A New Chapter in UAE Education: What Parents Should Know
Dubai and Abu Dhabi are entering a transformative period for education. According to the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), 10 new schools opened in Dubai alone in the 2024–25 academic year, adding over 16,000 seats and contributing to a 6% rise in private school enrolment, now totalling more than 387,000 students across 227 private schools. With 90% of parents reporting satisfaction with current options, the appetite for even greater choice continues to grow.
This upward trend is no short-term surge. As part of the Education 33 (E33) strategy announced in October 2024, the KHDA has committed to increasing access to high-quality, affordable, and innovative education. By 2033, the plan aims to deliver 49,900 new school seats—and at least 100 new private schools in Dubai and Abu Dhabi—with a focus on expanding access, enhancing well-being, and nurturing future-ready learners.
The current wave of new openings reflects this vision in action. These new schools in Dubai and Abu Dhabi for 2025–2026 will bring much-needed capacity, modern facilities, and innovative learning models, from British boarding excellence to AI-focused innovation hubs.
As the UAE continues to position itself as a global hub for education, these schools are not just filling demand—they’re shaping the future.
What New Schools Are Opening in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in 2025 and 2026?
The rapid acceleration towards the Education 33 targets are resulting in a wave of new schools in Dubai and Abu Dhabi who will become instrumental in reshaping the educational landscape. The 2025–2026 academic cycle will see the launch of at least 10 officially confirmed schools, with several more in the approval pipeline. These openings reflect a dynamic mix of British and American curricula, with institutions catering to a broad spectrum of budgets—from mid-range family-focused campuses to ultra-premium global brands.
Notably, the British curriculum continues to dominate parent preferences. According to the KHDA’s Dubai Private School Landscape 2024–25 report, the UK National Curriculum is now the most widely adopted curriculum in Dubai, with over 144,000 students enrolled—representing nearly 37% of the private school population. Eight out of ten of the upcoming schools are British curriculum, highlighting the sustained demand for this academically rigorous and globally recognised pathway.
Meanwhile, two American-curriculum schools will provide additional choice, especially for families seeking a future-facing, skills-based approach aligned with US college admission systems. Whether it’s early childhood education, AI-integrated learning environments, or traditional British boarding school excellence, these new schools in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are designed to meet diverse academic needs and parental expectations in a rapidly evolving society.
Below, we spotlight the confirmed launches set to open their doors from August 2025 through 2026. Each school brings its own distinct identity, facilities, and educational philosophy—contributing to the UAE’s vision of becoming a world-class learning destination. Let’s explore the confirmed schools that are redefining the UAE’s education future.
📍Dubai: Premium Expansion Meets Community Demand
1. Victory Heights Primary School – City of Arabia (Opening August 2025)
Curriculum: British (UK National Curriculum)
Location: City of Arabia, Dubai
Fees: AED 40,000 – 57,000
Victory Heights Primary School, one of Dubai’s most respected British-curriculum schools, is expanding its footprint with a brand-new campus in City of Arabia. The original Sports City location holds an ‘Outstanding’ KHDA rating and has earned praise for its strong community spirit, oracy-driven teaching approach, and emphasis on holistic child development. The new COA campus will build on this foundation, offering families in Dubailand access to the same quality of education at a mid-range fee structure. The school will be led by Ben Rothwell, current Headmaster at VHPS Sports City, with Rob McCall as Deputy, ensuring continuity in leadership and vision. Designed for 850 students, the campus will feature vibrant indoor learning environments, a purpose-built creative arts block, a sports dome, and outdoor discovery zones that reflect the school’s play-based, inquiry-led ethos.
2. Dubai British School Mira (Opening August 2025)
Curriculum: British (UK National Curriculum)
Location: Mira, Dubai
Fees: AED 51,477 – AED 77,217
Dubai British School Mira joins the prestigious DBS network under the Taaleem group, which includes DBS Emirates Hills, Jumeirah Park, and the recently opened Jumeira campus. Known for their academic strength, inclusive values, and innovative learning environments, the DBS schools consistently earn high KHDA ratings. DBS Mira will initially welcome students from FS1 to Year 6 and will expand to Year 13 in future phases. The new campus will serve the growing Reem and Mira communities and will include modern science and tech labs, a sustainable design framework, and spaces for sport and performing arts. True to DBS values, the school aims to deliver personalisation in teaching, community connection, and high aspirations in a nurturing setting.
