Dual: centralized (public) and independent (private)
Formation of KHDA
2006
Literacy (2021)
Total
95%+
Enrollment (2017/18)
Total
282,000+
Primary
42%
Secondary
25%
Post secondary
30,000+ students at 26 branch campuses
KHDA reports and UAE Government statistics
Education in Dubai is regulated through a dual system comprising both public and private sectors. The Ministry of Education manages public education, while the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) oversees the private education sector. As of the 2017/18 academic year, over 90% of students in Dubai were enrolled in private schools, representing more than 280,000 students from 182 nationalities, across 194 schools offering 17 different curricula.[1]
Dubai has also emerged as a significant hub for international higher education in the region, hosting 26 international branch campuses from 12 countries, including the UK, Australia, USA, and India. These institutions collectively serve over 30,000 students primarily studying business, engineering, and media-related disciplines.[2]
Education in Dubai operates under the overall framework established by the UAE's federal government but with significant local authority. The UAE Ministry of Education sets national standards and policies, while Dubai's education sector benefits from specialized regulatory bodies:
Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) - Established in 2006, KHDA is responsible for the growth, direction, and quality of private education and learning in Dubai.
Dubai Education Council - Coordinates educational policy implementation across public and private sectors.
Ministry of Education - Directly manages public schools throughout Dubai and the UAE.
This governance structure allows Dubai to develop unique educational initiatives while maintaining alignment with national priorities.[3]
Public schools in Dubai, also called government or national schools, primarily serve Emirati citizens and provide free education. Key characteristics include:
Gender segregation (separate boys' and girls' schools)
Arabic as the primary medium of instruction
English taught as a second language
Compulsory Islamic studies for Muslim students
Standardized national curriculum aligned with UAE educational standards
Free education for Emirati nationals
Academic City - DubaiLimited enrollment of non-Emirati students (special permission required)[4][5]
The UAE has implemented several initiatives to strengthen public education, including the Education 2020 Strategy, which aims to introduce advanced educational methods, improve innovative skills, and enhance student self-learning abilities. These reforms particularly emphasize STEM education and the development of technical skills relevant to the knowledge economy.[6]
Dubai's private education sector is among the most diverse globally, with schools offering a wide array of curricula including British, American, Indian, International Baccalaureate (IB), French, German, and several others. As of the 2016/17 academic year, approximately 273,599 students from 187 nationalities were enrolled in private schools. Most students were in primary (42%) and secondary (25%) education.[7]
The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) rigorously regulates the private education sector. It conducts annual school inspections and assigns quality ratings ranging from Outstanding to Very Weak. These ratings influence tuition fee adjustment permissions and serve as a reference point for parents.[8]
Tuition in Dubai's private schools varies widely, from AED 1,725 to AED 107,200 annually. The sector generates approximately AED 5.35 billion in annual revenue. Fee increases are tied to inspection ratings, with higher-rated schools permitted greater flexibility.[10]
Support for students of determination (special needs) has improved, though some services may incur additional fees.[11]
