Dubai is set to open 26 new private education institutions during the 2026-27 academic year.
The expansion includes seven new schools offering nearly 17,000 seats, alongside 17 early childhood centres adding more than 1,700 openings.
Two international higher education institutions will also strengthen Dubai’s growing education sector.
The private education sector has recorded 4.6% annual growth across schools, early childhood education and higher education over the past three academic years.
Four of the new schools will follow the UK curriculum, while three will offer the International Baccalaureate.
New campuses include Harrow International School Dubai, Queen Elizabeth’s School Dubai Sports City and Rugby School Dubai.
The early childhood centres will offer programmes including Montessori, French, Indian and the UK’s Early Years Foundation Stage.
At university level, Peking University HSBC Business School will launch MBA and EMBA programmes in January 2027. The American University of Beirut’s Dubai campus is scheduled to open in September 2026.
The expansion has also increased demand for teachers, with private education employment rising 17.5% over three academic years.
KHDA Director General Aisha Miran said the growth reflects Dubai’s ambition to provide greater educational choice and attract world-class institutions.
Article 5(Politics/world)
Reform Reclaims UK Poll Lead as Burnham’s Early Bounce Fades
Reform UK Moves Ahead as Labour and Conservatives Face Growing Pressure
Nigel Farage’s Reform UK has reclaimed its lead in national polling, suggesting Andy Burnham’s early boost may be fading.
A YouGov survey of 2,380 people conducted on August 23-24 puts Reform on 23%, Labour on 22%, and the Conservatives on 20%.
The Conservatives have also gained ground, moving within three points of the two leading parties.
Kemi Badenoch is facing additional pressure after several senior Conservatives defected to Reform.
Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman and former shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick are among the latest departures.
Around a quarter of 2024 Conservative voters now say they have switched to Reform, according to the polling cited.
Reform is also reshaping the London mayoral race. A separate Savanta poll puts Labour on 33%, Reform on 20%, and the Conservatives on 18% for the 2028 contest.
Burnham is meanwhile facing pressure over issues including a proposed ban on first-cousin marriage.
The developments highlight Reform’s growing ability to attract voters from both major parties.
With the next general election expected by 2029, Reform’s rise is increasingly challenging Britain’s traditional two-party political landscape.
