Latest news with #AlpenCapital
Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE's premium schools cross Dh200,000 in annual fees, outpace other GCC countries
The UAE is witnessing accelerated growth in the premium school segment — outpacing its GCC neighbours — driven by a combination of rising affluence, sustained economic growth, the country's longstanding commitment to educational excellence, progressive policy frameworks, and a stable regulatory environment. According to Alpen Capital's latest GCC Education Industry Report, student enrollment across the region is projected to increase by 1.5 million over the next five years, reaching 15.5 million students by 2029. The K-12 segment alone is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.1 per cent, reaching 12.9 million students by 2029. Veteran educators in the UAE point out that these positive trends, particularly in the country, are not only drawing international school operators to the region but are also catering to the expectations of a globally minded and increasingly mobile population. In the UAE, ultra-premium or top-tier schools are characterised by exceptional academic standards, cutting-edge facilities, and a holistic approach to education. A notable addition to this segment is the GEMS School of Research and Innovation, set to open in Dubai Sports City in August 2025. With a sprawling 47,600 square metre campus and a $100 million (Dh367 million) investment — 30 per cent higher than previous premium school ventures — the school will charge KHDA-approved fees ranging from Dh116,000 to Dh206,000 annually. Victoria Lumby, Senior Vice-President, Growth at GEMS Education, said: 'We're witnessing a growing trend of high-earning families — particularly from the UK — relocating to Dubai and the UAE in general and seeking out premium, future-focused education for their children. "Of our 45 schools in the UAE, GEMS School of Research and Innovation (SRI) in particular has become a focal point for many of these new families, attracting strong interest from parents who are drawn to its cutting-edge approach, world-class facilities and hand-picked teachers, and alignment with Dubai's innovation-first outlook," she said. "The fact that we are on track to open in August with more than 400 enrolled students expected on day one is a strong indicator of the school's appeal, and of the confidence new families are placing in both Dubai and GEMS Education as the right environment for their children's development," she added. Other major players are also expanding in this segment. Taaleem's upcoming Harrow-branded schools in the UAE will charge between Dh80,000 and Dh100,000 for Early Years to Year 6. Repton School Dubai, the first UK-branded international school in the UAE, already charges over Dh100,000 for Year 13. David Baldwin, CEO of Cognita Middle East, said: 'There is a growing demand for premium British schools in the UAE, driven by a large international community and many UK expat families. Parents value established British education brands known for academic excellence, qualities that define the Repton Family of Schools. With three Repton Schools across the UAE, that are in high demand, we provide a world-class British education that equips students to excel, lead, and thrive in an ever-evolving global landscape.' Affordable premium schools also in demand The appetite isn't limited to the ultra-elite segment. Schools that offer accessible but academically rigorous international education are also thriving. Alan Williamson, CEO of Taaleem, said: 'At Taaleem, we are experiencing this (premium private school segment) demand first-hand. Dubai British School Jumeira, which opened this academic year, launched with record enrolments for an affordable premium school, highlighting the increasing appetite for accessible yet academically rigorous international education. "Building on this success, Dubai British School Mira, opening in August 2025, already has over 700 students enrolled, a strong indication of the trust families place in our educational offering.' He continued, 'Looking to the future, we are expanding our footprint at the super-premium end of the market with the upcoming launch of two Harrow International Schools in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, both opening in 2026. These schools, part of the prestigious Harrow Family of Schools, will represent the super-premium tier of British education in the UAE, offering a heritage-based model focused on academic excellence, leadership, and character development. "The response to both schools has already been overwhelmingly positive, demonstrating the continued growth of the high-net-worth education segment.' Regional outlook and trends Saudi Arabia also offers a diverse range of schools following IB, UK, US, and Indian curricula, with tuition fees ranging from SAR 5,000 to SAR 90,000 annually. However, the UAE continues to lead the premium market in scale and scope. Other Dubai-based schools with high fees in this bracket include North London Collegiate School Dubai, Gems World Academy, Swiss International Scientific School, Kent College, and Nord Anglia International School. Alpen Capital's report also highlighted a growing preference for private education and international curricula. Dubai alone hosts private schools offering 17 different curricula types. Interestingly, Emirati students now form the second-largest group in Dubai's private schools, after Indian students. Investment in early education Additionally, GCC governments are increasingly prioritising early childhood education, recognising its long-term benefits. This is resulting in significant investments in nurseries and kindergartens and has led to a rise in public-private partnership (PPP) initiatives, particularly in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. School fees in this category are now crossing Dh200,000 annually, driven by a combination of rising affluence, sustained economic growth, the country's longstanding commitment to educational excellence, progressive policy frameworks, and a stable regulatory environment.
