The Dubai School Fees Index 2026
What Dubai families actually pay: published tuition across 199 private schools, by curriculum and KHDA rating. Built from public fee sheets and KHDA inspection data.
2026-27 fees: frozen by KHDA
Dubai private school fees will not rise in the 2026-27 academic year. KHDA confirmed this on 22 May 2026, under the directives of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai. The decision follows the approval of a second economic incentives package in Dubai, valued at AED 1.5 billion.
What the announcement says
the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has confirmed that there will be no increase in school fees for private schools in the emirate for the 2026-27 academic year.
Source: KHDA, Under Hamdan bin Mohammed's directives, Dubai freezes private school fees for 2026-27 academic year, published 22 May 2026.
What it covers and what is unclear
- The release refers to school fees. It does not mention uniforms, transport, trips or other extras, so check those with the school.
- The release does not say how the freeze applies to schools opening for the first time in 2026-27. Ask KHDA or the school.
What it means for the averages on this page
The figures below are published starting fees from KHDA fee fact sheets. With no increase for 2026-27, they remain the fees to plan around, but always confirm the fee for your child's year group with the school.
Last checked against KHDA on 22 October 2026. See fees by curriculum and budget and our guide to Dubai school fees in 2026-27.
Key findings
- Median starting fee: AED 24,877
- Average starting fee: AED 29,830
- 68% of schools start under AED 40,000
- Full range: AED 2,859 to AED 97,415
Source: DXB Schools analysis of KHDA fee fact sheets.
Average starting fee by curriculum
| IB (20) | AED 45,637 |
|---|---|
| French (6) | AED 37,829 |
| British (87) | AED 37,151 |
| American (36) | AED 27,127 |
| Other (17) | AED 13,540 |
| Indian (CBSE) (33) | AED 10,836 |
Each school appears in one group only, so the Indian (CBSE) group here has 33 schools. Our CBSE school lists show all 34, including GEMS Modern Academy (Indian (CBSE) / IB), which this chart groups under IB. See CBSE schools in Dubai.
Average starting fee by KHDA rating
| Outstanding (23) | AED 52,538 |
|---|---|
| Very Good (48) | AED 40,060 |
| Good (81) | AED 24,203 |
| Acceptable (46) | AED 16,620 |
Schools by fee band
| Under AED 40,000 | 136 schools (68%) |
|---|---|
| AED 40,000-80,000 | 59 schools (30%) |
| Over AED 80,000 | 4 schools (2%) |
Most affordable
- Crescent English School — Al Qusais, KHDA Acceptable, fees AED 2,859–10,374
- Little Flower English School — Hor Al Anz, KHDA Acceptable, fees AED 3,837–4,135
- Gulf Model School — Muhaisnah, KHDA Acceptable, fees AED 3,966–7,212
- The Central School — Al Nahda, KHDA Acceptable, fees AED 4,177–7,352
- New Indian Model School, Dubai — Al Garhoud, KHDA Good, fees AED 4,466–7,769
Most expensive
- Dubai College — Al Sufouh, KHDA Outstanding, fees AED 97,415–110,305
- North London Collegiate School Dubai — Nad Al Sheba, KHDA Very Good, fees AED 91,735–143,681
- Dubai English Speaking College — Dubai Academic City, KHDA Outstanding, fees AED 84,325–90,633
- Harrow International School Dubai — Al Thanyah Second, KHDA unknown, fees AED 80,000–106,000
- Jumeirah College — Al Safa, KHDA Outstanding, fees AED 78,946–98,681
Cite: Dubai School Fees Index 2026, DXB Schools — https://www.dxbschools.com/dubai-school-fees-index-2026
Frequently asked questions
Are Dubai school fees increasing in 2026-27?
No. On 22 May 2026 KHDA confirmed that there will be no increase in school fees for private schools in Dubai for the 2026-27 academic year.
Who announced the 2026-27 fee freeze?
KHDA announced it under the directives of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.
Why were Dubai school fees frozen for 2026-27?
KHDA says the decision is part of the Dubai leadership's commitment to supporting families, and follows the approval of a second economic incentives package valued at AED 1.5 billion.
Does the fee freeze cover uniforms and transport?
The KHDA release refers to school fees only and does not mention extras such as uniforms or transport. Check these charges with the school.
What is the average school fee in Dubai?
The average published starting fee across 199 Dubai private schools is AED 29,830 a year; the median is AED 24,877. Senior year groups cost more.
Do higher-rated Dubai schools cost more?
Yes. KHDA Outstanding schools average AED 52,538 — about 3 times the average for Acceptable schools (AED 16,620).
Which curriculum is most expensive in Dubai?
On average, IB schools have the highest starting fees (AED 45,637); Indian (CBSE) schools are the most affordable.
Method: starting (lowest year-group) published fees; KHDA ratings from official inspection reports. Always confirm current fees with the school. Methodology.