Dubai School Fees 2026-27: The Freeze, and How Fee Increases Are Set

Will your child's Dubai school fee go up this year? For the 2026-27 academic year the answer from the regulator is no. This explains what was announced, how increases are normally decided, and what to look at when you compare fees.

The 2026-27 freeze

On 22 May 2026 the Dubai Media Office reported that KHDA had confirmed there would be no increase in school fees for private schools in Dubai for the 2026-27 academic year, under directives from Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai. It came with a wider economic incentives package for families and institutions (Dubai Media Office, 22 May 2026).

A freeze means schools cannot raise tuition for the year. It does not mean fees are the same across schools, and it does not lower the fee a school already charges.

How increases are normally decided

Dubai's School Fees Framework applies to private schools that have completed three years of operation. It covers tuition fees and, where the school supplies them, uniforms and books. It does not cover other activities and services provided by the school or by third parties (KHDA, School Fees Framework).

For for-profit schools, increases depend on the Education Cost Index (ECI) and on the school's inspection rating. The ECI is a measure of the cost of running a school (wages, rents and other costs), issued annually by the Digital Dubai Authority. For 2025-26, KHDA set the ECI at 2.35% and said eligible for-profit schools could apply for an increase up to, but not above, it (KHDA, 2 May 2025).

Not-for-profit schools follow a different route: a proposed increase needs board approval and evidence of parental engagement and endorsement by the parents' representative. Schools rated Acceptable or lower must submit a KHDA-approved action plan with their application. Schools inspected for the first time can raise fees by the ECI only (KHDA, School Fees Framework).

What to check on a fee sheet

KHDA requires every private school to give parents a School Fees Fact Sheet before the start of each academic year, included in the parent/school contract. It lists mandatory fees, which KHDA approves and regulates, and optional fees, which are agreed between parents and the school or a third party (KHDA, School Fees Fact Sheet FAQs).

• Compare the mandatory fees line by line for your child's year group, not the headline figure.
• Ask what is optional (transport, activities, meals) and what you would actually use.
• Ask when the school expects to apply for an increase once the freeze ends.
• Keep a copy of the fact sheet attached to your contract.