A total of 120 new schools are expected to open across Dubai, UAE, over the next 10 years, said a report citing Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).

Private schools in Dubai reported an average annual enrollment growth of 6.6 per cent over the last decade, reported state news agency Wam

KHDA, the educational quality assurance and regulatory authority of the government of Dubai, said its latest report illustrates how higher student enrollments have boosted long-term economic growth and the important role of private schooling in Dubai.

Student enrolments have grown by 89 percent in the last 10 years and total student enrollments are expected to reach 470,000 students over the next decade, stated KHDA in its report entitled Dubai Private Education Landscape.

The report was unveiled by KHDA in London at an event hosted for investors, educators and consultants by the UAE embassy in UK.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Abdulla Al Karam, the director-general of KHDA, said: "Dubai is a community which thrives on collaboration and it represents an opportunity for everyone."

"We have seen consistent and strong growth in private education over the years and this has contributed to an improvement in the overall standard of living and long-term economic growth for Dubai," he stated.

Dr Abdulla said: "By improving access to private education and enabling a wider choice for families we are opening more avenues for high-quality education with a focus on happiness, wellbeing and positive education."

"Dubai currently has 185 private schools with 273,599 students accounting for 88.6 percent capacity utilisation. An additional 10 new schools will open this year providing additional school seats to keep up with the growing demand for high-quality education," he added.