Dubai set to welcome 26 new private education institutions

Dubai’s private education sector continues to grow, with 26 new institutions set to open during the 2026–27 academic year.

The new openings include 17 early childhood centres, seven schools and two international higher education institutions.

The seven new schools will add nearly 17,000 places, while the early childhood centres will provide more than 1,700 additional places for young learners.

The expansion will give families more options and support Dubai’s goal of becoming a leading global education destination.

The private education sector has grown by 4.6 per cent annually over the past three academic years, despite the challenges of the 2025–26 academic year.

Dubai is also attracting more education professionals, with the number of private-sector teachers rising by 17.5 per cent over the same period.

Among the new schools are campuses of leading British institutions, including Harrow International School Dubai, Queen Elizabeth’s School Dubai Sports City, and Rugby School Dubai.

The higher education sector will also expand, with the American University of Beirut’s Dubai campus opening in September 2026, followed by Peking University HSBC Business School, which will launch its MBA and EMBA programmes in January 2027.

"The continued growth of Dubai's private education sector reflects the trust that learners, families, educators and investors place in Dubai as a destination for high-quality education," said Aisha Miran, Director General of KHDA.

Dubai’s private education sector continues to grow, with 26 new private education institutions set to open during the 2026-27 academic year. The new openings include 17 private early childhood centres (ECCs), seven schools, and two international higher education institutions. The… pic.twitter.com/7HyAFzJ5fR

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) August 25, 2026