The UAE Private K12 Education Market size is estimated at USD 6.67 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 9.58 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 7.5% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
The K-12 private education market report covers the education market of private institutions providing education services from kindergarten to grade 12. The market's growth is due to factors like the increasing expatriate population, increasing enrollments, improved quality of education, and the growing shift from public schools to private schools. Currently, most Emirati and expat students in the United Arab Emirates are enrolled in private schools, and this trend is expected to grow, as there are over 16 curricula provided by private schools, displaying higher-than-average educational outcomes compared to public schools. The UAE private education market is highly consolidated and the most mature market among all the GCC countries, but it has the potential to grow further.
The education sector in the United Arab Emirates is developing and has enormous growth potential. Furthermore, the government’s emphasis on improving the education system and significant expenditure on this sector over the past few years has created a strong base for its growth. Owing to the increasing demand for high-quality services, the private international education sector is estimated to have the highest growth rate in the region during the forecast period. The sizable school-age population and the country’s focus on improving curricula, teaching methods, recruitment, training, and development of teachers are some of the factors for the growth of the private education sector.
One of the drivers of the growth of the UAE private K12 education market is the increasing population. Despite the overcrowded schools in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, there is still an opportunity for growth in the market. Over the past few years, public schools in the country have witnessed slower growth in the number of enrollments than private schools. The highest number of enrollments is seen in the cycle 1 (primary) level of schooling. It is followed by the intermediate level of schooling, the KG level, and then the secondary level of education. The government has also introduced ownership laws to allow 100% ownership of companies outside, free zones by foreign investors, and 10-year residency visa options, a move designed to bring more foreign investments into the country and attract long-term residents. With the ease of investments, the number of private schools is likely to increase during the forecast period.
The United Arab Emirates is among the leading providers of educational services in the GCC region. The country's private education sector has evolved with the influx of international institutions and a greater demand for various curricula. Furthermore, the government has also taken various initiatives and investments to increase the quality of education in the region. To provide the best quality of education, the tuition fees charged by private schools are in the high and premium range compared to the public schools. Despite this, the demand for private schooling is increasing.
The UAE private K12 education market is consolidated by a few private school brands. Numerous private schools cater to the rising population of expatriates and Emirati students, yet there is still an excellent opportunity to invest in the country. The players are adopting collaboration and are offering various international and national curricula. Some of the key players in the market include GEMS Education, Athena Education, Esol Education, Kings’ Schools Group, and SABIS Education Services.
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