The number of high school students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the academic year 2019/2020 was approximately ***** thousand students. UAE former education system The current education system of the United Arab Emirates has been developed only over the past 50 years in the first half of the 20th century. Education in the country, before oil discovery and independence from the United Kingdom, used to mainly depend on Islam. Educational circles led by Imams took place in mosques. As the education system expanded to the more modern forms, it was only available for male students in its early days. Modern education systems were founded promptly following the newly discovered petrol wealth in 1971. The number of primary and secondary school students in the country was expected to exceed *** thousand million in 2022. In the academic year of 2017/2018, about half of school students were females. UAE current education system   The current education system is a K-12 school system; early childhood education, primary, lower and upper secondary education, followed by four-year bachelor’s degrees, and two-year master’s and doctoral degrees. Primary and secondary public-school education is compulsory and provided free of charge for Emirati nationals. There are two types of secondary schools, one focusing on technical skills, and the other focusing on academic subjects. Although the number of public and private schools in the year 2017/2018 was similar, more than ** percent of school students were in private schools, while more than ** percent of higher education students were in private higher education institutions.

United Arab Emirates AE: School Enrollment: Secondary: Private: % of Total Secondary data was reported at 66.427 % in 2016. United Arab Emirates AE: School Enrollment: Secondary: Private: % of Total Secondary data is updated yearly, averaging 66.427 % from Dec 2016 (Median) to 2016, with 1 observations. United Arab Emirates AE: School Enrollment: Secondary: Private: % of Total Secondary data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United Arab Emirates – Table AE.World Bank: Education Statistics. Private enrollment refers to pupils or students enrolled in institutions that are not operated by a public authority but controlled and managed, whether for profit or not, by a private body such as a nongovernmental organization, religious body, special interest group, foundation or business enterprise.; ; UNESCO Institute for Statistics; Weighted average; Each economy is classified based on the classification of World Bank Group's fiscal year 2018 (July 1, 2017-June 30, 2018).

In the 2017-2018 academic year, the number of schools within the public sector in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) amounted to 514. In that academic year, the total number of students in the school education stage in the United Arab Emirates amounted to 892.74 thousand.

The UAE Private K12 Education Market Report is Segmented by Geography (North Region, West Region, South Region, East Region), Source of Revenue (Kindergarten, Primary, Intermediary, Secondary), And Curriculum (American, British, Arabic/uae, Indian, And Other Curricula).

UAE Private K12 Education Market size was valued at $ 6.67 Bn in 2024 and is expected to reach $ 11.4 Bn by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 7.5% from 2026 to 2032 UAE Private K12 Education Market: Definition/ OverviewPrivate K-12 Education refers to the provision of primary and secondary education (kindergarten through 12th grade) by non-governmental institutions. These schools are independently funded through tuition fees, donations, and endowments rather than public taxation. Private K-12 schools often offer specialized curricula, smaller class sizes, enhanced extracurricular programs, and a higher degree of academic rigor or personalized attention compared to many public schools.

United Arab Emirates Number of Schools data was reported at 1,226.000 Unit in 2017. This records a decrease from the previous number of 1,230.000 Unit for 2016. United Arab Emirates Number of Schools data is updated yearly, averaging 1,027.000 Unit from Jun 1976 (Median) to 2017, with 41 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1,238.000 Unit in 2005 and a record low of 227.000 Unit in 1976. United Arab Emirates Number of Schools data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Ministry of Education. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United Arab Emirates – Table AE.G005: Education Statistics.

United Arab Emirates AE: Secondary Education: Pupils: % Female data was reported at 48.608 % in 2016. This records a decrease from the previous number of 50.051 % for 1998. United Arab Emirates AE: Secondary Education: Pupils: % Female data is updated yearly, averaging 47.866 % from Dec 1973 (Median) to 2016, with 26 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 50.705 % in 1993 and a record low of 25.631 % in 1973. United Arab Emirates AE: Secondary Education: Pupils: % Female data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United Arab Emirates – Table AE.World Bank: Education Statistics. Female pupils as a percentage of total pupils at secondary level includes enrollments in public and private schools.; ; UNESCO Institute for Statistics; Weighted average; Each economy is classified based on the classification of World Bank Group's fiscal year 2018 (July 1, 2017-June 30, 2018).

The number of students enrolled in the pre-primary education level in United Arab Emirates was approximately *** thousand in 2021. The total number of student enrolled in the United Arab Emirates was **** million.