Web Release
4 days ago
- Business
- Web Release
GCC student enrolment to rise by 1.5 million over the next five years, projects Alpen Capital
Alpen Capital's latest education industry report for the GCC forecasts the number of students in the region to grow by 1.5 million to reach 15.5 million by 2029. Within this, the K-12 segment is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.1% between 2024 – 2029 to reach 12.9 million. Alpen Capital, a UAE-based investment banking advisory firm, launched its latest GCC Education Industry report which features forecasts on the sector, recent analysis on trends, growth drivers and challenges facing the segment. It also profiles select education companies in the region. The report was launched over a webinar followed by a panel discussion featuring Alan Williamson, Chief Executive Officer, Taaleem; Dinesh Kothari, Chairman, Delhi Private School Dubai; Ibrahim Al Turki, Chief Executive Officer, Integrated Development Holding for Education and Training and Amjad Al Omari, Senior Director, Alpen Capital. Hameed Noor Mohamed, Managing Director, Alpen Capital moderated the discussion 'The GCC education sector is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by government-led reforms, increased private sector participation, and accelerating digital innovation. Demand for private education continues to rise, supported by sustained economic growth, a growing population, rising affluence, and a strong preference for globally recognised curricula. However, institutions are facing pressure from rising operational costs and a shortage of qualified teachers, particularly in an increasingly competitive and quality-conscious market. GCC governments' continued focus on modernising education—through the integration of digital skills and innovative teaching methodologies—is expected to enhance education quality and support long-term outcomes.', says Sameena Ahmad, Managing Director, Alpen Capital. 'The education sector of the GCC offers a strong growth outlook, with investor interest remaining high, driven by robust fundamentals and sustained long-term demand. This is creating substantial opportunities for both regional and international education providers to establish or scale their presence in a growing market. Looking ahead, M&A activity in the GCC education sector is expected to stay buoyant, as operators focus on improving educational quality, expanding capacity, and streamlining operations. The growing demand for affordable schooling and the integration of Edtech solutions are anticipated to further drive deal activity within the sector.', says Hameed Noor Mohamed, Managing Director, Alpen Capital (ME) Limited. According to Alpen Capital, the total number of students in the GCC education sector is projected to increase from 14.0 million to 15.5 million at a CAGR of 2.1% between 2024 – 2029. This growth is expected to be driven by continued economic expansion in the region and a steady increase in population, which in turn is contributing to a rising school-age demographic. Favourable macroeconomic conditions, including high per capita income and sustained government budget allocations, are providing additional momentum to the sector. Among the various segments, the pre-primary segment is expected to witness the fastest growth, with student enrolments projected to increase at a CAGR of 2.7% between 2024–2029. The tertiary segment is projected to expand steadily, with a CAGR of 2.1%, supported by rising demand and ongoing government efforts to enhance the quality of higher education. Meanwhile, the primary and secondary segments are also anticipated to grow at a steady pace, with enrolments projected to increase at CAGRs of 2.0% and 2.1%, respectively, over the forecast period. The number of K-12 students in private schools are expected to grow at a slightly faster pace of 2.3% CAGR, as compared to public schools which is forecasted to increase at a CAGR of 2.0% between 2024 – 2029. With the exception of UAE, public schools are expected to retain their dominant position in the GCC's K–12 educational landscape, accounting for approximately 70.8% of total enrolments by the end of the forecast period. Among the GCC nations, Saudi Arabia is expected to remain the largest education market, accounting for 64.6% of the region's total student enrolments by 2029. In terms of annualized growth, Oman is projected to lead with a CAGR of 3.3% during the 2024–2029 period, followed by Bahrain at 2.4%, and the UAE and Qatar, both at 2.2%. The demand for schools across the GCC region is expected to rise at a CAGR of 1.4% during the forecast period, requiring an addition of more than 2,800 schools by 2029. Within this, demand for private schools is expected to expand at a CAGR of 2.4%, outpacing the public school segment, which is anticipated to grow at a slower CAGR of 1.1% during the same period. As per the report, sustained economic momentum is expected to not only support public investment in education but also make the education sector increasingly attractive to private and international investors. Furthermore, the GCC population is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.1% between 2024 – 2029 to reach 67.1 million by 2029. This population expansion is mirrored in the growth of the school-age population, which is expected to drive steady rise in enrolment. Rising affluence, preference for international curricula, supportive government initiatives and increasing private sector participation is poised to attract international institutions, creating a strong momentum for sector expansion and investment. In terms of challenges, the private operators are facing increasing cost pressures