3. Dubai English Speaking School (DESS) – Academic City (Opening 2025/26)
Curriculum: British (UK National Curriculum)
Location: Academic City, Dubai
Fees: AED 51,477 – AED 77,217
DESS Academic City will be the second primary campus of the historic Dubai English Speaking School—the city’s oldest UK curriculum school. When it opens in September 2025, the newly-built DESS Primary Academic City will become the third Dubai English Speaking Schools campus, joining the existing DESS Primary Oud Metha and DESS College. DESS’s original Oud Metha campus has long been praised for its not-for-profit ethos, consistently high attainment, and whole-child approach. The new Academic City branch will mirror this philosophy, offering places from FS1 to Year 6 and acting as a feeder to DESS College (DESSC).
With no debenture requirement and class sizes capped at 20 (FS) and 23 (Years 1–6), DESS Academic City is designed to offer inclusive, high-quality education in a purpose-built environment. Facilities will include a forest school area, indoor swimming pool, specialist language and music spaces, and large multi-sport courts—creating an engaging and well-rounded experience for students.
4. Harrow International School Dubai (Opening September 2026)
Curriculum: British (UK National Curriculum)
Location: Hessa Street, South Dubai
Fees: AED 80,000 – AED 100,000 (Early Years)
Set to redefine super-premium education in Dubai, Harrow International School Dubai will be bringing a 450-year British legacy to South Dubai’s high-demand neighbourhoods, including Emirates Hills and Dubai Marina. Operated by Taaleem, the new school will feature distinctive architecture by KODA and incorporate principles of neuroarchitecture to promote wellbeing, creativity, and academic excellence. The school will open from Early Years to Year 6 with a phased expansion to Year 13. Facilities will include a Centre for Performing Arts, STEAM innovation labs, world-class sports grounds, and a values-driven leadership programme. While boarding will not be available, the school’s personalised attention and small class sizes will deliver a Harrovian education tailored to modern learners.
Related story: Harrow Intl. School Dubai: A New Era of Super-Premium British Education in the UAE
5. GEMS School of Research and Innovation (Opening August 2025)
Curriculum: British with AI & Innovation Focus
Location: Dubai Sports City
Fees: AED 116,000 – AED 206,000 (20% founding discount)
GEMS Education’s most ambitious project to date, the School of Research and Innovation will set new standards in technology-integrated learning. Designed to nurture tomorrow’s thinkers, creators, and entrepreneurs, this future-facing school will combine the British curriculum with advanced AI programming, design thinking, and partnerships with global tech leaders. The Dubai Sports City campus will house purpose-built AI labs, a digital learning theatre, innovation incubators, and flexible learning pods to support collaborative exploration. Students will benefit from personalised timetables, integrated real-world projects, and access to international university and industry pathways. Founding families will receive a 20% tuition discount for FS1–Year 6 in the first year.
Related Story: GEMS Education launches one of the finest schools in the world with School of Research and Innovation
📍Abu Dhabi and Sharjah: British Icons and American Options
6. Harrow International School Abu Dhabi (Opening 2025/26)
Curriculum: British (UK National Curriculum)
Location: Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
Fees: Expected AED 80,000+
Harrow International School Abu Dhabi is one of the most highly anticipated school openings in the UAE’s capital. A partnership between Taaleem and the Harrow School Foundation, this super-premium institution will deliver a world-class British education modelled on the traditions of the historic Harrow School in London. The 70,000 sqm campus on Saadiyat Island will offer extensive sports facilities, boarding options, cultural spaces, and cutting-edge classrooms. Opening initially for students from Early Years to Year 6, the school will gradually expand to offer full through-education, targeting families seeking rigour, heritage, and global leadership development. Harrow’s emphasis on character education, service, and house-based pastoral care will form the heart of the student experience.
