Understanding Middle East Education...UAE Country Profile | 2 This series of infographics provides a country by country overview of the education sector in the Middle East The UAE

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UAE Country Profile PwC Education and Skills Practice

Second Edition, 2018/2019

Understanding Middle East Education

UAE Country Profile | 2

This series of infographics provides a country by country overview of the education sector in the Middle East

The UAE is one of the more mature education markets in the region and remains a draw for investors, providers and students. Its scale and ambition remain undimmed, but what is the reality on the ground? What do the trends over time tell us about the education sector by segment, and what are the key differences between its main markets? In order to better understand the UAE’s Education sector, it is important to understand the country’s:

• Education Ecosystem

• Structure of the Education System

• Key Players

• Overall Quality of Education

This sets the scene for a deep dive into the enrolment trends and education outcomes of the UAE’s education systems across its three main education stages: PreK, K-12 and Higher Education. We explore provision in the public and private education sectors across the seven Emirates, with a focus on its two biggest markets in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

The UAE is one of the more mature education markets in the region and remains a draw for investors, providers and students


Education EcosystemKey influences on private provision in the UAE

Sources: World Economic Forum, HSBC Expat Explorer, PwC Middle East Economy Watch, S& Investment opportunities in the GCC education sector, YouGov Omnibus Research 2018

In the 2017-18 Global Competitiveness Report, the UAE’s macroeconomic environment was ranked among the top 30 globally, with the country being the largest destination for FDI in the region.

The government recently introduced ownership laws to allow for 100% foreign investor ownership of companies outside free zones and 10 year residency visa options – a move designed to drive more foreign investment into the country and attract longer term residents.

More and more private equity firms in the region are growing their education portfolios in light of this climate, with the education sector ranking second in terms of private equity transactions among all sectors in the Middle East.

The cost of living in the UAE continues to increase however, and the degree to which this and the introduction of VAT will affect education sector growth is yet to be determined. The Dubai government has already stepped in by freezing K-12 tuition increases for the 2018/19 academic year to protect parents, but the move has caused some existing investors to reevaluate their investment decisions, at least for the coming year.

The country’s two biggest Emirates, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, have regulatory bodies in place to streamline the education investment and operations processes.

In Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) is undergoing changes to its mandate, shifting its focus away from public educational institutions – which are to move under the Ministry of Education’s responsibility – to focus on private institutions, in a manner similar to that of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai.

Schools continue to face challenges in attracting and retaining the highest quality teachers and principals regionally and in the UAE market in particular. Recent legislation from the Ministry of Education to introduce teacher licensing aims to ensure a minimum standard of quality for all teachers in the country.

The UAE currently ranks 10th in HSBC’s 2017 Expat Explorer Survey, climbing two spots from its 2016 ranking, making it the highest ranking country in the Middle East in terms of expat attitudes and behaviours – an indicator for the attractiveness of a country to expats.

However, a recent survey by YouGov shows that 42% of surveyed UAE residents think the introduction of VAT is likely to discourage expats from coming to the UAE. This is mainly driven by the belief that the tax will increase the cost of living, and have a somewhat uncertain effect on the overall economy.

The UAE is at a point of inflection, making predictions for the coming years difficult to forecast. What is clear is that the country’s potential – and government willingness – to create a successful sector make for a strong starting point in the region. This is particularly relevant considering that the relative immaturity of the private sector in surrounding GCC countries, in particular in KSA, continues to drive expats to base their families in the UAE.

Investment Climate

Operating Environment

Attractiveness to Expat Families


Figure 1: Structure of the UAE education system

Age British System

American System

Emirati System Dubai Regulators Abu Dhabi RegulatorsUAE National Regulators

National Q

ualifications Authority (N

QA

)

Commission for Academic Accreditation

(CAA)

Ministry of Education (MoE)Knowledge and

Human Development Authority (KHDA)

Abu Dhabi Department of Education and

Knowledge (ADEK)

VocationalEducation

andTrainingAwardsCouncil(VETAC)

KHDA TVET Qualifications and Awards in Dubai (QAD)

Abu Dhabi Centre for

Technical & Vocational Education Training

(ACTVET)

Post- secondary

Secondary

Grades (12-13)

Secondary

Grades (9-12)

Secondary

Grades (7-11)

Intermediate

Grades (6-8)

Primary

Grades (1-6)

Elementary

Grades (1-6)

