Dubai’s private school fees will remain unchanged for the 2026–27 academic year, according to the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), following a leadership directive issued under the guidance of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
The decision reflects Dubai’s continued focus on supporting families and maintaining stability in the private education sector while ensuring schools can continue operating effectively.
Dh1.5 billion Economic Incentives Package Announced
The announcement follows the approval of Dubai’s second economic incentives package, valued at Dh1.5 billion, bringing the total value of recent support measures to Dh2.5 billion. The package includes 33 initiatives scheduled to be implemented over the next three to 12 months, targeting key sectors including education.
Fee Relief and Operational Support for Schools
As part of the latest measures, KHDA-regulated private schools will benefit from,
- Deferred or instalment-based licence renewal fees
- Deferred fines
Early childhood centres will also receive additional support including,
- Exemption from licence renewal fees and fines
- Exemption from Dubai Municipality market fees
The Knowledge Fund Establishment will introduce further assistance measures such as partial rent exemptions and extended rent-free periods for centres currently under development.
Additional Measures to Support Education Providers
Further support measures announced for the private education sector include,
- Partial or full exemptions from guarantee insurance requirements
- Suspension of contractual penalty clauses
- Freeze on rent increases at renewal
- Deferred rental payments
The measures are intended to strengthen operational continuity across Dubai’s private education sector while balancing the interests of families and education providers.
Private Education Sector Continues to Grow
KHDA confirmed that more than 95 per cent of students are currently attending in-person learning across Dubai’s private schools, reflecting continued confidence in the sector. Dubai’s private education system currently offers 17 curriculum options to meet the diverse learning needs of students across the emirate.
The authority also reported,
- Around 9,000 new affordable school places introduced this academic year
- Approximately 230,000 students currently enrolled in affordable education
- Plans for 7,500 additional places over the next two years
KHDA is also reviewing more than 30 applications for new private schools following the opening of six institutions this year. Enrolment across Dubai’s private schools increased by 6 per cent in 2025.
For more details please visit
Further Reading
- UAE school fees, Tabby offers monthly payment plans as 88% of parents feel financial strain
- Nord Anglia Education Appoints Thomas Kinnersley as Principal of Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi