Latest news with #DigitalDubaiAuthority
Hi Dubai
05-05-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Approves 2.35% Education Cost Index for Private School Fee Adjustments
Dubai's private schools may raise tuition fees by up to 2.35% in the 2025–26 academic year, following the approval of the Education Cost Index (ECI) by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). The ECI, determined through an annual review of audited financial statements in collaboration with the Digital Dubai Authority, reflects rising operational costs including staff salaries, support services, and rent. KHDA stated that the index is designed to help schools maintain high educational standards while managing resources efficiently. Only for-profit schools that have operated in Dubai for more than three years are eligible to apply for fee adjustments, and any increases must not exceed the 2.35% cap. Each application will be reviewed to ensure compliance with KHDA's criteria. Shamma Al Mansouri, Director of Licensing and Education Services at KHDA, said the ECI is part of a transparent and sustainable approach that aligns with Dubai's Education 33 Strategy. 'It supports schools in managing resources while meeting the expectations of students and parents,' she added. Dubai's private education sector continues to expand rapidly, with 15 new schools opening over the past two academic years and more than 20 applications currently under review. The emirate now has 227 private schools serving over 387,000 students from 185 nationalities. Student enrolment rose 12% in 2023–24 and a further 6% in 2024–25, reinforcing the emirate's position as a regional hub for quality education. The Education Strategy 33 aims to open at least 100 new private schools by 2033 to meet growing demand. News Source: Emirates News Agency
CairoScene
04-05-2025
- Business
- CairoScene
Dubai Approves 2.35% School Fee Increase for 2025–26 Academic Year
Only private schools that have been operating in Dubai for more than three years are eligible to apply for the fee adjustment. May 04, 2025 Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has approved a 2.35% Education Cost Index (ECI) for the 2025–2026 academic year, allowing eligible for-profit private schools to apply for tuition fee increases up to this limit. The ECI, determined through an annual review of audited financial statements in collaboration with the Digital Dubai Authority, accounts for operational costs such as staff salaries, support services, and rental expenses. Only private schools that have been operating in Dubai for more than three years are eligible to apply for the fee adjustment. All applications will be reviewed by KHDA to ensure compliance with the set criteria. This approach aims to support schools in managing resources while maintaining high-quality education standards. Dubai currently hosts 227 private schools serving over 387,000 students from 185 nationalities. The private education sector has seen significant growth, with a 12% increase in student enrolment during the 2023–24 academic year and a further 6% rise in 2024–25. 15 new private schools have opened in the past two years, and more than 20 applications for new schools are under review, aligning with the Education Strategy 33, which aims to open at least 100 new private schools by 2033.
Gulf News
02-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf News
Education Cost Index set at 2.35% for Dubai's for-profit private schools in 2025-26 academic year
Dubai: The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has approved an Education Cost Index (ECI) of 2.35% for for-profit private schools in Dubai for the 2025–26 academic year. The ECI is based on the annual review of audited financial statements submitted by private schools in collaboration with the Digital Dubai Authority. It reflects the operational costs of running a school — such as staff salaries, support services, and rental expenses — while ensuring the delivery of high-quality education. KHDA has notified all private schools in the emirate of the requirements for submitting fee adjustment requests for the upcoming academic year. Applications to be reviewed Eligible for-profit schools may apply for a fee increase up to, but not exceeding, the approved ECI. Private schools operating in Dubai for less than three years are not eligible to apply. Each application will be reviewed by KHDA to ensure it aligns with established criteria. Shamma Al Mansouri, Director of Licensing and Education Services at KHDA, said: 'The Education Cost Index for fee adjustments is based on a robust and transparent methodology that supports schools in managing their resources while maintaining educational excellence aligned with the needs of students and parents.' She added that the approach reflects the Dubai Government's commitment to transparency and efficiency in education and supports the goals of the Education 33 Strategy, which aims to enhance Dubai's position as a global hub for quality education. New schools In the past two academic years, 15 new private schools have opened in Dubai. KHDA is currently reviewing over 20 applications for new schools scheduled to open within the next two years, offering families wide range of choices. Dubai now has 227 private schools, educating 387,441 students from 185 nationalities. The sector saw a record 12% increase in enrolment in 2023–24, followed by a further 6% growth in 2024–25, aligning with the Education Strategy 33's goal of opening 100 new schools by 2033.
Arabian Business
02-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Dubai approves 2025-2026 private school fee hikes
Dubai will allow private schools to hike fees by up to 2.35 per cent next year, said the Knowledge and Human Development Authority. The KHDA approved an Education Cost Index (ECI) of 2.35 percent for profit private schools in the emirate for the 2025-26 academic year. The decision is based on the annual review of audited financial statements submitted by Dubai private schools, in collaboration with the Digital Dubai Authority. Dubai school fees 2025-2026 The ECI takes into account the operational costs of running a school to offer a high quality of education, including staff wages, support services, and rental expenses. KHDA has informed all private schools in Dubai about the requirements for submitting fee adjustment requests for the next academic year. Eligible for-profit schools may apply for an increase up to, but not exceeding, the approved ECI. Private schools that have been operating in Dubai for less than three years are not eligible for a fee adjustment. All applications will be reviewed by KHDA to ensure they meet the criteria for fee increases. Shamma Al Mansouri, Director of Licensing and Education Services at KHDA, said: 'The Education Cost Index for fee adjustments is based on a robust and transparent methodology that supports schools in Dubai to manage their resources while maintaining a high quality of education in line with the needs of students and parents. 'This sustainable approach to regulating school fees reflects Dubai Government's commitment to transparency and efficiency in the education sector. It ensures that Dubai remains a leading destination for high quality education in line with the goals of the Education 33 Strategy.' Fifteen new private schools have opened in Dubai in the last two academic years, and KHDA is currently reviewing more than 20 applications for new schools set to open in the next two years, offering parents in Dubai a wider range of choices. Dubai currently has 227 private schools serving 387,441 students from 185 nationalities. The sector recorded an unprecedented 12 per cent increase in student enrolment in the 2023-24 academic year. Enrolment grew by a further 6 per cent during the 2024-25 academic year. The opening of new schools and steady enrolment growth in Dubai's private education sector support the objectives of the Education Strategy 33, which aims to open at least 100 new private schools by 2033.
TAG 91.1
02-05-2025
- Business
- TAG 91.1
Fee hike approved for Dubai's private schools
The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has approved a 2.35 per cent Education Cost Index (ECI) for Dubai's for-profit private schools for the 2025–26 academic year, allowing eligible schools to increase tuition fees within that limit. The ECI, which reflects the operational costs of running a school, including staff salaries, support services and rent, is calculated based on audited financial data submitted by schools in collaboration with Digital Dubai Authority. Private schools that have been operating in Dubai for less than three years are not eligible to apply for a fee adjustment. All applications will be reviewed by the KHDA to ensure compliance with the set criteria. 'This sustainable approach ensures that Dubai remains a hub for high-quality education, while supporting schools in managing resources effectively,' said Shamma Al Mansouri, Director of Licensing and Education Services at the KHDA. The announcement comes amid continued growth in Dubai's private education sector, with 15 new schools opening in the past two academic years and over 20 more under review. Dubai is now home to 227 private schools serving 387,441 students from 185 nationalities. Student enrolment grew by 12 per cent in 2023-24 and 6 per cent in 2024-25. The expansion aligns with Dubai's Education Strategy 33, which aims to open at least 100 new private schools by 2033, offering parents more choices and access to world-class education.
