHDA-approved private schools will enjoy the advantages of deferred or installment-based fees for license renewals, as well as postponed fines. Early childhood centers will also see significant relief, including waivers for fees associated with license renewals, fines, and marketplace fees imposed by Dubai Municipality.

Moreover, additional backing is provided through the Knowledge Fund Establishment, which includes partial rent exemptions for early childhood centers along with extended rent-free periods for those still in the development phase.

Educational institutions will experience reduced financial burdens through exemptions from guarantee insurance, temporary suspension of penalty clauses, rent increases being frozen at the time of renewal, and deferred rental payments.

According to KHDA, these actions aim to ensure both stability and sustainable growth in Dubai’s private education sector while accommodating the needs of families and institutions. The system continues to maintain flexibility to uphold quality education standards.

As a testament to the confidence in the education system, over 95% of students at Dubai’s private schools are currently attending classes on-site.

Families now have diverse educational options available across 17 different curricula, with various fee arrangements and locality choices throughout the emirate. KHDA offers the "Girnas – Educational Advisor" service to assist parents in making informed school selections for their children.

KHDA reports that approximately 9,000 new affordable school seats have been created this academic year, serving close to 230,000 students, with an additional 7,500 expected in the next two years.

Furthermore, KHDA is reviewing over 30 applications for new private schools, following the introduction of six new establishments this year. Enrollment in Dubai's private schools has grown by 6% in 2025, highlighting the rising confidence in the sector and its contribution to the emirate’s development.

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