due to rising expenditures on retention of qualified teachers, real estate, and digital infrastructure. These pressures are further compounded in a highly competitive market with a growing number of private international schools. The sector also continues to face a shortage of skilled teachers and educational staff, which is intensifying, given the rapid growth of premium international schools that require high-calibre teaching talent. Highlighting the trends in the education sector, the report states that educational institutes in the GCC are rapidly integrating emerging technologies to drive innovation and enhance student engagement. With continued investments in EdTech, the region is preparing students with future-ready skills and delivering an inclusive learning experience. The GCC education industry is also witnessing a clear shift toward strengthening kindergartens, nurseries, and early learning programs through policy reforms and greater private sector engagement. Meanwhile, the foreign universities are establishing a stronger presence across the region to meet the rising demand for diverse higher education options. The GCC countries are making substantial investments in education to develop an ecosystem aligned with global standards. This commitment has driven significant transformation in recent years, particularly through the integration of technology. Strengthening digital infrastructure will be key to advancing the sector further—enabling innovation, enhancing learning outcomes, and unlocking new avenues for growth and investment across the region.
Arabian Business
5 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
Alpen Capital
The hospitality industry will rake in a total of $26.3 billion in revenue by the end of 2022, UAE advisory firm Alpen Capital has projected, which would represent a 78.4 percent year-on-year growth
Arabian Business
5 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
GCC will need 2,800 new schools for extra 1.5m students by 2029
The number of students in GCC region will grow by 1.5m to reach 15.5m and require an additional 2,800 schools by 2029, according to Alpen Capital's latest education industry report. Within this, the K-12 segment is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.1 per cent between 2024 – 2029 to reach 12.9m. As student numbers increase along with rising populations in the region, hundreds of new schools will be needed, said Alpen Capital. Schools in the GCC Sameena Ahmad, Managing Director of Alpen Capital, said: 'The GCC education sector is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by government-led reforms, increased private sector participation, and accelerating digital innovation. 'Demand for private education continues to rise, supported by sustained economic growth, a growing population, rising affluence, and a strong preference for globally recognised curricula. 'However, institutions are facing pressure from rising operational costs and a shortage of qualified teachers, particularly in an increasingly competitive and quality-conscious market. 'GCC governments' continued focus on modernising education—through the integration of digital skills and innovative teaching methodologies—is expected to enhance education quality and support long-term outcomes'. According to Alpen Capital, the total number of students in the GCC education sector is projected to increase from 14m to 15.5m at a CAGR of 2.1 per cent between 2024 – 2029. This growth is expected to be driven by continued economic expansion in the region and a steady increase in population, which in turn is contributing to a rising school-age demographic. Favourable macroeconomic conditions, including high per capita income and sustained government budget allocations, are providing additional momentum to the sector. Among the various segments, the pre-primary segment is expected to witness the fastest growth, with student enrolments projected to increase at a CAGR of 2.7 per cent between 2024–2029. The tertiary segment is projected to expand steadily, with a CAGR of 2.1 per cent, supported by rising demand and ongoing government efforts to enhance the quality of higher education. Meanwhile, the primary and secondary segments are also anticipated to grow at a steady pace, with enrolments projected to increase at CAGRs of 2 per cent and 2.1 per cent, respectively, over the forecast period. The number of K-12 students in private schools are expected to grow at a slightly faster pace of 2.3 per cent CAGR, as compared to public schools which is forecasted to increase at a CAGR of 2 per cent between 2024 – 2029. With the exception of UAE, public schools are expected to retain their dominant position in the GCC's K–12 educational landscape, accounting for approximately 70.8 per cent of total enrolments by the end of the forecast period. Among the GCC nations, Saudi Arabia is expected to remain the largest education market, accounting for 64.6 per cent of the region's total student enrolments by 2029. In terms of annualised growth, Oman is projected to lead with a CAGR of 3.3 per cent during the 2024–2029 period, followed by Bahrain at 2.4 per cent, and the UAE and Qatar, both at 2.2 per cent. The demand for schools across the GCC region is expected to rise at a CAGR of 1.4 per cent during the forecast period, requiring an addition of more than 2,800 schools by 2029. Within this, demand for private schools is expected to expand at a CAGR of 2.4 per cent, outpacing the public-school segment, which is anticipated to grow at a slower CAGR of 1.1 per cent during the same period. Hameed Noor Mohamed, Managing Director of Alpen Capital (ME), said: 'The education sector of the GCC offers a strong growth outlook, with investor interest remaining high, driven by robust fundamentals and sustained long-term demand. 