By Staff Reporter
Enrolment at Dubai’s private early childhood centres rose by 8 percent over the past year, with more than 29,600 children now attending, reflecting the sector’s ongoing growth and strong parental confidence.
Figures from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) show that 38 new centres opened between June 2024 and June 2025, bringing Dubai’s total to 312 facilities catering to children from birth to six years old, including over 2,400 Emirati students.
Among the new openings are Al Freej Nurseries, launched in partnership with the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department to provide Emirati families with early education rooted in Islamic values and national heritage. Several existing centres also expanded their age provision to welcome younger children, demonstrating the sector’s flexibility in meeting family needs.
Dr Amna Almaazmi, CEO of Growth and Human Development at KHDA, said the growth underscores the trust parents place in Dubai’s early childhood education.
“High-quality early childhood education plays a vital role in preparing children for school and for life. The steady enrolment growth alongside the accelerated growth of centres shows capacity pressures have eased, ensuring greater choice and access for families,”
she noted.
The report highlights the sector’s diversity, with children from 163 nationalities enrolled. Indian, British, and Emirati students form the largest groups, and nearly half of all centres educate children from more than 20 nationalities. The sector employs more than 2,500 teachers and 2,600 teaching assistants, offering 17 different curricula, with the UK Early Years Foundation Stage the most common.
Parents can use the KHDA website and app to search for centres by location, fees, and other criteria. The full infographic on Dubai’s early childhood sector is available online.
News Source: Dubai Media Office
