As the UAE cements its reputation as a global education hub, a new phase of development is underway. A host of new private schools will open across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah before the 2026 academic year, introducing a diverse array of curricula and state-of-the-art learning environments to meet growing parental demand.
Dubai's New School Launches
- Dubai British School – Mira (August 2025)
Operated by Taaleem, this new branch will follow the UK National Curriculum and serve families in the Mira community, from FS1 through Year 13. Tuition is expected to be in the mid-range bracket. - Dubai English Speaking School – Academic City (August 2025)
This primary-only campus will extend the DESS legacy into Academic City, offering high-quality British education to newcomers in that region. - GEMS School of Research and Innovation (August 2025)
Positioned as Dubai’s most luxurious school, this English National Curriculum school in Dubai Sports City injects AI and innovation into education. With annual fees ranging from AED 116,000 to AED 206,000, it brings unparalleled facilities and academic ambition. - Victory Heights Primary School – City of Arabia (August 2025)
A new branch of the “Outstanding”-rated original, this primary school focuses on oracy-driven and holistic learning, serving Dubailand families. - Harrow International School – South Dubai (Opening 2026)
Taaleem will launch this super-premium British curriculum school for up to 2,000 students, offering world-class architectural design and leadership-based education, starting with Early Years to Year 6 and expanding thereafter. - GEMS Royal Dubai School – Secondary Campus (Opening 2026)
Existing primary students in Mirdif will now have seamless access to secondary education, including GCSEs, A-levels, BTEC, and vocational pathways.
Abu Dhabi & Sharjah: New Horizons in Education
- Yasmina American School – Abu Dhabi (August 2025)
Aldar Education introduces a fresh American curriculum experience focusing on inquiry learning and social-emotional growth in Khalifa City A. - Harrow International School – Abu Dhabi (Opening 2026)
Another Taaleem-Harrow collaboration, this ultramodern British academy on Saadiyat Island will cater initially to Early Years through Year 6, with a reputation for heritage-driven leadership development. - Gordonstoun Abu Dhabi (Planned 2027)
Bringing the famed UK boarding school’s experiential and outdoor learning philosophy to the UAE, this campus will open on Jubail Island for Early Years up to Sixth Form. - Rushmore American School – Sharjah (August 2025)
Located within Sharjah Sustainable City, this K–8 American curriculum school will expand to Grade 12, emphasizing technology integration, sustainability, and innovation in education.
What’s Driving the Growth?
This surge aligns with the UAE’s Education 33 (E33) strategy, aiming to add nearly 50,000 new school places and at least 100 private schools by 2033. In 2024–25 alone, Dubai added over 10 schools, boosting private school capacity by 6%.
British curriculum schools remain most in demand, forming over 80% of new openings. Yet, American and IB options are gaining ground, catering to families seeking flexible, globally-aligned education.
What It Means for Parents and Students
- Expanded Access: Growing neighborhoods will now have quality schooling within reach.
- Curriculum Diversity: Parents can choose between British, American, IB, and innovative learning models.
- High Expectations: New schools come with modern facilities and strong academic reputations.
- Growing Competition: Planning early for admissions may offer families greater choice and flexibility.
Final Thoughts
The arrival of these new schools marks a milestone in the UAE's educational evolution—offering wider choice, modern pedagogy, and enhanced learning environments. As demand rises and standards climb, the UAE continues building its legacy as a premier destination for world-class education.
