According to statistics revealed by the Adec, there are currently 188 private schools in Abu Dhabi, which enrol more than 224,000 pupils, or more than 62 per cent of the total student population.

Abu Dhabi: In order to cater to the needs of its growing population, at least 60,000 new private school seats must be created in the emirate of Abu Dhabi within the next five years, a top education official said in the capital on Monday.

These seats will be used to accommodate the more than 280,000 pupils who are expected to be enrolled in private schools by 2020, said Dr Amal Al Qubaisi, director-general at the emirate’s education sector regulator, the Abu Dhabi Education Council (Adec).

“This signals a great opportunity for investment, especially as enrolment in private schools is growing at an annual rate of seven per cent. In addition, the sector earned a revenue of Dh3.2 billion in the 2013-2014 academic year,” Dr Amal added.

She was speaking at the third Adec forum to encourage private investment, which saw the attendance of 300 school leaders, operators and businessmen. Education officials at the session shed light on the various benefits available to providers in the emirate, and discussed means to overcome the challenges that could arise. Read More