Dubai sees surge in enrolment at early childhood centres

More parents are choosing early childhood centres in Dubai to give their children a head start, according to figures released by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).

The latest data shows a 15 per cent increase in enrolment.

Nearly 250 centres, 27 of which have opened in the previous 12 months, cater to more than 23,500 children, which is 3,000 more than this time last year.

These facilities are supported by as many as 1,473 teachers and nearly 2,200 teaching assistants, in addition to 522 care assistants, 101 inclusion support staff and 189 medical staff.

Parents can choose from early childhood centres offering 14 different curricula and learning approaches, with Arabic, English, French, Spanish or Russian, among others, as the main language of instruction.

The majority of children enrolled (66 per cent) are between two and four years old, and nearly 80 per cent attend five days a week.

Dr. Abdulla Al Karam, Director General of the KHDA, told Dubai Eye 103.8's The Agenda that the figures indicate a real show of confidence in the sector.

He also highlighted some of the factors that have contributed to the strong growth in numbers.

The latest data on Dubai’s private early childhood centres show a 15% increase in the number of children enrolled, echoing the 12% record enrolment growth reported by Dubai private schools earlier this academic year. Nearly 250 centres – 27 of which have opened in the previous 12… pic.twitter.com/EITYw7yZc7

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) January 3, 2024