With a market size of $1.9 billion, the UAE has the fastest growing private education market in the world, said the organisers of an upcoming education investment conference in Dubai.

“Education opportunities in the Gulf are taking off. The UAE leads the world in private education in terms of its business models and different product offerings,” said Ralph Tabberer, chief executive of Better Broader Deeper (BBD) Education, a UAE and UK based educational institute, and chairman at this year’s Education Investment Mena Conference to promote investment in education.

“Its market size currently stands at a staggering $1.9 billion with China a little behind with $1.8 billion. The UAE has been and will continue to be the strongest private education market in the world,” he added.

The conference strives to drive growth and partnerships in the private education market in the region and takes place from October 8 to 10 at the Moevenpick Hotel.

It will highlight the major opportunities for education operators, investors and financers in Mena’s booming education market.

Tabberer described the UAE education landscape as the fastest growing private education market in the world. He explained that Dubai had the highest proportion of private schools in the UAE adding that it represented a “prototype for how the world will grow better education systems”.

“Investors have always shown interest in the UAE, especially Dubai, because of its promising returns. With the growing number of expats in the region growth in the private education sector will never stagnate,” he added.

Speaker Dr Abdulla Al Karam, chairman of the Board of Directors, director general of Knowledge and Human Development authority, the strategic partner of the event said: “Private education in the Mena region is ready for increased investment.  High youth numbers and the impact of the Arab Spring are driving much of this growth.”

“Private education is resilient to the booms and busts of normal business cycles and offers solid returns for investors that can provide students with good quality education. As with any important investment decision, reducing risk is critical and it is advisable to choose locations that are well-regulated.”

The demand for investment is now so well established in the UAE that internationally renowned UK school Millfield is exploring the opportunity of expanding to Dubai.

David Williamson, chair of the International Campus Committee for Millfield School said: “There is enormous demand for exceptional quality education systems in the UAE, and Millfield School is exploring opportunities for establishment in the UAE in partnership with CERT.  We see great potential to expand into this region.” – TradeArabia News Service