Dubai is moving decisively to tackle soaring private school fees, unveiling a far-reaching plan to make quality education more affordable for families. The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) announced the strategy at the Mohammed bin Rashid Leadership Forum 2025, pledging reforms that could reshape the emirate’s education landscape.

Responding to public outcry

KHDA Director General Aisha Abdulla Miran addressed growing concerns from families over the high cost of education, noting social media complaints and personal messages, including one from a parent who spent Dh1 million on her children’s schooling in Dubai. “Education is not mentioned without mentioning the high cost of schools,” Miran said, highlighting the urgency behind KHDA’s new initiative.

Socially-driven investment at the core

The strategy aims to attract investors motivated by social impact rather than profit. A policy proposal is being prepared for the Dubai Executive Council to offer incentives for such investors, reducing overheads and providing access to government-backed infrastructure support. Miran stressed that this approach would enable schools to maintain high-quality education without premium fees.

Building a sustainable, affordable ecosystem

Beyond tuition cuts, KHDA plans a holistic overhaul of cost structures in the education sector. Measures include linking urban planning with school land allocation, offering subsidised teacher housing, and optimising operational costs to maintain high standards. “We aim to continue to reduce the cost of education while maintaining high quality — to make Dubai a destination in the education sector on both regional and global levels,” Miran said.

Ambitious growth and global appeal

The fee reduction initiative is part of Dubai’s broader Education 33 Strategy, which seeks to open 100 new private schools by 2033. The emirate currently hosts 227 private schools with 387,441 students from 185 nationalities, and enrolment continues to rise. The long-term vision is to transform Dubai into a regional and global hub for education, attracting top international programs and students.

The challenge of high fees

Private school tuition in Dubai remains among the region’s highest, exceeding Dh100,000 annually in many top-tier institutions. KHDA’s approved annual fee increase is capped at 2.35% for eligible schools, ensuring gradual adjustments without worsening affordability pressures.

With this bold strategy, Dubai signals its determination to make quality education accessible, sustainable, and globally competitive — a move that could redefine the emirate’s role on the international education stage.