KHDA sets Dubai education priorities for the academic year

Dubai's education authority has reported growth in private-school enrolment and plans to give parents a greater voice in discussions about education quality.

Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has outlined priorities for the 2026–27 academic year. They include access to education, the quality of private schools, student wellbeing, parental involvement and future skills. Private schools had 406,563 pupils at the start of the new academic year, compared with approximately 388,731 in June 2026. KHDA reports an increase of 4.6%. This compares the two stated dates; it is not a forecast for the entire academic year.

KHDA plans to resume school quality-assurance visits. It has also announced the first parents' and educators' councils and a second cohort of the students' council. Establishing the councils is part of this academic year's programme; it is too early to describe outcomes from their work. Other priorities include Arabic-language learning, inclusive education and career readiness.

For families comparing Dubai neighbourhoods, growing enrolment shows demand for education services but does not guarantee a place at a school near a chosen apartment. Check specific schools for their curriculum, admission age, current availability, fees, morning journey and school-transport arrangements. Citywide figures cannot replace this practical check.

Property buyers should include education in their family's daily travel plans before paying a deposit. Actual access to a suitable school may matter more than a property's apparent proximity on a map.