Dubai's Education Revolution: 25 New Private Institutions

Dubai's Educational Expansion by 2025–2026: 25 New Private Institutions

Dubai is not only a global center for business and tourism but is also becoming a powerhouse in the field of education. In the 2025–2026 academic year, the city will reach another significant milestone: 25 new private educational institutions will open, offering more than 14,000 new seats and further enhancing Dubai's role in providing high-quality international education.

New Opportunities for the Youngest: 16 New Early Childhood Centers

Of the 25 new institutions, 16 will be Early Childhood Centers (ECC) targeting children aged 0–6. These institutions not only ease the lives of working parents but also start the structured support of children's learning processes even before preschool.

The diversity of offerings is noteworthy:

11 centers will apply the UK's Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) system,

3 will work based on the Creative Curriculum,

1 institution will follow Montessori principles,

while 1 will introduce the Maple Bear program rooted in Canadian foundations.

This diversity offers parents the chance to choose their preferred educational method, confident that the institutions meet the high quality expectations set by the Dubai Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).

Six New Schools with Varied Curricula

The six new schools also reflect international diversity. Five will follow the UK's curriculum, further strengthening Dubai's British educational offerings, which are already very popular among expatriate families. These include:

GEMS School of Research and Innovation (Sports City),

Victory Heights Primary School (City of Arabia),

Dubai British School Mira,

Dubai English Speaking School (Academic City),

Al Fanar School (Nad Al Sheba).

Additionally, a school following the French curriculum will open: Lycée Français International School in the Mudon district, offering an alternative for the French community and families.

This expansion creates over 11,700 new seats for school-aged students, marking a significant step towards the city's long-term educational strategic goals.

International Higher Education: Three New Universities Arriving

Among the new institutions, three renowned international universities will elevate Dubai's higher education to a new level:

Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) – Its business and management program currently ranks 27th in the QS World University Rankings by subject.

American University of Beirut (AUB) – Lebanon's leading university, ranked 237th worldwide.

Fakeeh College for Medical Sciences – a Saudi Arabian-based medical college, expanding Dubai's higher education palette with medical and health sciences programs.

The continuous growth in demand for higher education, as well as Dubai's strategic goal to become a regional educational hub, justify the presence of these universities. This is especially important for students seeking to earn a world-class degree nearby.

Increasing Confidence in Dubai's Private Education

Currently, Dubai's private education system comprises 331 early childhood centers, 233 schools, and 44 higher education institutions. The new openings in the 2025–2026 academic year represent substantial growth in both size and offering. This development not only aims to increase educational capacity but also reflects growing investor confidence in the city's educational sector.

The developments are in line with the city's Education 33 Strategy (E33) program, which aims to provide high-quality, accessible education for all ages, thus contributing to Dubai's future competitiveness in the knowledge-based economy.

What Can Families Expect?

Thanks to the expanding offerings, parents will have more freedom to choose the suitable educational institution for their child, whether they decide based on pedagogy, geography, or curriculum. The appearance and growth of international schools also facilitate the integration of expatriate families moving here.

The range of early childhood institutions is especially important concerning Dubai's demographic profile, as the number of young families living in the city continues to grow. ECCs serve not just as educational but also as community spaces where children can learn through play and parents can receive support for early education.

Summary

Dubai's educational expansion planned for the 2025–2026 academic year marks the beginning of a new era in the city's educational system. The new schools, universities, and early childhood centers provide not just seats but opportunities, communities, and a future. The changes clearly indicate that Dubai remains committed to quality, diverse, and internationally-standardized education, ensuring its place among the world's leading educational centers.

(Source: Based on a statement from Dubai's private education sector.)