KHDA Outlines Ambitious Educational Priorities for 2026-27 Academic Year
Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority has unveiled a comprehensive framework for the coming academic year, building on two years of transformative progress under the Education 33 Strategy with expanded access, enhanced student wellbeing and strengthened cultural identity at its core.
Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has revealed its strategic priorities for the 2026-27 academic year, representing a sustained commitment to educational excellence across the emirate. The framework encompasses elevating the performance of schools serving substantial Emirati student populations, reinforcing cultural heritage and Arabic language proficiency, safeguarding student wellbeing, and nurturing Emirati talent throughout the education sector.
Since the Education 33 Strategy’s launch, KHDA has introduced more than 20 transformative initiatives and developed 28 policies and regulatory frameworks, each centred on placing learners at the heart of their educational experience. These encompassing measures address quality assurance, future skills development, Arabic language education in early childhood, national identity, inclusive provision, educator wellbeing, digital transformation and artificial intelligence integration.
The coming academic year will witness significant expansion in student representation structures. The second cohort of the Dubai Students Council will be established alongside the inaugural Dubai Parents Council and Dubai Educators Council, providing stakeholders with meaningful platforms to contribute to sectoral development and shape the learner journey.
Private education continues to flourish, with 406,563 students enrolled at the academic year’s outset, representing a 4.6% increase from June 2026. This sustained growth reflects enduring demand and Dubai’s appeal as a premier destination for families seeking quality education. Fifty-one new private educational institutions have opened over the past two academic years, including 26 establishments during the current year—comprising 17 early childhood centres, seven schools, and two international higher education institutions. These additions will introduce approximately 17,000 school seats and 1,700 early childhood places, whilst approximately 18,000 affordable seats are anticipated over the next two years.
Dubai’s private schools have achieved remarkable distinction, ranking among the world’s top 10 education systems across all PISA 2025 assessment domains. Emirati student performance has demonstrated impressive advancement, with mathematics scores increasing by 31 points, science by 30 points, and reading by 18 points, reflecting the system’s continued development and enhanced student outcomes.
Higher education expansion continues apace, with eleven new institutions opening over three years and enrolment increasing by 29%. Two globally recognised universities are establishing operations this academic year: Peking University HSBC Business School will launch its MBA and EMBA programmes, ranked 47th globally in QS rankings, in January 2027, whilst the American University of Beirut’s Dubai campus opened in September 2026, further consolidating Dubai’s position as a global higher education and research hub.
KHDA’s commitment to parental engagement has yielded substantial outcomes, with more than 20 awareness sessions organised since E33’s adoption, reaching over 5,000 parents across topics including positive parenting, family resilience and digital safety.
Source: WAM