KHDA confirms zero tuition hikes backed by an AED 1.5 billion comprehensive economic incentives package for education providers
DUBAI: In a move that brings substantial financial relief to hundreds of thousands of expatriate families, Dubai has officially announced a complete freeze on private school tuition fees for the upcoming 2026–27 academic year.
The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) confirmed that private school fees across the emirate will remain unchanged. The decision was issued under the direct guidance of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai. The initiative is part of the leadership’s proactive measures to support families and ensure long-term stability within the private education sector.
“Dubai’s private school sector continues to demonstrate flexibility and resilience in adapting to evolving developments, ensuring continuity of learning through a flexible and sustainable regulatory framework that strengthens the sector’s stability and competitiveness,” stated Shamma Al Mansouri, Director of Licensing and Educational Services at KHDA.
AED 1.5 Billion Stimulus Eases Pressure on Schools
The fee freeze operates in tandem with the government’s newly approved second economic incentives package valued at AED 1.5 billion ($400 million). This raises the total value of recent government economic support measures to AED 2.5 billion.
Rather than shifting operational costs onto parents, the package introduces 33 targeted initiatives over the next three to 12 months to support education providers and businesses. Under these guidelines, KHDA-regulated private institutions will benefit from:
- Deferred or instalment-based licence renewal fees.
- The deferral of administrative fines.
- Partial or full exemptions from guarantee insurance requirements for cancelled contracts.
- A temporary suspension of contractual penalty clauses and a freeze on scheduled rent increases upon renewal.
Special Exemptions for Early Childhood Centres
Recognising the importance of early development, early childhood centres will receive complete exemptions from licence renewal fees, fines, and Dubai Municipality market fees. Furthermore, the Knowledge Fund Establishment is rolling out targeted support, including partial rent exemptions and extended rent-free periods for centres currently under construction.
Sustained Growth and Choice Across the Sector
Despite recent periods of regional uncertainty that required brief shifts to remote learning, Dubai’s private education sector continues to show impressive resilience. More than 95% of students are currently attending in-person learning, reflecting immense operational readiness and public confidence in the school system.
Dubai remains a premium global destination for education, offering families a choice of 17 diverse curricula. In 2025, enrolment in private schools rose by 6%, catering to close to 230,000 pupils. The emirate added approximately 9,000 new affordable school places during the current academic year, with plans to introduce an additional 7,500 affordable seats over the next two years. The KHDA is also currently reviewing more than 30 applications for new private schools, following the successful opening of six new institutions this year.
By balancing the financial constraints of families with robust structural incentives for school operators, Dubai continues to safeguard its position as a stable, competitive, and world-class educational hub.
