Middle East
United Arab Emirates: schools and universities
Most children in the UAE go to private schools, and the private school sector in Dubai is one of the largest in the world. Each emirate has its own regulator, so the rules on fees, inspections and admissions depend on where you live.
| Quick facts | |
|---|---|
| School year | Mostly late August to early July; many Indian-curriculum schools start in April |
| Regulators | KHDA in Dubai, ADEK in Abu Dhabi, others in the northern emirates |
| Inspection ratings | Outstanding, Very good, Good, Acceptable, Weak, Very weak |
| Common curricula | British, American, IB, Indian, French and others |
| Universities | Federal universities and many foreign branch campuses |
Schools
In Dubai, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) inspects private schools and publishes the ratings, and fee increases are linked to the regulator's framework. Abu Dhabi's regulator is the Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK). Reports from both are public, and reading the latest one for each shortlisted school is the best way to see past the marketing.
Fees range from moderate to very high, and the published fee usually excludes transport, uniforms and after-school activities. A list of schools in Dubai can help you compare fees and curricula before you visit.
Universities
The UAE has federal universities, including United Arab Emirates University, Khalifa University and Zayed University, alongside many branch campuses of foreign universities in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Branch campuses usually award the home university's degree. Check whether a degree is accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education if you plan to work in the country afterwards.
Before you apply
- Read the latest inspection report for each school, not only the headline rating.
- Ask what is included in the fee and what is billed separately.
- Map the school run from the areas you are considering. Long journeys are common in Dubai.
Directory entry, checked October 2026. Entries describe the education system in general terms and link to country listings.