The UAE private K12 education market, valued at $6.67 billion in 2025, is projected to experience robust growth, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.50% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is fueled by several key factors. A rising expatriate population, coupled with increasing disposable incomes among UAE residents, fuels demand for high-quality private education. Furthermore, the government's emphasis on education reform and its commitment to attracting global talent contribute significantly to market growth. Parents prioritize international curricula, such as American, British, and Indian, seeking globally recognized qualifications for their children. This preference drives the market segmentation, with American and British curricula likely holding the largest shares. The competitive landscape features established players like GEMS Education, Nord Anglia Education, and several international school chains, alongside smaller, specialized institutions. Competition is intense, driving innovation in teaching methodologies, technology integration, and extracurricular activities to attract students. Potential restraints might include fluctuating oil prices impacting disposable income and the potential for government regulations to influence tuition fees. However, the long-term outlook remains positive, given the UAE's economic diversification strategies and ongoing investments in its human capital. The market segmentation highlights significant opportunities for growth within specific curricula and school levels. The Kindergarten to Secondary segments demonstrate consistent demand, although the intermediary (middle school) segment might experience fluctuating growth based on population demographics. The presence of multiple international curricula allows for niche market targeting, suggesting potential for specialized schools catering to specific cultural or academic preferences. Geographic variations within the UAE's regions (North, West, South, East) may also lead to localized variations in market dynamics, with potential for higher growth in specific areas based on population density and socioeconomic factors. Future growth projections will likely be influenced by factors such as government policies on education spending, the influx of skilled workers, and the evolution of technological advancements within the education sector. Therefore, a strategic approach focusing on delivering high-quality education, catering to diverse needs, and adapting to technological advancements will be crucial for success in this dynamic market. Recent developments include: May 2023: Glendale International School opened its doors to students aged 3 to 11 in Dubai. Singapore-based Global Schools Foundation announced the launch. Sprawling over 20,000 square meters, the new premises can accommodate 3000 students., March 2023: Kings’ Education, Dubai, announced a partnership with Leap, the San Francisco headquartered end-to-end study abroad platform. This helps the company to better cater to their students.. Key drivers for this market are: Government Initiatives to Achieve High Education Standards is Driving Market Growth, Growing Preferences for Private Education is Driving the Market. Potential restraints include: Government Initiatives to Achieve High Education Standards is Driving Market Growth, Growing Preferences for Private Education is Driving the Market. Notable trends are: Increased Rate of Population Growth, including Expatriates.

The GCC K-12 private education market exhibits robust growth, projected at a CAGR of 11.39% from 2019 to 2033. In 2025, the market size reached $30.41 billion. This expansion is fueled by several key drivers. A burgeoning population, coupled with rising disposable incomes and a strong emphasis on quality education, particularly within the private sector, are primary contributors. Parents are increasingly seeking international curricula (American, British, Arabic, CBSE, and others) to provide their children with globally competitive educational opportunities. The preference for smaller class sizes and a perceived higher quality of teaching within private institutions also contributes significantly to market growth. Furthermore, the presence of a large expatriate population further fuels the demand for international schools in the region. However, the market also faces certain constraints, such as fluctuating oil prices which may impact government spending on education and potential regulatory changes that could affect the sector. Despite these challenges, the long-term outlook remains positive, driven by sustained population growth and a continued commitment to private education among GCC families. The segmentation by curriculum highlights diverse preferences, with a strong demand for established international standards alongside local curricula. The competitive landscape is dynamic, with numerous international and local players vying for market share. Notable players include Al-Jazeera Academy, British International School of Jeddah, and GEMS Education, showcasing the diversity and established presence of key operators within the GCC. The market's segmentation by source of revenue (Kindergarten, Primary, Intermediary, Secondary) indicates a balanced demand across all educational stages. While precise revenue breakdowns for each segment aren't provided, a logical assumption based on typical market structures suggests a slightly higher concentration in the Primary and Secondary segments due to longer durations of enrollment. The regional distribution of market share is likely concentrated within the GCC countries themselves, with other regions showing relatively smaller contributions. Future growth will be heavily influenced by government education policies, economic conditions, and continued investment in private education infrastructure and resources. Further analysis of specific curriculum preferences within each GCC country would offer a more granular understanding of market dynamics and opportunities. This report provides a detailed analysis of the burgeoning GCC K-12 private education market, offering invaluable insights for investors, educators, and policymakers. The study covers the period from 2019 to 2033, with 2025 as the base year and forecasts extending to 2033. The report analyzes market size (in millions), segmentation, key trends, and future growth prospects across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations. High-search-volume keywords include GCC private schools, K-12 education market GCC, private education investment GCC, UAE K-12 market, Saudi Arabia private schools, and international schools GCC. Recent developments include: November 2023: GEMS International School unveiled its Innovation Hub. This hub has various sophisticated tools, including digital music production tools, 3D printing, coding resources, robotics, product design tools, and immersive technologies like Virtual Reality., March 2023: the UAE Ministry of Education unveiled plans to integrate AI tutors powered by ChatGPT into its classrooms. These innovative systems are designed to complement, rather than substitute, traditional teaching methods.. Notable trends are: British Curriculum Emerges as a Leading Choice in Gulf Education Landscape.

In the 2016-2017 academic year, the number of private universities and colleges in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) amounted to 79 institutes. In that academic year, the total number of students in the higher education stage in the United Arab Emirates amounted to 138.27 thousand.

In the 2017-2018 academic year, the share of private school teachers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) amounted to about 67.8 percent. In that academic year, the total number of teachers in this educational stage in the United Arab Emirates amounted to 64.52 thousand.

