Khaleej Times

Dubai to add 120 new schools in 10 years

- Staff Reporter

dubai — Over the next decade, Dubai expects 120 new school campuses to open and drive student enrollment­s to 470,000, according to Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Developmen­t Authority (KHDA).

The data from the KHDA shows that private education has grown consistent­ly since 2007, with an average annual enrollment growth of 6.6 per cent.

Dr Abdulla Al Karam, DirectorGe­neral of the KHDA, said the “consistent and strong growth in private education” in Dubai has significan­tly contribute­d to increases in the standard of living and in the emirate’s economic growth.

dubai — Dubai is all set to nearly double its capacity of private schools over the next 10 years. With 120 new campuses expected to open by 2027, it will see student enrollment­s across the city reach 470,000 over the next decade.

New data released by the Knowledge and Human Developmen­t Authority (KHDA) signalled strong growth in the private education sector from 2007 to date, with an average annual enrollment growth of 6.6 per cent over the last decade.

The addition of the 120 new schools is expected to spark a rise in Dubai’s capacity utilisatio­n, which currently sits at 88.6 per cent.

According to the report, Indians take the top spot when it comes to the number of students at private schools here, with 93,013 Indian expatriate­s studying at a number of the 185 schools currently in operation.

UAE nationals come in second with 29,843 students in private schools, with Pakistan, Egypt and the UK coming in third, fourth and fifth, with 22,754 students, 14,172 students, and 13,149 students, respective­ly. Dr Abdulla Al Karam, Director-General of the KHDA, said the “consistent and strong growth in private education” here has contribute­d to an improvemen­t in the overall standard of living and longterm economic growth for Dubai.

The KHDA’s latest Dubai Private Education Landscape report illustrate­s how higher student enrollment­s have boosted long-term economic growth and the important role of private schooling in Dubai.

Student enrollment­s have grown by 89 per cent in the last 10 years.

The report was unveiled by the KHDA in London at an event hosted for investors, educators and consultant­s by the UAE Embassy in the UK.

“By improving access to private education and enabling a wider choice for families, we are opening more avenues for high-quality education with a focus on happiness, well-being and positive education,” Dr Abdullah said.

Dubai currently has 185 private schools with 273,599 students accounting for 88.6 per cent capacity utilisatio­n.

An additional 10 new schools will open this year, providing additional school seats to keep up with the growing demand for high-quality education.

reporters@khaleejtim­es.com

 ??  ?? A BRIGHT FUTURE: Private education is on growth path
A BRIGHT FUTURE: Private education is on growth path
 ??  ?? Student enrollment­s across Dubai will reach 470,000 over the next decade with the rise in the number of private schools.
Student enrollment­s across Dubai will reach 470,000 over the next decade with the rise in the number of private schools.

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