By Desmond Nleya
DUBAI- Dubai has announced that private school fees will remain unchanged for the 2026–27 academic year, offering relief to thousands of families across the emirate as authorities move to ease the financial burden on parents while strengthening the education sector.
The decision was confirmed by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority following directives issued under the leadership of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.
The move comes alongside Dubai’s newly approved Dh1.5 billion economic incentives package, which raises the total value of recent government support measures to Dh2.5 billion. Authorities say the package is designed to support key sectors of the economy, including private education, while ensuring stability for schools and families.
As part of the initiative, private schools regulated by KHDA will benefit from deferred or instalment-based licence renewal fees as well as postponed fines. Early childhood centres are also set to receive exemptions from licence renewal charges, fines, and Dubai Municipality market fees.
Additional support will be provided through the Knowledge Fund Establishment, including partial rent exemptions and extended rent-free periods for centres currently under development.
Dubai authorities have also introduced several measures aimed at protecting the long-term stability of the private education sector. These include partial or full exemptions from guarantee insurance requirements, suspension of contractual penalties, a freeze on rent increases during renewals, and deferred rental payments.
The announcement comes as Dubai’s private education sector continues to experience strong growth and resilience. More than 95 per cent of students are currently attending in-person classes across private schools, while the emirate continues to offer 17 different curricula catering to its multicultural population.
KHDA revealed that around 9,000 new affordable school places were added during the current academic year, with approximately 230,000 students now enrolled in affordable education institutions across Dubai. Authorities are also planning to introduce an additional 7,500 affordable seats over the next two years.
The emirate’s education expansion is expected to continue, with more than 30 applications for new private schools currently under review after six new institutions opened this year. Enrolment in Dubai private schools reportedly increased by 6 per cent in 2025, reflecting continued confidence in the sector.
Source: Gulf News
