Another day, another notification about a new Middle East school in the inbox. The region is buzzing, with expat families from all over the world beginning to move to a place that is bursting with opportunity – with Dubai and Abu Dhabi particular educational hotspots. “Dubai is positioning itself as the go-to place for families to relocate,” says Victoria Garrett, head of global residential (excluding UK) at Savills. “Education is key, and Dubai has some of the top schools now located there. It’s clear to see why it is so popular.”
For those families living overseas, there is a growing number of strong British- and American-curriculum schools in the United Arab Emirates. As of 2025, there are 227 private schools in Dubai – and with the emirate’s Education 33 (E33) strategy in full swing, a further 100 new private schools are expected to open by 2033.
August 2026 will see the long-anticipated inauguration of Harrow International School Dubai, a name that needs little introduction in the world of British education. The campus on Hessa Street, between Jumeirah Village Circle and Al Barsha South, will launch as a co-educational school, opening its primary classes (Foundation Stage 1 to Year 6) before expanding into secondary.