7. Muna British Academy – New Campus on Saadiyat Island (Relocation August 2025)
Curriculum: British (UK National Curriculum)
Location: Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
Fees: AED 40,000 – AED 50,000 – Expected range based on current fee structure
Muna British Academy, operated by Aldar Education, is relocating to a state-of-the-art campus on Saadiyat Island. The new site has been purpose-built to enhance learning, with larger classrooms, specialist labs for STEM and languages, and dedicated zones for music, drama, and visual arts. The school is known for fostering a growth mindset, embedding character education, and achieving consistently strong inspection results. With a strong leadership team and community-first approach, the school also prioritises inclusive support services for students with additional needs. The Saadiyat location positions the school within one of Abu Dhabi’s fastest-growing family areas, increasing accessibility for residents in surrounding districts. Notably, Muna is also the first school in Abu Dhabi to have been awarded the Pearl 5 rating for sustainable design and operation and highlights Aldar Academies’ determination to build an environmentally-conscious future and providing not only world-class, but also sustainable learning spaces for their students.
Related Story: Muna British Academy to Relocate to Saadiyat Island’s Prestigious Lagoons Community
8. Yasmina American School (Opening August 2025)
Curriculum: American
Location: Khalifa City A / Raha Gardens, Abu Dhabi
Fees: AED 32,000 – AED 35,200 (Founders’ Fees)
Also under Aldar Education, Yasmina American School will open in the former Yasmina British Academy campus, offering a fresh take on American K–5 education for Abu Dhabi families. Designed to deliver an inclusive and inquiry-led curriculum, the school will focus on academic excellence, social-emotional learning, and digital citizenship. The newly reimagined campus features bright, open learning zones, a makerspace, specialist art and music studios, and extensive outdoor areas. The school aims to build a strong sense of belonging and community, with a focus on teacher-parent partnerships and nurturing student confidence. Future expansion plans include Grades 6–12.
9. Gordonstoun Abu Dhabi (Opening 2026)
Curriculum: British with Experiential Learning Focus
Location: Abu Dhabi
Fees: Expected Super-Premium (TBC)
Gordonstoun Abu Dhabi will bring one of the UK’s most prestigious boarding schools to the UAE, marking a significant milestone for experiential education in the region. Famous for educating King Charles III and pioneering outdoor learning, Gordonstoun’s new campus will deliver its distinctive ‘character through challenge’ approach. The school will offer the full UK National Curriculum with a strong emphasis on resilience, global citizenship, and real-world leadership. Students will participate in Outward Bound-style activities, service learning, and interdisciplinary problem-solving projects. Facilities will include innovation labs, performing arts spaces, marine sports access, and fully immersive outdoor learning areas. The school is expected to cater to Early Years through Sixth Form.
10. Rushmore American School – Sharjah (Opening August 2025)
Curriculum: American (US-based Curriculum)
Location: Sharjah Sustainable City
Fees: AED 35,000 – AED 55,000
Rushmore American School is a new addition to Sharjah’s growing education landscape, offering an inclusive, forward-thinking American curriculum in a purpose-built campus within Sharjah Sustainable City. Set to open in August 2025, the school is designed to foster critical thinking, character development, and global citizenship through technology-integrated and inquiry-led learning. As a founding school within a model green community, sustainability and innovation are embedded into the school’s ethos and daily operations.
The school will cater to students from Pre-KG to Grade 8 initially, with phased growth to Grade 12 in future years. Facilities will include STEM labs, a digital innovation centre, a black-box theatre, indoor and outdoor sports courts, a learning resource hub, and interactive classrooms equipped with the latest edtech tools.
Founding Principal Emma Baker brings over 15 years of experience across the UK and UAE, with a strong track record in leading schools through curriculum innovation and whole-child development. Her leadership vision for Rushmore centres around empowering learners to become independent, compassionate, and future-ready citizens.
Rushmore also places strong emphasis on community and parental engagement, offering workshops, open classroom sessions, and student-led initiatives that reflect its learner-centred approach. With mid-range fees and a high-value offering, the school is positioned as a competitive alternative for families in Sharjah and nearby Emirates seeking an American-style education grounded in innovation and inclusivity.
Final Word: What This Means for UAE Parents
With more new schools in Dubai and Abu Dhabi opening than ever before, families have more choices, flexibility, and innovation in education than at any time in the UAE’s history. From community-focused British primaries to global names like Harrow and GEMS, the landscape is evolving fast.
Whether you’re searching for value, prestige, or next-gen learning, the 2025–26 school year offers something for everyone.
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