Parents relieved as Dubai private schools barred from hiking fees
The recent decision made by the Dubai government to freeze private school fees for the 2026-27 academic year has granted a big relief for parents, but it is an equally heartwarming welcome from schools around the Emirate. While many described the move as a good timely step given lingering financial burden and geopolitical uncertainty in the region.
It comes after His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence approved the second bundle of stimulus package for the Emirate's economy.
Key Highlights of the Initiative
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Private School Fees For 2026-27 Frozen
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Part of Dubai’s Dh1. 5-billion economic incentives package
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Education, Tourism and Trade & Customs — Support measures introduced
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Goal is to protect your family, job and keep the service running
Schools Say Stability Matters
Education providers said the move was the result of "strong collaboration" between policymakers and educators.
That is a sensible step, Alan Williamson, chief executive of Taaleem, said, as it comes to the aid of families struggling with finances and those in different emirates.
He added that the strong sense of community, partnership, and resilience were commendable elements keeping Dubai’s education sector afloat amidst turbulent times.
Families Welcome the Relief
The fee freeze is a welcome relief for many parents across Dubai, who said the move restores financial certainty for households feeling the squeeze.
Three essentials:- Pakistani mum-of-three Amna Zaraz said her husband has been put on unpaid leave for six months and she had managed to get internet freelance work every now and again.
Ms Sweeney said the family had been concerned about possible school fee rises against a background of soaring everyday living costs.
We were always fearing if we were going to have a school fee increase too. It appears to be a kind gesture from the government, she said.
Dubai-based Justine Taylor, a mother of two, also spoke out after her husband was made redundant.
Parents’ Main Concerns
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Rising school fees
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Job instability
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Difficulty managing household budgets
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Not wanting to face the expense of high school
Her family had already exhausted their savings to pay outstanding school fees, even consulting on transferring their children from the expensive British curriculum school and taking a holiday in Scotland.
"This news definitely is a relief," she said.
Support Measures for Schools
Fee freeze is a component of Dubai's wider economic stimulus plan, which now stands at Dh2. 5 billion.
Education Sector Support Includes
Deferred or instalment based licences renewals (applies to schools)
Fine deferrals for KHDA-licensed institutions
Exemptions from Fees for Early 2022 kindergarten
Rent aid and greater flexibility for nurseries
The schools Some Already Avoided the Fee Hikes
Several schools had taken a decision not to make any fee increases before the Government announcement.
Earlier this year, Springdales School Dubai announced it would not implement any increase in fees. Zubair Ahmad, its managing director, said the move was "a show of solidarity with families who may be going through a time of uncertainty".
The Indian High Group of Schools (IHS) has kept the same school fees for nearly 10 years, despite rising costs and inflation claiming quality education should remain affordable and accessible to all.
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