The Experience of Studying in English-Speaking Schools in Arab Countries — the Case of the Emirate of Dubai

Abstract

This article used statistics on several factors to determine the reality of private school education in the United Arab Emirates—the Emirate of Dubai as an example. The study analyzed the data using both descriptive and statistical methods. The most important criteria included in this study were the number of private schools that use English as the language of instruction for all subjects and the annual tuition fees in both private and public schools. The research results revealed the following: From 2015 to 2024, the number of private schools increased from 169 to 220, an increase of 51 private schools, while the number of public schools remained unchanged at 98. In 2024, the lowest annual tuition fees in private schools (English-American) were approximately AED 43,000, while the highest was AED 12,000. Education in public schools remained free for all UAE citizens. Private schools attract highly qualified teachers (Masters and PhDs) with at least ten years of extensive international experience. This study demonstrated the need to intensify efforts to support public education and the necessity of using the mother tongue (Arabic) in all academic subjects, especially in the early years. Later, students can transition to learning using English to keep up with the latest subjects and benefit from the vast scientific content available in English.