An Overview of UAE Education Sector & Recent Trends

Jan 24, 2024

Size of Education Sector | Annual Growth Rate | Recent Trends

UAE Economy - The United Arab Emirates (UAE) possesses a dynamic and diversified economy, historically anchored in oil and gas exports. Despite this initial reliance on hydrocarbons, the UAE has strategically pivoted toward economic diversification, aiming to reduce dependence on oil revenues. Key sectors contributing to this diversification include tourism, real estate, financial services, and technology. Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the two major emirates, have played pivotal roles in transforming the UAE into a global business and tourism hub, with robust infrastructure, free trade zones, and a strategic location facilitating trade and investment. The government's visionary plans, such as Vision 2021 and Vision 2030, underscore a commitment to sustainable development, innovation, and improved quality of life. Challenges, including oil price volatility and geopolitical tensions, persist, but the UAE's proactive approach and strategic investments position it as a key player in the global economy.


How Big is the K-12 Education Sector-?

The K-12 education segment in the UAE is expected to drive market growth due to economic growth, expatriate population, and demand for quality education. Governments enroll local children in international schools, using advanced digital technologies. The number of private schools and the Emirati School Model, focusing on science, mathematics, life skills, design, technology, and business, are also driving growth. 



The UAE's private education sector is predicted to grow at a 5% CAGR over the projection period, owing to reasons such as an expanding expatriate population, increased enrollments, higher educational quality, and an increasing movement from public to private schools. Currently, the majority of Emirati and expat students in the UAE are enrolled in private schools, and this trend is projected to continue, as private schools offer over 16 curricula and have higher-than-average educational performance when compared to public schools. 



Why is the education sector growing? 

The UAE private K12 education market is growing due to the increasing population and the introduction of ownership laws and 10-year residency visa options. The primary level of schooling has the highest enrollments, followed by intermediate, KG, and secondary levels. Dubai's expatriate population is expected to grow further, with the launch of Expo 2020 and other mega-projects. This growth is expected to attract foreign investments and reduce attrition rates.



What is the segmentation of the UAE Education Sector? 

Around 73% of total enrollments happen in public schools,Tests are done by Private schools. The UAE's private K12 education market is dominated by several private school brands, including GEMS Education, Athena Education, Taleem, Esol Education, Kings' Schools Group, SABIS Education Services, and British International School. Dubai is the most consolidated market in the GCC region, with over 25% of institutions owned by GEMS Education. The market caters to the growing expatriate and Emirati population, offering high-quality schools with local preferences and low to middle tuition fees, focusing on Indian, UK, International Baccalaureate, and US curricula.  To facilitate a diversified expatriate community, Dubai‘s private school network provides education across 16 curricula. Although the British curriculum is the most preferred syllabus, other major curricula, such as Indian (CBSE and ICSE), American, International Baccalaureate (IB), French, and German, have also gained significant traction across the market.

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