Dubai schools see surge in waiting lists as new families flock to UAE

Khaleej Times

2 days ago

An increasing number of expatriate families relocating to the UAE, particularly from the UK, is driving a sharp uptick in student enrolments. Some leading schools have reached capacity, reporting up to a 25 per cent increase in applications compared to last year, forcing them to implement full waiting lists across several year groups.
Major operator Taaleem has stated that enrolment in its premium schools has climbed nine per cent compared to last year, with nearly 17,000 students now enrolled across the group.
'We've seen an exceptional rise in enrolment, reflecting both the strength of our educational offering and the UAE's dynamic growth,' said Sam Truman, Chief Operations Officer at Taaleem. 'Demand remains strong among both local and expatriate communities.'
"Waitlist times can vary depending on movement within the school community, particularly in Term 3 when relocation trends peak,' Truman added. 'While some families may wait more than a year, we work closely with them to keep the process transparent and supportive.'
Opened in August last year with classes up to Year 6, Dubai British School Jumeira quickly filled the available places and now has waiting lists across every year group. Its sister school, DBS Mira, set to open in August 2025, has already adopted a waitlist model due to overwhelming early interest.
Greenfield International School and Jumeira Baccalaureate School are also nearing full capacity, while Dubai British School Emirates Hills has seen application numbers double this year, driven in part by the launch of its new Islands Campus opening next year.
New families moving to the UAE
'We have seen a significant increase in enrolments across our network, largely driven by new families moving to the UAE, notably from the UK,' said Victoria Lumby, Senior Vice President, Growth at GEMS Education. 'Demand is high, so we strongly advise parents to inquire and apply as early as possible.'
GEMS Education, one of the country's largest private school operators, confirmed a year-on-year enrolment increase of approximately 5 per cent. The group attributes the surge to the steady influx of new residents seeking high-quality education, especially within the British curriculum.
Lumby noted, 'We're seeing the strongest demand for schools offering the National Curriculum for England, which aligns with the rise in British expats moving here. As our Exodus and Education report earlier this year highlights, this trend is set to continue.'
Some of the most in-demand GEMS schools, such as Jumeirah Primary School, Jumeirah College, and GEMS Wellington International School, are currently waitlisted across all year groups.
With the rising pressure on school admissions, some parents are turning to alternative solutions while they wait for placements. Amina S., a private tutor in Dubai, said she has seen a sharp increase in demand for home tutoring among families caught in the waiting list limbo.
'Many parents are now opting for private tutoring or temporary homeschooling arrangements to bridge the gap while they wait for a spot in their preferred schools,' Amina said. 'It helps maintain academic continuity and eases the anxiety parents face during this uncertain period.'
Both GEMS and Taaleem stress that early application is crucial. Priority typically goes to siblings of enrolled students, children of staff, and UAE nationals. Families are advised to submit all documentation on time, pay application fees, and stay in regular contact with their chosen schools to improve their chances.