Aisha Miran (in black abaya) in conversation with editors-in-chief of UAE media outlets. WAM

Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) is committed to ensuring that schools and educational institutions deliver the highest quality of education, aligning with the leadership's vision for Dubai to become a global leader in education and learning, according to Aisha Miran, Director-General of KHDA.

In conversation with editors-in-chief of UAE media outlets, Aisha Miran emphasised the Authority’s dedication to providing top-quality education in Dubai's private schools. She highlighted ongoing efforts, such as the annual school inspections, to uphold educational standards. She also noted that three schools were closed at the end of the 2023-2024 academic year for failing to meet quality benchmarks, underscoring that student welfare remains a top priority.

The KHDA Director-General was speaking during a ‘Meet the CEO’ event organised by the Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO) on Monday. The 'Meet the CEO' series is a regular initiative by the GDMO for leaders of prominent Dubai organisations.

The session was also attended by Mona Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council, and Director-General of GDMO, along with local media leaders and editors-in-chief of UAE newspapers. During the meeting, Aisha Miran addressed several key topics related to Dubai’s education sector, just days into the 2024-2025 academic year. The discussion highlighted critical aspects of this essential sector, which plays a fundamental role in shaping future generations.

Aisha Miran noted that preparations for the current academic year had commenced in January, with the Authority actively seeking input from all stakeholders in the education sector. This effort included over 50 sessions, engaging more than 700 individuals and 290 educational institutions to gather feedback from parents and educators. The ultimate objective is to develop the most effective and efficient educational model that meets the community's needs and keeps pace with Dubai's rapid growth, she said.

Addressing a question on Dubai’s education sector, especially in the context of private education institutions, she emphasised three key factors: diversity, flexibility, and high quality. Dubai boasts 223 private schools serving over 365,000 students and offering 17 different curricula. The sector is growing, with six new schools opening this academic year, she said.

Miran highlighted that Dubai currently has 285 early childhood centres implementing 17 different curricula and educational programmes. During the 2024-2025 academic year, 29 new centres will open, including the first to offer the Chinese curriculum, creating 2,838 additional enrolment slots. This reflects the sector's rich diversity and ongoing growth to meet the community’s needs, she affirmed.She also noted that Dubai is home to 38 licensed higher education institutions, serving nearly 35,000 students and offering over 650 academic programmes. Four new higher education institutions will open this year, and KHDA is dedicated to attracting institutions that enhance the sector with exceptional content and effective teaching methods, she added.

Aisha Miran outlined KHDA’s main priorities for the new academic year, saying, "Our focus will be on growth, enhancing Dubai’s reputation as a top global destination for high-quality education while offering diverse options for parents.” She noted significant enrolment increases over the past two years, with a 16 percent increase in early childhood centres, a 12 percent boost in schools and higher education, and a 25 percent growth in international students.

She also highlighted support for the Dubai Social Agenda as well as the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, including the launch of 39 new educational institutions, which include six private schools, 29 early childhood centres, and four international universities, including the first Chinese university inspired by a UAE-China partnership.

WAM