Dubai's private education sector is set to expand significantly in the 2026-27 academic year, with 26 new institutions (comprising 17 early childhood centres, seven schools, and two international higher education institutions), collectively creating nearly 17,000 additional places across the emirate.
The seven new schools will add 16,846 learner places, with four offering the UK curriculum and three the International Baccalaureate; notable openings include Dubai campuses of Harrow International School, Queen Elizabeth's School Dubai Sports City, and Rugby School Dubai.
Early childhood provision will gain over 1,700 places across 17 new centres spanning EYFS, Montessori, Ontario, French, and Indian curricula. At the higher education level, the American University of Beirut opens its Dubai campus in September 2026, while Peking University HSBC Business School – ranked 47th globally by QS – launches MBA and EMBA programmes in January 2027.
The expansion follows 4.6% annual private education growth over three years, a 29% rise in higher education enrolment, and a 17.5% increase in the private sector teaching workforce, advancing Dubai's Education 33 Strategy under D33.
Gulf Economist Staff Writer