The number of pupils enrolled in Dubai's private schools increased by 6 per cent this year, according to data from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority.
There are 387,441 pupils enrolled at 227 private schools in the academic year 2024-25. Official statistics showed more than 365,000 pupils were enrolled in Dubai's classrooms in 2023, up from 326,000 in November 2022. Ten schools opened in the emirate for the current academic year. In line with Dubai's Education Strategy 2033, the KHDA aims to establish more than 100 private schools by 2033.
Education chiefs say the high demand for pupil places and new schools emphasises the global draw Dubai has on the world. The emirate's population stands at 3.83 million, with growth projected at 3.6 per cent annually until 2030.
“Dubai continues to be an attractive destination for families seeking world-class education and for educators dedicated to shaping future generations," Aisha Miran, Director General of KHDA said.
"The growth in student enrolment, including Emirati students, alongside the expansion of new schools, reflects the strength of the city’s education ecosystem."
The data also revealed that 33,210 Emirati pupils were enrolled in Dubai’s private schools, with the US curriculum being the most popular choice among Emirati families, followed by the UK and IB curriculums. Dubai’s private schools now employ 27,284 teachers, a 9 per cent increase since the last academic year.
UAE schools are currently preparing to fill around 900 vacancies amid a shortage of talent globally. There are about 700 roles advertised in Dubai, more than 130 in Abu Dhabi, and dozens of vacancies in the Northern Emirates, according to Tes, formerly known as The Times Educational Supplement. Major UAE school developers such as Gems and Taaleem are on the lookout for teachers.
Preparing for the future
The Education Strategy 2033 – known as E33 – was announced in October by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, as part of a wider package of initiatives to encourage people to live, learn and invest in the city.
Dubai's Education Strategy 2033 aims to ensure there are more than 40,000 seats available in affordable schools.
The city's latest education strategy will also match pupils in high schools with potential employers to ensure they get real-life work experience, while pupils who do not wish to follow an academic route will be able to choose from vocational options.
“The E33 Strategy will continue to drive this sector forward by creating a diverse, inclusive environment where every student – regardless of background or ability – can access high-quality education and develop the skills they need to thrive in a globalised world," said Ms Miran.
"Our focus remains on fostering innovation, enhancing student well-being, and ensuring that education in Dubai empowers individuals to succeed and contribute to the ambitious goals set under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the Dubai Social Agenda 33.”
Dubai's top private schools have waiting lists in place and private school operators are planning to expand their campuses or launch new schools to keep up with demand from the growing population, with more than two million people expected to live in the emirate within six years.
Dubai English Speaking School, established in 1963, is one of the oldest schools in the city and has hundreds of pupils on its waiting list. To meet this demand, leaders at the institution have decided to launch another school.
EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
Estijaba – 8001717 – number to call to request coronavirus testing
Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111
Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre
Emirates airline – 600555555
Etihad Airways – 600555666
Ambulance – 998
Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries
Who was Alfred Nobel?
The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.
- In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
- Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
- Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
SHAITTAN
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THE APPRENTICE
Director: Ali Abbasi
Starring: Sebastian Stan, Maria Bakalova, Jeremy Strong
Rating: 3/5
The specs
Engine: Dual 180kW and 300kW front and rear motors
Power: 480kW
Torque: 850Nm
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Punchy appearance
Roars of support buoyed Mr Johnson in an extremely confident and combative appearance
More coverage from the Future Forum
Dirham Stretcher tips for having a baby in the UAE
Selma Abdelhamid, the group's moderator, offers her guide to guide the cost of having a young family:
• Buy second hand stuff
They grow so fast. Don't get a second hand car seat though, unless you 100 per cent know it's not expired and hasn't been in an accident.
• Get a health card and vaccinate your child for free at government health centres
Ms Ma says she discovered this after spending thousands on vaccinations at private clinics.
• Join mum and baby coffee mornings provided by clinics, babysitting companies or nurseries.
Before joining baby classes ask for a free trial session. This way you will know if it's for you or not. You'll be surprised how great some classes are and how bad others are.
• Once baby is ready for solids, cook at home
Take the food with you in reusable pouches or jars. You'll save a fortune and you'll know exactly what you're feeding your child.
Tamkeen's offering
- Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
- Option 2: 50% across three years
- Option 3: 30% across five years
FIGHT%20CARD
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TUESDAY'S ORDER OF PLAY
Centre Court
Starting at 2pm:
Malin Cilic (CRO) v Benoit Paire (FRA) [8]
Not before 4pm:
Dan Evans (GBR) v Fabio Fogini (ITA) [4]
Not before 7pm:
Pablo Carreno Busta (SPA) v Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) [2]
Roberto Bautista Agut (SPA) [5] v Jan-Lennard Struff (GER)
Court One
Starting at 2pm
Prajnesh Gunneswaran (IND) v Dennis Novak (AUT)
Joao Sousa (POR) v Filip Krajinovic (SRB)
Not before 5pm:
Rajeev Ram (USA) and Joe Salisbury (GBR) [1] v Marin Cilic v Novak Djokovic (SRB)
Nikoloz Basilashvili v Ricardas Berankis (LTU)
More from Neighbourhood Watch
School counsellors on mental well-being
Schools counsellors in Abu Dhabi have put a number of provisions in place to help support pupils returning to the classroom next week.
Many children will resume in-person lessons for the first time in 10 months and parents previously raised concerns about the long-term effects of distance learning.
Schools leaders and counsellors said extra support will be offered to anyone that needs it. Additionally, heads of years will be on hand to offer advice or coping mechanisms to ease any concerns.
“Anxiety this time round has really spiralled, more so than from the first lockdown at the beginning of the pandemic,” said Priya Mitchell, counsellor at The British School Al Khubairat in Abu Dhabi.
“Some have got used to being at home don’t want to go back, while others are desperate to get back.
“We have seen an increase in depressive symptoms, especially with older pupils, and self-harm is starting younger.
“It is worrying and has taught us how important it is that we prioritise mental well-being.”
Ms Mitchell said she was liaising more with heads of year so they can support and offer advice to pupils if the demand is there.
The school will also carry out mental well-being checks so they can pick up on any behavioural patterns and put interventions in place to help pupils.
At Raha International School, the well-being team has provided parents with assessment surveys to see how they can support students at home to transition back to school.
“They have created a Well-being Resource Bank that parents have access to on information on various domains of mental health for students and families,” a team member said.
“Our pastoral team have been working with students to help ease the transition and reduce anxiety that [pupils] may experience after some have been nearly a year off campus.
"Special secondary tutorial classes have also focused on preparing students for their return; going over new guidelines, expectations and daily schedules.”
