In 2026–2027, Dubai will open 26 private schools, including two international universities and seven schools with almost 17,000 spots.
With over 17,000 new school spots being established throughout the emirate and 26 new schools getting ready to begin for the 2026–2027 academic year, Dubai’s private education sector is poised for yet another significant expansion.
17 private early childhood centers (ECCs), seven schools, and two foreign higher education institutions will be included in the development, which aims to give families more educational options and solidify Dubai’s standing as a top worldwide destination for education.
During the 2026–2027 school year, seven new private schools will open, adding 16,846 spots for students around Dubai.
Three of the schools will provide the International Baccalaureate, and four will offer the UK curriculum.
Renowned British schools Harrow International School Dubai, Queen Elizabeth’s School Dubai Sports City, and Rugby School Dubai have opened new campuses in Dubai.
The development comes as Dubai’s private school industry has been steadily growing. Twenty-one new schools have opened within the last three years, and enrollment has grown by 3.1%.
Despite the extraordinary circumstances encountered during the 2025–2026 academic year, Dubai’s private education scene saw an annual growth of 4.6% throughout early childhood education, schools, and higher education over the previous three academic years.
The sector is growing as a result of education providers’ ongoing investment and growth as well as the entry of globally renowned universities.
With 17 new ECCs adding over 1,700 spots, Dubai’s early childhood education sector is likewise expected to grow dramatically. The centers will provide a variety of curriculum, such as those from Ontario, French, Indian, Montessori, and the UK’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