Elementary

Grades (1-5)

Pre-PrimaryFS1-FS2

Kindergarten Kindergarten

Pre-K Pre-K

Post- secondary

Secondary

Grades (7-12)

Post- secondary

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18+

Sources: UNESCO, UAE Government

Structure of the Education SystemSimilar regulatory structures have emerged across the largest two Emirates in recent years


Figure 3: Global Competitiveness Index Rankings (2015, 2016, 2017)

Change from 2016-17 to 2017-18

2017-18 2016-17 2015-16

Overall 17th 16th 17th

Quality of primary education 16th 12th 13th

Quality of higher education 12th 10th 12th

Primary education enrolment, net % 87th 100th 94th

Secondary education enrolment, gross % NA 71st 67th

Tertiary education enrolment, gross % 94th 96th 99th

The UAE continues to be the most competitive country in the Arab World according to the Global Competitiveness Index, but its ranking dropped back to 2015-16 levels in 2017-18. This was mainly due to the relative improvement of other countries, highlighting a need to accelerate change. Education was highlighted as a key driver of competitiveness.

Sources: World Economic Forum

Figure 2: Key Players in the UAE education system

Key PlayersA small number of large operators and institutions play a major role in the UAE’s delivery landscape, although the number and variety of providers is increasing

Overall Quality of EducationThe quality of the UAE’s primary and higher education systems rank among the top 20 globally

Pre–KK-12

(No. of Schools)Higher Ed

(Enrolment No.)Local Government

Regulators

Abu Dhabi • GEMS Education

• Aldar Academies

• Bright Kids

• Kids First Group

• Bloom

• GEMS Education (7)

• Aldar Academies (7)

• SABIS (7)

• Bloom (2)

• Higher Colleges of Technology (23,000)

• UAE University (14,000)

• Abu Dhabi University (7,500)

• Zayed University (5,700)

• AD Department of Education & Knowledge (ADEK)

• AD Centre for Technical & Vocational Education & Training (ACTVET)

Dubai • GEMS Education

• Taaleem

• Innoventures

• Kids First Group

• Babilou

• Bloom

• GEMS Education (32)

• Taaleem (10)

• Innoventures (5)

• SABIS (2)

• Bloom (2)

• University of Wollongong (3,900)

• Zayed University (3,800)

• Heriot-Watt University Dubai (3,600)

• Middlesex University Dubai (3,100)

• Manipal University (2,500)

• American University in Dubai (2,300)

• Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA)

Rest of UAE • GEMS Education (10)

• SABIS (5)

• University of Sharjah (13,800)

• Ajman Uni of Science & Technology (6,300)

• American University of Sharjah (5,650)

• Sharjah Education Council

• Ajman Educational Zone

• RAK Educational Zone

• Fujairah Educational Zone

• UAQ Educational Zone

Sources: numbers based on secondary sources, Nov 2018


UAE’s PISA rankings 2012-15 improved for Mathematics but dropped for Reading & Science, while TIMSS results showed better performance in Mathematics and Science for Dubai compared with Abu Dhabi 2011-15

Figure 4: PISA Results (2012, 2015)

UAE OECD Average Ranking

Figure 5: TIMSS Results (2011, 2015)

TIMSS Scores show significant improvement for Dubai in

Mathematics and Science (4th & 8th

Grade) and small improvement for Abu Dhabi in 4th Grade

Mathematics & Science, with drops in 8th Grade Mathematics & Science

performance.

2011 2015

Math 4th Grade

UAE 434 UAE 452

Dubai 468 Dubai 511

Abu Dhabi 417 Abu Dhabi 419

Math 8th Grade

UAE 456 UAE 465

Dubai 478 Dubai 512


Science 4th Grade

UAE 428 UAE 451

Dubai 461 Dubai 518


Science 8th Grade

UAE 465 UAE 477

Dubai 485 Dubai 525


PISA Rankings: between 2012 and 2015 the UAE moved up one spot in Mathematics, where it now stands

in 47th place, but fell two places in Reading, from 46 to 48 and in

Science, from 44 to 46. However, the UAE Government has an aspiration

to move into the top 20 by 2021.

PISA Scores: both UAE scores and OECD average scores dropped

compared with 2012 levels. The UAE scores are the highest in the region,

but remain below the OECD average. Dubai private schools offering

international curricula performed better than private and public

schools offering MoE curricula. The MoE curricula is being modernised to

address this issue.

