Students enrolled in Dubai private schools reach 286,588

There are a total of 286,588 students currently enrolled in private schools across Dubai, according to data shared by the emirate’s education regulator, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).

The findings were noted in its recent All Seasons Education – Spring Edition 2021 report, which stated that the number of enrollments over the last three months increased by 7,300 students, a rise of 2.6 per cent.

Of the 286,588 students, 138,917 were girls and 147,671 were boys. The report added that Dubai has 210 schools offering 17 different curricula. With nearly 110,000 students, UK-curriculum schools account for 38 per cent of all students. Indian curriculum schools were the second most popular in Dubai, with over 75,000 students enrolled.

A total of 28,166 students are enrolled in 36 higher education institutions in Dubai in the 2020-21 academic year. Business studies continues to remain the most popular choice for higher education programmes, followed by courses in engineering, information technology, media and design.

The KHDA has also been conducting surprise visits to monitor compliance with Covid-19 regulations at schools, universities and early learning centres within the emirate.

Since May 2020, the team has made more than 20 visits to schools each day. During these visits, 93 per cent of all Dubai private schools, 92 per cent of universities, and 100 per cent of early learning centres were found to be compliant with all the health and safety protocols.

Since May 2020, the team has made more than 20 surprise visits to schools each day. During these visits, 93 % of all Dubai private schools, 92% of universities, and 100% of early learning centres were found to be compliant with health and safety protocols.

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) February 24, 2021

The KHDA said that 50 per cent of the total number of students currently enrolled are undergoing full-time distance learning, while the remaining have opted for blended learning (a combination of distance and face-to-face learning).

“Families continue to move to Dubai knowing they can choose between distance and face-to-face learning for their children, and that they will have access to high-quality education for both modes,” said Dr. Abdulla Al Karam, director general of the KHDA.

In related education news, the UAE Ministry of Education (MoE) has changed the admission age for new students enrolling in FS1 or Pre-KG in private schools across the country. The new changes will impact children up to six years old who are enrolling in school for the first time.

The new directive issued earlier this week added that all students currently enrolled at private schools in the UAE are not affected by the change.

Read: UAE private schools admission age changed – ministry