United Arab Emirates AE: Gender Parity Index (GPI): Secondary School Enrollment: Gross data was reported at 0.943 Ratio in 2016. This records a decrease from the previous number of 1.122 Ratio for 1998. United Arab Emirates AE: Gender Parity Index (GPI): Secondary School Enrollment: Gross data is updated yearly, averaging 0.972 Ratio from Dec 1973 (Median) to 2016, with 26 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1.192 Ratio in 1990 and a record low of 0.592 Ratio in 1973. United Arab Emirates AE: Gender Parity Index (GPI): Secondary School Enrollment: Gross data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United Arab Emirates – Table AE.World Bank: Education Statistics. Gender parity index for gross enrollment ratio in secondary education is the ratio of girls to boys enrolled at secondary level in public and private schools.; ; UNESCO Institute for Statistics; Weighted average; Each economy is classified based on the classification of World Bank Group's fiscal year 2018 (July 1, 2017-June 30, 2018).

United Arab Emirates AE: Secondary Education: Pupils data was reported at 441,510.000 Person in 2016. This records an increase from the previous number of 190,576.000 Person for 1998. United Arab Emirates AE: Secondary Education: Pupils data is updated yearly, averaging 54,312.500 Person from Dec 1971 (Median) to 2016, with 28 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 441,510.000 Person in 2016 and a record low of 4,622.000 Person in 1971. United Arab Emirates AE: Secondary Education: Pupils data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United Arab Emirates – Table AE.World Bank: Education Statistics. Secondary education pupils is the total number of pupils enrolled at secondary level in public and private schools.; ; UNESCO Institute for Statistics; Sum; Each economy is classified based on the classification of World Bank Group's fiscal year 2018 (July 1, 2017-June 30, 2018).

In 2021, the gross enrollment ratio of pre-primary school students in the Gulf Cooperation Council was the highest in the United Arab Emirates at approximately 100.4 percent, compared to the GCC average of about 29.5 percent. The ratio was above 100 percent for primary and secondary education as they were mandatory in most GCC countries. Education in the region was free for all nationals and mandatory for the primary segment.

The number of physicians in the United Arab Emirates was forecast to continuously increase between 2024 and 2029 by in total 8.2 thousand physicians (+23.71 percent). After the fifteenth consecutive increasing year, the number of physicians is estimated to reach 42.78 thousand physicians and therefore a new peak in 2029. Notably, the number of physicians of was continuously increasing over the past years.Depicted here is the estimated number of physicians in the geographical unit at hand. Thereby physicians include medical specialists as well as general practitioners.The shown data are an excerpt of Statista's Key Market Indicators (KMI). The KMI are a collection of primary and secondary indicators on the macro-economic, demographic and technological environment in up to 150 countries and regions worldwide. All indicators are sourced from international and national statistical offices, trade associations and the trade press and they are processed to generate comparable data sets (see supplementary notes under details for more information).Find more key insights for the number of physicians in countries like Bahrain and Israel.

The number of smokers in the United Arab Emirates was forecast to continuously increase between 2024 and 2029 by in total 0.1 million individuals (+4.13 percent). After the fourteenth consecutive increasing year, the number of smokers is estimated to reach 2.53 million individuals and therefore a new peak in 2029. Shown is the estimated share of the adult population (15 years or older) in a given region or country, that smoke. According to the WHO and World bank, smoking refers to the use of cigarettes, pipes or other types of tobacco, be it on a daily or non-daily basis.The shown data are an excerpt of Statista's Key Market Indicators (KMI). The KMI are a collection of primary and secondary indicators on the macro-economic, demographic and technological environment in up to 150 countries and regions worldwide. All indicators are sourced from international and national statistical offices, trade associations and the trade press and they are processed to generate comparable data sets (see supplementary notes under details for more information).Find more key insights for the number of smokers in countries like Kuwait and Lebanon.

Demographics of participants in the UAE outpatient clinics (N = 2349).

United Arab Emirates Number of Graduates: Colleges and High Education data was reported at 26,040.000 Person in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 24,667.000 Person for 2016. United Arab Emirates Number of Graduates: Colleges and High Education data is updated yearly, averaging 13,700.000 Person from Jun 1994 (Median) to 2017, with 23 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 26,040.000 Person in 2017 and a record low of 2,407.000 Person in 1994. United Arab Emirates Number of Graduates: Colleges and High Education data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Ministry of Planning. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United Arab Emirates – Table AE.G005: Education Statistics.

United Arab Emirates BoP: CF: Financial Account: Enterprises: Private Sector: Direct Investment data was reported at -6.900 AED bn in 2021. This records a decrease from the previous number of 3.400 AED bn for 2020. United Arab Emirates BoP: CF: Financial Account: Enterprises: Private Sector: Direct Investment data is updated yearly, averaging 1.065 AED bn from Dec 2002 (Median) to 2021, with 20 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 28.629 AED bn in 2004 and a record low of -28.900 AED bn in 2015. United Arab Emirates BoP: CF: Financial Account: Enterprises: Private Sector: Direct Investment data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United Arab Emirates – Table AE.JB001: Balance of Payments.