Sco

re

380

520

500

480

460

440

420

400

Mathematics MathematicsReading

2012

Reading

2015

Science Science

4846

44

4748 46

Sources: OECD, Ministry of Education, International Monetary Fund, IEA TIMSS


Key Education Trends: Pre-KPre-K enrolment is expected to increase in Dubai & Abu Dhabi, with the latter expected to grow at a faster rate

Figure 6: Pre-K Enrolment Estimates (2013-2021)

*: Estimated figure for Abu Dhabi and actual data for Dubai **: Population estimates include half the 4 year old population to account for academic year considerations Sources: UN, Dubai Statistics Center (DSC), Statistics Centre Abu Dhabi (SCAD), PwC Analysis

Enr

olm

ent

0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

30,000

Population 0-4 (‘000)**

Dubai Enrolment Abu Dhabi Enrolment

2013

433.9 429.0 423.6 417.5 411.3 405.7 400.6 395.5 384.4

2014 2015* 2016E 2017E 2018E 2019E 2020E 2021E

Whilst Dubai has reported having more than 200 nurseries, (around

50 more than Abu Dhabi reported), nursery enrolment in Abu Dhabi

has seen faster growth, which, if it continues, will result in an expected

2016-2021 CAGR of 11.5% compared with 9% in Dubai. Overall

we expect growth to continue as the emphasis on the importance of

early childhood education increases, alongside a move towards higher female participation rates in the

workforce.

OECD average participation rates of 0-2 year olds are estimated at 33%, compared to estimated participation rates of 7% in Abu Dhabi and 10%

in Dubai.


Key Education Trends: K-12Private education enrolment is expected to grow at a CAGR of ~4%, almost 4 times higher than the rate of public education enrolment growth

Figure 7: K-12 Enrolment Estimates (2013-2021)

More than 150,000 new students will enroll between 2016 and 2021 in private K-12 if enrolment growth continues at the current rate – although some of this will be absorbed by capacity in existing school with low utilization rates, particularly those most recently opened. (refer to Figure 9 for a breakdown of school growth in Dubai and Abu Dhabi)

This growth is in line with UN projections, which predict that the overall population will continue to grow until 2021. The K-12 age group (4-18) shows the highest growth during the 2013-2016 period (CAGR 2.7%), and is likely to grow at a slightly slower rate for 2017-2021 (CAGR 2.2%). In 2016, the UAE had 27% of its students in public schools, and it spent around $22,000 (80,000 AED) per student, more than double the OECD average of $9,000 (33,000 AED).

* Population estimates include half the 4 year old population and half the 18 year old population to account for academic year considerations Sources: UN, Ministry of Education, International Monetary Fund, PwC Analysis

No. of Students – Public No. of Students – Private No. of Schools – Public No. of Schools – Private

Enr

olm

ent

(‘000

)

No.

of S

choo

ls

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017E 2018E 2019E 2020E 2021E

1,200

600

800

400

1,400 800

700

200 100

1,000

500

400200

600300

0 0

72%

28%

74%

26%

73%

27%

75%

25%

71%

29%

75%

25%

73%

27%

76%

24%

76%

24%

Population 4-18* (‘000) 1,045 1,057 1,068 1,131 1,174 1,204 1,224 1,235 1,281


By Emirate: K-12 private sector enrolment grew by more than 95,000 between 2013 and 2016 across all seven Emirates, with almost 60% of that growth coming from Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Figure 8: K-12 Enrolment by Emirate (2013, 2016)

Sources: Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), Ministry of Education, Statistics Centre Abu Dhabi (SCAD)

Enr

olm

ent

(‘000

)

Abu Dhabi (includes Al-Ain and Al Garbia)

Dubai Sharjah Ajman Umm Al Quwain Al Fujairah Ras Al Khaimah

300

200

400

350

50

250

150

02013/14 2016/17

63%65%

2013/14 2016/17

79% 81%

2013/14 2016/17

89%90%

2013/14 2016/17

71% 75%

2013/14 2016/17

39% 52%

2013/14 2016/17

38% 41%

2013/14 2016/17

41% 45%

Public Private

Emirates

By Main Markets: Dubai and Abu Dhabi have been growing at similar rates when it comes to K-12 private sector enrolment (~CAGR 4%)

Figure 9: Private K-12 Enrolment Estimates in Dubai and Abu Dhabi (2013-2021)

While enrolment growth rates tend to be similar between the

two Emirates (~CAGR 4%) 2013-2016, the number of schools has grown more quickly in Dubai than Abu Dhabi, possibly due to Abu Dhabi having started off with a higher number of schools. Abu Dhabi may be at the point of

needing to introduce schools at a faster rate to increase capacity if

enrolment growth continues.

