DUBAI: Parents in Dubai will not face private school fee increases for the 2026 to 2027 academic year, after the Knowledge and Human Development Authority confirmed a fee freeze across the emirate’s private schools.
The decision was issued under the directives of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.
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School Fees Stay the Same for One Academic Year
For families, the biggest takeaway is simple: private schools in Dubai cannot increase tuition fees for the 2026 to 2027 school year.
This applies to private schools in the emirate. For Filipino and expat families already managing rent, food, transport, and remittances, the freeze may help them plan their school budget with more confidence.
The fee decision forms part of Dubai’s wider effort to support families and respond to their needs.
Why Dubai Announced the Fee Freeze
The school fee freeze is linked to Dubai’s second economic incentives package, valued at AED 1.5 billion.
According to KHDA, this brings Dubai’s recent economic incentives to AED 2.5 billion in total. The second package includes 33 initiatives that will be rolled out over three to twelve months.
The aim is not only to help parents. The package also supports schools, nurseries, and early childhood centres so they can continue operating while managing their own costs.
What Support Schools and Centres Will Receive
Private educational institutions permitted by KHDA may benefit from deferred or instalment-based licence renewal fees, as well as deferred fines.
Early childhood centres will also get relief measures, including exemptions from licence renewal fees, fines, and Dubai Municipality market fees. Some centres may also receive partial rent exemptions and longer rent-free periods for facilities still under construction.
Other support includes deferred rental payments, frozen rent increases at renewal, and temporary suspension of some contractual penalties.
What This Means for Parents
The fee freeze gives parents clearer numbers for the next school year. It may not remove all school-related costs, such as uniforms, books, transport, activities, and exam fees, but it helps prevent tuition from rising further.
Dubai’s private education sector continues to grow. KHDA said more than 95% of students are attending on-site learning, showing the sector’s operational readiness and stability.
For parents, the best next step is to check directly with their child’s school for updated fee circulars, payment schedules, and any non-tuition charges that may still apply.