'This is creating substantial opportunities for both regional and international education providers to establish or scale their presence in a growing market. 'Looking ahead, M&A activity in the GCC education sector is expected to stay buoyant, as operators focus on improving educational quality, expanding capacity, and streamlining operations. 'The growing demand for affordable schooling and the integration of Edtech solutions are anticipated to further drive deal activity within the sector'. As per the report, sustained economic momentum is expected to not only support public investment in education but also make the education sector increasingly attractive to private and international investors. Furthermore, the GCC population is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.1 per cent between 2024 – 2029 to reach 67.1m by 2029. This population expansion is mirrored in the growth of the school-age population, which is expected to drive steady rise in enrolment. Rising affluence, preference for international curricula, supportive government initiatives and increasing private sector participation is poised to attract international institutions, creating a strong momentum for sector expansion and investment. In terms of challenges, the private operators are facing increasing cost pressures due to rising expenditures on retention of qualified teachers, real estate, and digital infrastructure. These pressures are further compounded in a highly competitive market with a growing number of private international schools. The sector also continues to face a shortage of skilled teachers and educational staff, which is intensifying, given the rapid growth of premium international schools that require high-calibre teaching talent. Highlighting the trends in the education sector, the report states that educational institutes in the GCC are rapidly integrating emerging technologies to drive innovation and enhance student engagement. With continued investments in EdTech, the region is preparing students with future-ready skills and delivering an inclusive learning experience. The GCC education industry is also witnessing a clear shift toward strengthening kindergartens, nurseries, and early learning programs through policy reforms and greater private sector engagement. Meanwhile, the foreign universities are establishing a stronger presence across the region to meet the rising demand for diverse higher education options. GCC countries are making substantial investments in education to develop an ecosystem aligned with global standards. This commitment has driven significant transformation in recent years, particularly through the integration of technology. Strengthening digital infrastructure will be key to advancing the sector further—enabling innovation, enhancing learning outcomes, and unlocking new avenues for growth and investment across the region.
Zawya
5 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
GCC student enrolment to rise by 1.5 million over the next five years, projects Alpen Capital
Dubai – Alpen Capital's latest education industry report for the GCC forecasts the number of students in the region to grow by 1.5 million to reach 15.5 million by 2029. Within this, the K-12 segment is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.1% between 2024 – 2029 to reach 12.9 million. Alpen Capital, a UAE-based investment banking advisory firm, launched its latest GCC Education Industry report which features forecasts on the sector, recent analysis on trends, growth drivers and challenges facing the segment. It also profiles select education companies in the region. The report was launched over a webinar followed by a panel discussion featuring Alan Williamson, Chief Executive Officer, Taaleem; Dinesh Kothari, Chairman, Delhi Private School Dubai; Ibrahim Al Turki, Chief Executive Officer, Integrated Development Holding for Education and Training and Amjad Al Omari, Senior Director, Alpen Capital. Hameed Noor Mohamed, Managing Director, Alpen Capital moderated the discussion 'The GCC education sector is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by government-led reforms, increased private sector participation, and accelerating digital innovation. Demand for private education continues to rise, supported by sustained economic growth, a growing population, rising affluence, and a strong preference for globally recognised curricula. However, institutions are facing pressure from rising operational costs and a shortage of qualified teachers, particularly in an increasingly competitive and quality-conscious market. GCC governments' continued focus on modernising education—through the integration of digital skills and innovative teaching methodologies—is expected to enhance education quality and support long-term outcomes.', says Sameena Ahmad, Managing Director, Alpen Capital. 