04-05-2025
Dubai private schools receive nod for fee hike for new academic year
Image: Getty Images/ For illustrative purposes
Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority (
This adjustment is based on the annual review of audited financial statements submitted by private schools in collaboration with the Digital Dubai Authority, reflecting operational costs such as staff salaries, support services, and rental expenses, while ensuring the delivery of high-quality education.
Eligible for-profit schools may apply for a fee increase up to, but not exceeding, the approved ECI.
The ECI used for the current school year (2024-2025) is 2.6 per cent.
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.
The ECI 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.
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.
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 a wide range of choices.
Private school enrollment rise in Dubai
During the 2
This growth includes 33,210 Emirati students and is supported by the opening of 10 new private schools, in line with Dubai's Education Strategy E33, which aims to open 100 new schools by 2033.
Aisha Miran, director general of KHDA, stated: 'Dubai continues to be an attractive destination for families seeking world-class education and for educators dedicated to shaping future generations.' She added that the E33 Strategy fosters innovation, inclusion, and student wellbeing while supporting Dubai's broader social and economic goals.
Dubai's private schools offer 17 curricula. The UK curriculum is the most popular (37 per cent), followed by Indian (26 per cent), US (14 per cent), International Baccalaureate (7 per cent), and a UK/IB hybrid (4 per cent). Among Emirati families, the US curriculum leads in preference.
The sector also saw a 9 per centrise in teaching staff, with 27,284 educators now employed across Dubai's private schools. This reflects the city's growing appeal to international educators and reinforces its status as a global education hub.
For more information on submitting fee adjustment requests, schools are encouraged to visit the KHDA website.
