Dubai private schools not allowed to hike fees; parents hail KHDA decision

Dubai private schools not allowed to hike fees; parents hail KHDA decision

Many institutions highlighted that despite the softening of fees it would not affect the planned operations in schools

File. Students of Jumeira Baccalaureate School in Dubai return to class with Covid-19 protocols in place on Sunday. Photo by Neeraj Murali.

Published: Wed 2 Mar 2022, 6:00 PM Last updated: Wed 2 Mar 2022, 6:09 PM

Parents have welcomed a freeze on tuition fees in Dubai private schools, major school groups in the country reiterated that their investors are attuned to the economic and national agenda of the UAE.

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), on Tuesday announced that they had directed schools to extend a freeze on fees for the 2021-22 academic year(s).

School fees in Dubai have risen significantly over the last decade varying between school and curricula.

However, this is the third year where schools will not increase fees.

Hailing the move, a cross-section of parents said this relief would mean families can address other family requirements with the money saved. They highlight education costs for families have bounced back to pre-pandemic levels with extracurricular activities and school trips being back.

Filipino expat in Dubai, Ben Lebig says, "This is a welcome guidance from KHDA. This gives breathing room to parents. The money saved here