'The education sector of the GCC offers a strong growth outlook, with investor interest remaining high, driven by robust fundamentals and sustained long-term demand. This is creating substantial opportunities for both regional and international education providers to establish or scale their presence in a growing market. Looking ahead, M&A activity in the GCC education sector is expected to stay buoyant, as operators focus on improving educational quality, expanding capacity, and streamlining operations. The growing demand for affordable schooling and the integration of Edtech solutions are anticipated to further drive deal activity within the sector.', says Hameed Noor Mohamed, Managing Director, Alpen Capital (ME) Limited. According to Alpen Capital, the total number of students in the GCC education sector is projected to increase from 14.0 million to 15.5 million at a CAGR of 2.1% between 2024 - 2029. This growth is expected to be driven by continued economic expansion in the region and a steady increase in population, which in turn is contributing to a rising school-age demographic. Favourable macroeconomic conditions, including high per capita income and sustained government budget allocations, are providing additional momentum to the sector. Among the various segments, the pre-primary segment is expected to witness the fastest growth, with student enrolments projected to increase at a CAGR of 2.7% between 2024–2029. The tertiary segment is projected to expand steadily, with a CAGR of 2.1%, supported by rising demand and ongoing government efforts to enhance the quality of higher education. Meanwhile, the primary and secondary segments are also anticipated to grow at a steady pace, with enrolments projected to increase at CAGRs of 2.0% and 2.1%, respectively, over the forecast period. The number of K-12 students in private schools are expected to grow at a slightly faster pace of 2.3% CAGR, as compared to public schools which is forecasted to increase at a CAGR of 2.0% between 2024 – 2029. With the exception of UAE, public schools are expected to retain their dominant position in the GCC's K–12 educational landscape, accounting for approximately 70.8% of total enrolments by the end of the forecast period. Among the GCC nations, Saudi Arabia is expected to remain the largest education market, accounting for 64.6% of the region's total student enrolments by 2029. In terms of annualized growth, Oman is projected to lead with a CAGR of 3.3% during the 2024–2029 period, followed by Bahrain at 2.4%, and the UAE and Qatar, both at 2.2%. The demand for schools across the GCC region is expected to rise at a CAGR of 1.4% during the forecast period, requiring an addition of more than 2,800 schools by 2029. Within this, demand for private schools is expected to expand at a CAGR of 2.4%, outpacing the public school segment, which is anticipated to grow at a slower CAGR of 1.1% during the same period. As per the report, sustained economic momentum is expected to not only support public investment in education but also make the education sector increasingly attractive to private and international investors. Furthermore, the GCC population is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.1% between 2024 – 2029 to reach 67.1 million by 2029. This population expansion is mirrored in the growth of the school-age population, which is expected to drive steady rise in enrolment. Rising affluence, preference for international curricula, supportive government initiatives and increasing private sector participation is poised to attract international institutions, creating a strong momentum for sector expansion and investment. In terms of challenges, the private operators are facing increasing cost pressures due to rising expenditures on retention of qualified teachers, real estate, and digital infrastructure. These pressures are further compounded in a highly competitive market with a growing number of private international schools. The sector also continues to face a shortage of skilled teachers and educational staff, which is intensifying, given the rapid growth of premium international schools that require high-calibre teaching talent. Highlighting the trends in the education sector, the report states that educational institutes in the GCC are rapidly integrating emerging technologies to drive innovation and enhance student engagement. With continued investments in EdTech, the region is preparing students with future-ready skills and delivering an inclusive learning experience. The GCC education industry is also witnessing a clear shift toward strengthening kindergartens, nurseries, and early learning programs through policy reforms and greater private sector engagement. Meanwhile, the foreign universities are establishing a stronger presence across the region to meet the rising demand for diverse higher education options. The GCC countries are making substantial investments in education to develop an ecosystem aligned with global standards. This commitment has driven significant transformation in recent years, particularly through the integration of technology. Strengthening digital infrastructure will be key to advancing the sector further—enabling innovation, enhancing learning outcomes, and unlocking new avenues for growth and investment across the region. About Alpen Capital: Alpen Capital (ME) Limited is incorporated as a limited liability company in the Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai, United Arab Emirates and is licensed by the Dubai Financial Services Authority. Alpen Capital offers a full range of investment banking advisory services in the areas of M & A, Debt, Equity and Capital Markets to some of the largest business conglomerates and financial institutions in the GCC and South Asia. It has offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha, Muscat and New Delhi. About Alpen Asset Advisors: Alpen Asset Advisors Limited, is an independent wealth management firm offering private banking and asset management services. It offers a comprehensive offering covering all asset classes, investment themes & styles and sectors. With our open architecture platform we identify investment opportunities and design an investment program to achieve the wealth creation within the given risk appetite. For media queries, please contact: Rasheed Palliyalil Watermelon Communications Dubai, UAE rasheed@
