The Middle East continues to dominate the global English-medium international schools market, according to research presented at the ongoing GESS Dubai exhibition.

There are now 1,329 such schools through the Middle East teaching more than 1.17 million students, according to the latest figures from ISC Research, part of the International School Consultancy and a leading provider of research and market intelligence on the world’s international schools.

Globally, there are 7,545 international schools teaching 3.92 million students, it said.

The UAE leads both the region and the world for the number of English-medium international schools, with 505 schools teaching over 452,900 students.

The majority of international schools  in the UAE are located in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with both emirates having seen a dramatic increase in the number of international schools over the past decade.

The school expansions and new builds will continue, according to the report.

Within the UAE, Dubai has the highest concentration of international schools - with a total of 245, followed by Abu Dhabi with 144 schools, it said.

Local families in both emirates are increasingly choosing international schools for their children, who now make up a significant percentage of the student intake. The combined high demand from local and expatriate families is fuelling the continued growth.

Demand, particularly at the best international schools in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, continues to outstrip supply and waiting lists remain long.

In Dubai, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) anticipates an increase in enrolment at international schools of seven per cent per year for the next five years. It is planning for 90,000 additional school places in 60 new and expanded schools.

Qatar has been predicted to see major growth over the next decade. The country currently has 147 international schools teaching 111,200 students, the majority of which are located in Doha where more schools are urgently needed, said the research.

In addition to Qatar and the UAE, the market throughout the Middle East continues to grow with continued expansion of note in Saudi Arabia, which now has 202 international schools.

Asia alone with have more than 7,000 international schools by 2024 and the global market will have reached 15,000 international schools generating over $65.1 billion in annual tuition fee income, it added. - TradeArabia News Service