Dubai has revealed a major development plan aimed at supporting families by making private education more affordable across the emirate. As school fees have steadily climbed in recent years, with some reaching above Dhs100,000 annually, the need for budget-friendly education options has become a priority for many households.
Under the newly approved strategy by The Executive Council of Dubai, around 60 affordable private schools are expected to open within the next eight years. These schools will collectively add approximately 120,000 new seats, giving parents more accessible schooling choices for their children. This commitment greatly exceeds the previous Education 33 strategy, which targeted a growth of about 49,000 seats over the same timeframe.
Private education continues to form the backbone of Dubai’s learning community, with more than 387,000 students currently enrolled in private schools throughout the city. To expand capacity while reducing costs, the updated plan introduces incentives such as lower government fees and reduced land leasing charges to attract more investors to build and operate affordable institutions.
The initiative forms part of a wider vision to advance Dubai into one of the top global cities for education quality and overall urban excellence. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum highlighted that enhancing human capital remains central to Dubai’s future, reaffirming education as a key pillar in becoming one of the world’s best cities.
The step is expected to benefit families, strengthen the education system, and ensure a more inclusive environment where quality learning is accessible without overwhelming financial pressure.