Three Dubai schools closed over quality standards

Three schools were closed at the end of the 2023-2024 academic year for failing to meet quality benchmarks the Director-General of Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), Aisha Miran confirmed.

Miran emphasised that student welfare remains a top priority and reiterated the Authority’s dedication to providing top-quality education in Dubai's private schools. She highlighted ongoing efforts, such as the annual school inspections, to uphold educational standards.

The comments came as Miran spoke during a ‘Meet the CEO’ event organised by the Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO) on Monday. The 'Meet the CEO' series is a regular initiative by the GDMO for leaders of prominent Dubai organisations.

During the meeting, Miran addressed several key topics related to Dubai’s education sector, just days into the 2024-2025 academic year. The discussion highlighted critical aspects of this essential sector, which plays a fundamental role in shaping future generations.

Miran noted that preparations for the current academic year had commenced in January, with the Authority actively seeking input from all stakeholders in the education sector.

Addressing a question on Dubai’s education sector, especially in the context of private education institutions, she emphasised three key factors: diversity, flexibility, and high quality. Dubai boasts 223 private schools serving over 365,000 students and offering 17 different curricula. The sector is growing, with six new schools opening this academic year, she said.

Miran highlighted that Dubai currently has 285 early childhood centres implementing 17 different curricula and educational programmes. During the 2024-2025 academic year, 29 new centres will open, including the first to offer the Chinese curriculum, creating 2,838 additional enrolment slots. 

Dubai is home to 38 licensed higher education institutions, serving nearly 35,000 students and offering over 650 academic programmes. Four new higher education institutions will open this year, and KHDA is dedicated to attracting institutions that enhance the sector with exceptional content and effective teaching methods, she added.

Miran also highlighted support for the Dubai Social Agenda as well as the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, including the launch of 39 new educational institutions, which include six private schools, 29 early childhood centres, and four international universities, including the first Chinese university inspired by a UAE-China partnership.