Dubai, March 01, 2012 –Representatives from the private education sector gathered on Wednesday (February 29, 2012) to discuss the growth of the private school market in Dubai.

The discussion was held by the Dubai School of Government in partnerships with Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and CfBT Education Trust. Representatives from all aspects of the private education sector, including operators, investors, consultants and Dubai Government, discussed issues relevant to them in the diverse and exciting educational landscape of Dubai.

Among the panelists were Dr Abdulla Al Karam, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director General of KHDA; Major General Sharafuddin Sharaf (Ret.), Chairman of Dubai Private School’s Group; Yasar Jarar, Partner at Pricewaterhouse Coopers; and David William Harris, Director of International Logistics Services, Dubai Foreign Direct Investment Office, Department of Economic Development. The session was moderated by Paul Wagstaff, CfBT Education Trust Regional Director in the Middle East and North Africa.

Research revealed that the under-19 segment is growing quickly with an expected growth of 54% by 2020, all of whom require a K-12 and post-secondary education(Booz & Company 2011). The growth in the private-school market in Dubai is estimated to grow from $840 million in 2010 to between $1.6 billion and $2.2 billion in 2020 (Booz & Company 2011).

Dr Abdulla Al Karam, KHDA, said: “This discussion is an opportunity to look at how we can encourage investors to establish long term quality schools in Dubai and to discuss the educational sector from a business angle with the key educational players in the Emirate.”

HE Tariq Hilal Lootah, Executive President at DSG, said: “We are pleased to co-host this forum with KHDA which reiterates the importance of investing in education, particularly in light of the need to build more schools in Dubai by 2020. As education is one of our foremost priorities, we are keen to support this dialogue between education experts, investors and government representatives.”