Enrollment in UAE Premium Schools Surges by Nearly 20% Amid New Family Influx

Lisa Crausby, Group Chief Education Officer at GEMS Education, reports a consistent annual increase in enrollments across their network, which includes 13 premium schools in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. "We're anticipating an additional 6.5% growth by September 2025," Crausby stated. To accommodate this surge, GEMS has recently expanded facilities at several campuses, including the addition of new blocks and wings at their prestigious schools such as GEMS World Academy and Jumeirah College Dubai.

Taaleem, another leading education provider in the UAE, mirrors this positive trend with a reported 14.8% year-on-year increase in operating revenues and an 18.7% rise in enrollments. "Our recent acquisitions of LLFP Meydan and Amity’s properties are strategic expansions that have substantially increased our capacity by 28.0% year-over-year," commented Khalid Al Tayer, Chairman of Taaleem.

The demand is not only fueled by expatriate families but also by the growth of residential communities around these educational hubs. For instance, Hartland International School has seen heightened interest, particularly in their secondary education offerings, according to Ajay Rajendran, Governor of the school. "Our commitment to providing a top-tier British education is reflected in our graduates receiving offers from globally renowned universities like Cambridge and Stanford," Rajendran added.

David Wade, Principal/CEO at GEMS FirstPoint School – The Villa, highlighted the school's enrollment spike of 34% since his tenure began in 2022. "We are now managing waiting lists for most year groups for the first time since the school’s inception," he said.

As Dubai continues to attract global families, the premium education sector is adapting with enhanced facilities and expanded capacities to meet the rising demand and maintain its reputation for educational excellence.