* Estimated figure for Abu Dhabi and actual data for DubaiSources: Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), Dubai Statistics Center (DSC), Statistics Centre Abu Dhabi (SCAD), PwC Analysis

300

200

200

350

50

50

250

250

100

100150

150

0 0

Abu-Dhabi Enrollment Dubai Enrollment Abu-Dhabi Schools Dubai Schools

2021E2020E2019E2018E2017*2016201520142013

Enr

olm

ent

(‘000

)

No.

of S

choo

ls


By Curriculum: UK, Indian and US curriculum popularity continues to drive growth in enrolment, with UK preference being significantly higher in Dubai, compared with a mix of preferences in Abu Dhabi

Figure 10: Private K-12 Enrolment Estimates by Curriculum in Dubai and Abu Dhabi (2013-2021)

In Dubai, if UK school enrolment continues to increase, it will represent over a third of the market by 2021. This will translate into 26,000 more enrolments by 2021, representing growth over 6 times higher than any other school curriculum type. In Abu Dhabi, the case is similar for US curriculum schools, where, if enrolment continues to increase, it will represent almost a third of the market in 2021, with more than 21,000 additional enrolments. The drop in MoE curriculum popularity could reflect a preference among parents for more international curricula.

* Other includes IB, among other less common curricula (French, Canadian, etc.)Sources: Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), PwC Analysis

MoEUK IndianUS SABIS Other**

Abu Dhabi

2016201520142013 2017 2019E2018E 2020E 2021E2016201520142013

120,000

80,000

20,000

100,000

40,000

60,000

02017 2019E2018E 2020E 2021E

UK US MoE IBIndian

Enr

olm

ent

Dubai


Figure 12: Private School Utilization Rates by Curriculum in Dubai (2014, 2017)

Figure 13: Private School Utilization Rates by Rating in Dubai (2014, 2017)

* Utilization is calculated by dividing current school enrolment by current school capacity** Fees have been rounded to the nearest thousand Sources: Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA)

Utilization rates by curriculum*

UK Indian US MoE IB Overall

2014 87.5% 88.6% 86.1% 84.2% 93.3% 88%

2017 82% 82% 79% 78% 78% 80%

Average Fees AED** 42,000 14,000 33,000 7,000 69,000 –

Utilization rates by rating*

Outstanding Very Good Good Acceptable Weak

2014 98.5% – 95.3% 90.9% 79.5%

2017 93% 91% 81% 81% 85%

Average Fees AED** 60,000 50,000 32,000 18,000 7,000

By Quality: Overall school quality in Dubai improved over the past 5 years, with schools rated good and higher growing from 49% of total schools to 66%

Overall utilization has dropped across curriculum types meaning that at least some of the projected additional enrolment will be provided for in existing schools. The new capacity in IB in particular has not been filled yet, which could be explained by the high tuition fees of these schools. Despite higher average fees, parents remain willing to send their children to “Outstanding” and “Very Good” schools. On the other hand, the utilization of ‘Good‘ and 'Acceptable' schools has dropped significantly. The ‘Weak' rated schools are now seeing higher utilization, perhaps explained by the closure of the weakest and emptiest schools and the fact that these schools tend to cater to lower income families.

Figure 11: Private School Ratings in Dubai (2013-2017)

2014-15 2016-172013-14 2015-16 2017-18

Sha

re o

f Priv

ate

Sch

ools

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

4.3% 5.0% 4.7% 6.3%3.6%

46.0%43.3%

37.2%

30.8% 30.7%

41.0% 41.8%

38.5%

44.0%41.0%

8.6% 9.9%

19.6% 18.9%

24.7%

Outstanding + Very Good Good Acceptable WeakSchool Ratings:


By Market Size: There is a shortage of quality schools in the AED 30,000-50,000 fee range

Figure 14: Private School Fee Distribution by Size, Curriculum and Rating in Dubai (2017)

Figure 15: Private School Market Size Estimates in Dubai and Abu Dhabi (2013-2021)**

