UAE: Major boom of premium schools as affluent parents shift from mid-market

The demand for premium schools in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region — particularly in the UAE — is on the rise, driven by affluence, economic growth, and an expanding young population.

That’s according to Alpen Capital’s latest GCC Education Industry Report that forecasts student enrollment across the GCC to increase by 1.5 million over the next five years, reaching 15.5 million students by 2029.

Recommended For You

'Watching them very closely': Trump says US military fleet heading toward Iran

BTS fans warned of fake websites ahead of World Tour ticket presale

UAE hospital performs first robotic breast cancer reconstruction surgery

Djokovic eases past qualifier as Keys advances at Australian Open

Pakistan: Death toll in Karachi mall fire climbs to around 55, official says

 

The K-12 segment, which dominates the region’s education landscape, is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.1 per cent between 2024 and 2029, hitting 12.9 million students.

Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.

‘Growth of affluence’

Alpen Capital attributes this upward trend to sustained economic growth, government-led reforms, and rising private sector involvement, citing the UAE as a leading example. One of the most significant contributing factors, the report notes, is the ‘growth of affluence’ in the region.

“I think, since 2023, it really has been an ongoing story of economic growth and expansion, particularly in Taaleem’s case,” said Alan Williamson, CEO of Taaleem. “Within the UAE, there has been a demographic growth of young people which other parts of the world are not seeing. One of the interesting factors that Alpen Capital (referring to the report) highlights is the ‘growth of affluence’. I think that's particularly seen here in the UAE, where parents are raising their aspirations in terms of the type of school that they want their children to go to… from Taaleem’s perspective, (this means) away from the mid-market and into the premium sector that we operate in.”

Williamson added that Taaleem is witnessing record-breaking enrollments at its new schools.

“We've opened two new schools recently with record breaking enrollment — two Dubai British schools — one of our flagship outstanding brands here, and they've both opened above 500 students. And in fact, our new school is opening with 700 students, and we've never seen anything like that. Dubai has never seen a premium school open with such high initial enrollment. This reflects not only the growing demand but also the strong reputation for quality education. Parents across all levels are seeking schools where they can see clear and continuous improvement.”

He also praised recent government strategies focused on long-term improvements in education quality and student wellbeing.

“On a wider agenda, we've seen government initiatives here in Dubai… we've seen the D 33 strategy of the Dubai government, followed by KHDA’s E 33 (learner centric) strategy, and then the education part of it, which we shouldn't forget…we're not just here for the business… then there’s been a real push on student well-being, AI, a push on inclusion and the importance of students of determination.”

The report also notes an increase in investments in EdTech and policy reforms strengthening early learning programmes, kindergartens, and nurseries. This aligns with shifting demographics, as a younger, white-collar workforce increasingly populates the region.

“Looking at the trend and population growth… with professionals coming here which will be white collar rather than blue collar, one of the major focuses is that a younger population is coming to the city. It’s also evident from the numbers which we’ve seen that early years will become active with a younger population coming here. Therefore, going forward, I see British curriculum getting more focus in this part of the world,” said Dinesh Kothari, Chairman of Interstar Education and Managing Director of DPS schools.

Education a core part of UAE’s national strategy

The expansion of the middle class and a surge in school-aged children are also central to the sector’s growth, emphasised Amjad Al Omari, Senior Director at Alpen Capital.

“A rising middle class also means more families can afford private education, which is often seen as a pathway to better opportunities. So, another significant driver is the population and demographics. The GCC has one of the youngest populations in the world as the number of school-aged children continues to grow steadily, naturally.” He explained this is a long-term demographic trend that supports continued growth in the education sector. “The last significant driver, is the strong government support. Governments in the GCC are making education a core part of their national strategies. They are not just spending more, they are also improving how the system works, from updating curricula to partnering with international institutions.”

Nandini Sircar

nandini@khaleejtimes.com

Nandini Sircar has a penchant for education, space, and women's narratives. She views the world through a prism of learning: whether it's the earthly pursuit of wisdom or the unearthly mysteries of space. In her written universe, women and children take centre stage.