The UAE is witnessing accelerated growth in the premium school segment — outpacing its GCC neighbours — driven by a combination of rising affluence, sustained economic growth, the country’s longstanding commitment to educational excellence, progressive policy frameworks, and a stable regulatory environment.
According to Alpen Capital’s latest GCC Education Industry Report, student enrollment across the region is projected to increase by 1.5 million over the next five years, reaching 15.5 million students by 2029. The K-12 segment alone is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.1 per cent, reaching 12.9 million students by 2029.
Veteran educators in the UAE point out that these positive trends, particularly in the country, are not only drawing international school operators to the region but are also catering to the expectations of a globally minded and increasingly mobile population.
In the UAE, ultra-premium or top-tier schools are characterised by exceptional academic standards, cutting-edge facilities, and a holistic approach to education. A notable addition to this segment is the GEMS School of Research and Innovation, set to open in Dubai Sports City in August 2025.
With a sprawling 47,600 square metre campus and a $100 million (Dh367 million) investment — 30 per cent higher than previous premium school ventures — the school will charge KHDA-approved fees ranging from Dh116,000 to Dh206,000 annually.
Victoria Lumby, Senior Vice-President, Growth at GEMS Education, said: “We’re witnessing a growing trend of high-earning families — particularly from the UK — relocating to Dubai and the UAE in general and seeking out premium, future-focused education for their children.
“Of our 45 schools in the UAE, GEMS School of Research and Innovation (SRI) in particular has become a focal point for many of these new families, attracting strong interest from parents who are drawn to its cutting-edge approach, world-class facilities and hand-picked teachers, and alignment with Dubai’s innovation-first outlook,” she said.
“The fact that we are on track to open in August with more than 400 enrolled students expected on day one is a strong indicator of the school’s appeal, and of the confidence new families are placing in both Dubai and GEMS Education as the right environment for their children’s development,” she added.
Other major players are also expanding in this segment. Taaleem’s upcoming Harrow-branded schools in the UAE will charge between Dh80,000 and Dh100,000 for Early Years to Year 6. Repton School Dubai, the first UK-branded international school in the UAE, already charges over Dh100,000 for Year 13.
David Baldwin, CEO of Cognita Middle East, said: “There is a growing demand for premium British schools in the UAE, driven by a large international community and many UK expat families. Parents value established British education brands known for academic excellence, qualities that define the Repton Family of Schools. With three Repton Schools across the UAE, that are in high demand, we provide a world-class British education that equips students to excel, lead, and thrive in an ever-evolving global landscape.”
The appetite isn’t limited to the ultra-elite segment. Schools that offer accessible but academically rigorous international education are also thriving.
Alan Williamson, CEO of Taaleem, said: “At Taaleem, we are experiencing this (premium private school segment) demand first-hand. Dubai British School Jumeira, which opened this academic year, launched with record enrolments for an affordable premium school, highlighting the increasing appetite for accessible yet academically rigorous international education.
“Building on this success, Dubai British School Mira, opening in August 2025, already has over 700 students enrolled, a strong indication of the trust families place in our educational offering.”
He continued, “Looking to the future, we are expanding our footprint at the super-premium end of the market with the upcoming launch of two Harrow International Schools in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, both opening in 2026. These schools, part of the prestigious Harrow Family of Schools, will represent the super-premium tier of British education in the UAE, offering a heritage-based model focused on academic excellence, leadership, and character development.
“The response to both schools has already been overwhelmingly positive, demonstrating the continued growth of the high-net-worth education segment.”
Saudi Arabia also offers a diverse range of schools following IB, UK, US, and Indian curricula, with tuition fees ranging from SAR 5,000 to SAR 90,000 annually. However, the UAE continues to lead the premium market in scale and scope.
Other Dubai-based schools with high fees in this bracket include North London Collegiate School Dubai, Gems World Academy, Swiss International Scientific School, Kent College, and Nord Anglia International School.
Alpen Capital’s report also highlighted a growing preference for private education and international curricula. Dubai alone hosts private schools offering 17 different curricula types. Interestingly, Emirati students now form the second-largest group in Dubai’s private schools, after Indian students.
Additionally, GCC governments are increasingly prioritising early childhood education, recognising its long-term benefits. This is resulting in significant investments in nurseries and kindergartens and has led to a rise in public-private partnership (PPP) initiatives, particularly in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.
School fees in this category are now crossing Dh200,000 annually, driven by a combination of rising affluence, sustained economic growth, the country’s longstanding commitment to educational excellence, progressive policy frameworks, and a stable regulatory environment.
© Khaleej Times
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