The educational councils and zones in each emirate regulate fees in private schools, which will differ depending on school type, curriculum and facilities, and school ranking.

In Abu Dhabi, requests for fee increase from private school are submitted every January to the Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK). The conditions for determining the annual increase includes the evaluation agenda, improving facilities and infrastructure, investing in human resources amongst others. The admission of students of determination and provision of support needed for them is also taken into account while determining the fees. ADEK stressed that the fee increase applications must be linked to school improvement plan.

In Dubai, profit schools can increase their fees based on their individual school grade as per the results of  Dubai School Inspection Bureau (DSIB) and the Education Cost Index (ECI) which is calculated on a regular basis.

Read more about School Fees Framework (PDF) of KHDA

In July 2016, Ministry of Education made a new resolution in which it prohibits UAE nationals from registering and funding private schools with 'very weak' ranking. This resolution was implemented since the academic year 2016-2017.

Useful links:

• Education Cost Index set at 3.21 per cent - KHDA
• KHDA's Open Data
• Directory of Private Education Institution in Dubai - KHDA.