UAE: A Haven for British Families
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for British families seeking alternatives due to the high costs of private schools. A recent survey by GEMS Education, titled 'Exodus & Education', highlighted that the introduction of VAT on private school tuition in the UK, announced in the October 2024 autumn budget and set to take effect in January 2025, is playing a significant role in more families considering moving abroad. In the survey, 32% of parents cited their child's education as the primary priority when deciding to relocate.
According to the report, countries such as Spain, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United States, and the UAE have become increasingly popular among British families. However, the Emirates holds a special position not only for its excellent private education sector but also for its tax-free lifestyle, which is appealing to those seeking stability and quality education.
Education as a Main Motivation
The head of education at GEMS Education emphasized that the report's findings show relocation is becoming an increasingly realistic option for many families. 'It's interesting to observe that education, which represents a better future and job opportunities, is one of the key factors influencing the decision to move abroad,' he stated.
He added that it's now easier than ever for expat families to find high-quality schools in the UAE, where the English national curriculum is followed. Students can seamlessly start, continue, and finish their education abroad, with the same GCSE and A-level examinations they would have obtained in the UK, enriched with international perspectives and global thinking.
According to GEMS Education data, their 44 schools in the UAE have already registered an eight percent increase in British families compared to the previous year, and there has been a 26 percent rise in inquiries from the UK.
The UAE as a Global Education Hub
The UAE is increasingly becoming a global education hub, a fact not overlooked by British parents. The country not only offers a safe and diverse environment but also internationally recognized curriculums and qualifications. A professor of human geography at University College London (UCL), who contributed to the report, highlighted that education has long been one of the most important factors in international relocation. 'The report's findings reinforce the trends we have observed recently. More and more affluent families are seeking educational opportunities abroad when uncertainty and instability threaten at home,' he said.
What Makes the UAE So Attractive?
The UAE is becoming attractive to foreign families for several reasons. Besides a tax-free lifestyle, the excellent infrastructure, high standard of living, and safe environment all contribute to more choosing this country as their new home. Additionally, numerous international schools operating in the UAE follow the English curriculum, allowing children's education to continue seamlessly, whether they began their schooling in the UK or other countries.
The global perspective gained by students studying in the UAE provides a growing advantage in the world market. International experiences and multilingualism allow students to better prepare for global challenges and find work more easily in the international market.
Conclusion
The United Arab Emirates has increasingly become an attractive destination for British families seeking new opportunities due to high school fees and uncertainty at home. The excellent educational system, tax-free lifestyle, and safe environment in the UAE allow families to find stability and quality education. The GEMS Education report clearly shows that this trend will only strengthen in the coming years, and the UAE will remain among the most popular destinations for British families moving abroad.
