Dubai's educational landscape is expanding rapidly as it welcomes numerous new institutions across various levels by the academic year 2025-2026.

The private education sector in Dubai is set for rapid growth in the upcoming academic year of 2025-2026, marked by the inauguration of 16 new early childhood centers, six new private schools, and three prestigious international universities offering a broad array of disciplines.

These educational institutions will enhance the capacity of Dubai's private education system by providing 11,700 new school seats and over 2,400 seats in early childhood centers. This development offers families diverse educational choices, enriching learning experiences for all students in Dubai and reinforcing its position as a leading global destination for high-quality education.

The newly established schools are comprised of five institutions offering the British curriculum: GEMS School for Research and Innovation at Dubai Sports City; Victory Heights Primary School at City of Arabia; Dubai British School - Mira; Dubai English Speaking College in Academic City; and Al Fanar School at Nad Al Sheba. Additionally, one school will follow the French curriculum - the French International Private School located in Mudon.

Variety of Educational Curricula

The new early childhood centers will provide varied curricula, with 11 centers adopting the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, three implementing creative curricula, while one each will employ "Montessori" and "Maple Bear" methodologies. This initiative responds to increasing parental demand for diverse and high-quality early childhood educational options.

Renowned Academic Institutions

Higher education is also witnessing notable expansion with the introduction of distinguished academic entities such as: the Indian Institute of Management – Ahmedabad, ranked 27th globally by QS World University Rankings for business management specialties; American University Beirut holding a global rank of 237; and Faqih Medical Sciences College from Saudi Arabia.

Aisha Abdullah Miran, Director General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority in Dubai stated: “Dubai’s private education ecosystem continues to grow in size, quality, and diversity. The opening of these new schools, early childhood centers, and international universities this year reflects substantial investor confidence in Dubai. It aligns with our strategic goal under Education Strategy 2033 to ensure high-quality education throughout every student’s journey. Attracting reputable international institutions with innovative educational models creates new opportunities that empower our students to thrive while supporting objectives under Dubai Plan 2033’s economic and social agendas.”

Currently, Dubai's private education sector encompasses 331 early childhood centers, 233 schools, and 44 higher education institutions.