Dubai to nearly double private school capacity

Dubai is set to nearly double its capacity of private schools over the next 10 years. With 120 new campuses expected to open by 2027, it will see student enrolments across the city reach 470,000 over the next decade.

New data released by Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) signaled strong growth in the private education sector from 2007 to date, with an average annual enrolment growth of 6.6 per cent over the last decade.

That positive trend has signaled a strong future for Dubai's growing reputation as an education hub, and the addition of the 120 new schools will no doubt spark a rise in Dubai's capacity utilisation, which currently sits at 88.6 per cent.

According to the report, Indian students take the top spot when it comes to the number of pupils in seats at private schools, with 93,013 Indian expatriates studying at a number of the 185 schools currently in operation.

UAE nationals come in second with 29,843 students in private schools, with Pakistan, Egypt and the UK coming in third, fourth and fifth, with 22,754 students, 14,172 students, and 13,149 students, respectively.

Speaking following the announcement, Dr Abdulla Al Karam, Director General of KHDA, said the "consistent and strong growth in private education" here has contributed to an improvement in the overall standard of living and long-term economic growth for Dubai.

KHDA's latest Dubai Private Education Landscape report illustrates how higher student enrolments have boosted long-term economic growth and the important role of private schooling in Dubai.

Student enrolments have grown by 89 per cent in the last 10 years.

The report was unveiled by KHDA in London at an event hosted for investors, educators and consultants by the UAE embassy in UK.

"By improving access to private education and enabling a wider choice for families we are opening more avenues for high-quality education with a focus on happiness, well-being and positive education," Dr Abdullah said.

Dubai currently has 185 private schools with 273,599 students accounting for 88.6 per cent capacity utilisation.

An additional 10 new schools will open this year providing additional school seats to keep up with the growing demand for high-quality education.

Higher education institutions in Dubai reported a 9.6 per cent annual growth in the last six years with a 73 per cent uptick in student enrolments.

Dubai is also home to 1,249 training institutes offering over 45,000 courses.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com

Key highlights of Dubai's private schools

> Number of schools: 185 schools

> Number of students: 273,599 students

> Number of Emirati students: 32,116 students

> Number of nationalities: 187 nationalities

> Number of curriculum: 16 curricula

Key highlights of Dubai's higher education institutions

> Number of higher education institutions: 31

> Number of students: 28,972 students

> Annual enrolment growth in 2016/17: 4.5%

Top five nationalities in Dubai schools

1. India - 93,013 students

2. UAE - 29,843 students

3. Pakistan - 22,754 students

4. Egypt - 14,172 students

5. UK - 13,149 students

• Dubai

Kelly Clarke

kelly@khaleejtimes.com