Page 147 - ALEF EDUCATION PR REPORT - SEPTEMBER 2025

9/8/25, 10:37 AM UAE Private K12 Education Market Size & Share Analysis - Industry Research Report - Growth Trends
heightened parental awareness of early childhood learning outcomes. Taaleem Holdings’ acquisition of Kids First Group, securing a
95% stake in nurseries, corroborates institutional conviction in early-years upside. New capacity releases by the Knowledge Fund
Establishment added thousands of pre-K seats in 2024, ensuring supply keeps pace with younger expatriate inflows. Employers in fast-
growing sectors now factor early childhood education into family relocation packages, reinforcing kindergarten enrollment resilience.
Early-years expansion also benets from Dubai’s Education 33 emphasis on holistic child development, which prescribes mandated
student-teacher ratios that appeal to quality-conscious parents. Operators capture cross-selling opportunities by offering seamless
progression from nursery to primary classes on the same campus, boosting lifetime value per student within the UAE private K-12
education market. ESG-driven corporate subsidies focused on female workforce participation further incentivize investment in on-site
or partner nurseries. Secondary education retains a 35.20% share as families commit to international diplomas, yet its growth is steadier
than the explosive kindergarten trajectory. Intermediary (middle-school) programs occupy 8.31% of revenue and act as a bridge that
locks in retention ahead of high-stakes exams. Overall, the mix shift toward younger cohorts positions operators to secure longer
enrollment duration and recurring cash flows.

Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase

By Curriculum: British Dominance Faces CBSE Challenge
The British model continues to anchor the UAE private K-12 education market with a 38.22% share in 2024, supported by its alignment
with UK university admission pathways and a sizable Commonwealth expatriate base. American programs follow with 31% share,
favored by Emirati nationals seeking U.S. college matriculation. CBSE’s 7.76% forecast CAGR makes it the fastest-growing curriculum
amid deepening India-UAE economic ties and an Indian diaspora exceeding 3.5 million. The board’s 107 UAE schools represent its
largest overseas footprint, showcasing scalability potential. Operators increasingly launch dual-curriculum campuses to diversify risk
and capture multiple demographic segments. French, German and International Baccalaureate programs collectively hold 4.50%,
serving niche communities yet adding to the multicultural appeal of the market.

KHDA and ADEK ensure quality parity across curricula, mandating periodic inspections that publish transparent ratings influential in
parental decision-making. Recent approvals favor British expansions, with ve of the six new Dubai schools for 2024-25 following UK
frameworks. Nonetheless, CBSE’s momentum is evident in Sharjah and Northern Emirates where fee sensitivity intersects with high
academic rigor. Curriculum choice also influences per-capita fee structures, with British and IB programs commanding premium pricing
in the UAE private K-12 education market, whereas CBSE remains competitively priced. Over the medium term, the rivalry between UK
and Indian boards is likely to intensify, pushing operators to innovate around ancillary offerings such as global internship pathways and
STEM specializations.

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