Latest data released by KHDA

Number of private schools in Dubai increases to 216 in 2022-23 academic year

Dubai continues to provide a wide diversity of school syllabuses; private schools offer 17 different curricula

Student enrolment grows 4.5% from end of last academic year

Over 326,000 students, representing 187 nationalities, now attend Dubai’s private schools

Abdulla Al Karam: The range of curricula offered in Dubai reflects the diversity of our community

36 per cent of private school students attend UK curriculum schools, making it the top choice for students

The number of private schools in Dubai has increased to 216 in the 2022-23 academic year, according to the latest data released by Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). Dubai continues to offer a wide diversity of school syllabuses, with private schools offering 17 different curricula. Four new private schools opened in Dubai in the new academic year.

UK curriculum schools remain the top choice for Dubai’s private school students, with 36% of students opting for the curriculum. The Indian curriculum is the second most popular (26 per cent), followed by the American curriculum (15 per cent). The International Baccalaureate (7 per cent) and UK/IB hybrid curriculum (4 per cent) round up the top five curriculum choices.

The American curriculum remains popular for Emirati students enrolled in private schools, with the majority (60 per cent) attending a US curriculum school, followed by 24 per cent enrolled in UK curriculum schools.

This release of the latest data follows KHDA’s recent announcement, in which it revealed a student enrolment growth of 4.5% from the end of the 2021-22 academic year in June, to the start of the current academic year in September. More than 326,000 students now attend Dubai’s private schools, representing a total of 187 nationalities.

Dr. Abdulla Al Karam, Director General of KHDA said: “These student enrolment figures represent healthy, sustainable growth, and show the trust that parents have in the ability of Dubai private schools to give their children an education grounded in wellbeing that can meet the demands of the future.

“While the range of curricula offered in Dubai speaks to the diversity of our community; all schools are committed to a quality-driven, future-focused approach that will enable students to thrive. We’re grateful to school leaders, teachers, students and parents for their contribution to world-class education in Dubai.”