Dubai,TNM: Dubai has confirmed that private school tuition fees will remain unchanged for the 2026–27 academic year, following a directive issued under the guidance of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The decision, announced by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), is part of a broader effort to support families and maintain stability across the emirate’s private education sector.
The move comes alongside Dubai’s second economic incentives package, worth Dh1.5 billion, which brings the total value of recent support measures to Dh2.5 billion. The package includes 33 initiatives set to be implemented over the next three to 12 months, with education among the key sectors targeted.
Fee stability and relief measures for schools
Under the new measures, KHDA-regulated private schools will benefit from a range of financial relief steps, including deferred or instalment-based licence renewal fees and deferred fines. Early childhood centres will receive additional exemptions, including waived licence renewal fees, fines, and Dubai Municipality market fees. Further support through the Knowledge Fund Establishment includes partial rent exemptions and extended rent-free periods for centres under development. Schools and education providers will also see additional easing measures such as partial or full exemptions from guarantee insurance requirements, suspension of contractual penalty clauses, and freezes on rent increases at renewal, alongside deferred rental payments.Officials say these steps are designed to reduce operational pressures on education providers while ensuring families do not face tuition increases in the coming academic year.
Sector stability and enrolment growth
KHDA data indicates continued resilience in Dubai’s private education sector, with more than 95% of students attending in-person learning. The sector currently offers 17 curricula options, reflecting the diversity of educational pathways available to residents.The authority also reported around 9,000 new affordable school places introduced this academic year, with approximately 230,000 students enrolled in affordable education. A further 7,500 places are expected to be added over the next two years.Demand for private education continues to grow, with enrolment rising by 6% in 2025. KHDA is currently reviewing more than 30 applications for new private schools, following the opening of six new institutions this year.
Outlook
The fee freeze signals a continued policy focus on balancing affordability for families with sustained investment in Dubai’s education infrastructure. Authorities say ongoing expansion in school capacity and regulatory support measures will help accommodate rising enrolment while maintaining sector stability.