* Estimated figure for Abu Dhabi and actual data for Dubai**Abu Dhabi and Dubai K-12 private school market size based on tuition fee (AED) and enrolmentSources: Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), PwC Analysis

The Dubai and Abu Dhabi markets are expected to grow at CAGR rates of

7-8%, with Dubai growing at a slightly higher rate to a

market value almost 4 billion AED higher than that of Abu

Dhabi in 2021.0

2

4

6

8

10

12

2016*2015*2014*

Dubai Abu Dhabi

2013 2017* 2019E2018E 2020E 2021E

Dubai’s average fees per student is around 26,000 AED, with the majority of schools charging fees below 30,000 AED, particularly where schools tend be bigger and have ratings of “Good” or lower. The majority of “Very Good” and “Outstanding” Schools charge average fees over 40,000 AED. There is a market gap for schools in the 30,000-50,000 AED range, specifically for high quality schools.

Bill

ions

(AE

D)

Outstanding

Very Good

Good

Acceptable

Weak

UK

Indian

US

MoE

IB

20000 60000 8000010000 5000030000 70000 90000 1000000

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

12,000

Sch

ool S

ize

(Enr

olm

ent)

40000

)

Average Fees (AED)


Key Education Trends: Higher EducationThe environment is uncertain, but Higher Education enrolment has the potential to grow by around 5,500 students by 2021

Higher education enrolment grew between 2013 and 2015 but fell in 2016, due to a drop in private enrolment estimated at -2.5%. If enrolment continues to drop at the same pace, the market will lose more than 10,000 students in private HE by 2021, in what could be called a pessimistic scenario.

On the other hand, the 18-24 population is projected to grow at a CAGR of around 2% (2017-2021), inbound student numbers exceeded 70,000 in 2016, and recent reforms have extended student visas from 1 year to 5 years and up to 10 years for “exceptional” students. These factors, in addition to the arrival of highly ranked universities such as University of Birmingham, are likely to drive recovery in a “supply driven” market, closing some of the gaps resulting from the small range of programs currently offered. An optimistic scenario could see private enrolment continuing to grow linearly at a CAGR of 3.5%, adding more than 21,000 students by 2021.

The reality may be somewhere between these scenarios, where some recovery is expected, but at a growth rate lower than that seen over the past few years. We estimate both public and private enrolment will grow at a CAGR of around 0.7%, resulting in more than 5,500 extra enrolments by 2021.

Figure 16: Higher Education Enrolment Estimates (2013-2021)

*2014 is an estimateSources: Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), UN, UNESCO, Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority (FCSA), PwC Analysis

140,000

120,000

80,000

20,000

100,000

40,000

60,000

0

201620152014*2013 2017E 2019E2018E 2020E 2021E

Public Private PwC Estimate Pessimistic Scenario Optimistic Scenario

Enr

olm

ent


By Emirate: Dubai and Abu Dhabi dominate with the largest number of higher education students

In Dubai private provision makes up a much larger proportion of seats while in Abu Dhabi the split is even, likely driven both by the fact that ~70% of Abu Dhabi students are Emiratis, compared with ~35% in Dubai. Equally important for understanding the difference is the impact of Dubai’s academic free zones, which attract a large number of private universities and international branch campuses to the Emirate, making private higher education a more attractive option for students seeking quality international education.

Figure 17: Higher Education Enrolment Estimates by Emirate and by Sector (2016)

( ) Number of Universities

2016-17

2013-14

Umm Al Quwain

Private 423 (1)Public 0

Private 111 (1)Public 0

Ajman

Private 10,198 (4)Public 0

Private 9,325 (4)Public 0

Dubai

Private 47,871 (54)Public 8,996 (2)

Private 43,175 (54)Public 9,411 (3)

Abu Dhabi

Private 28,586 (29)Public 28,516 (3)

Private 23,153 (31)Public 28,180 (6)

Ras Al Khaimah

Private 2,143 (2)Public 2,583 (1)

Private 2,418 (3)Public 2,033 (1)

Al Fujairah

Private 1,703 (2)Public 2,044 (1)

Private 1,612 (2)Public 2,234 (1)

Sharjah

Private 21,556 (7)Public 4,498 (1)

Private 19,794 (6)Public 3,527 (1)

Sources: Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), Dubai Statistics Center (DSC), Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority (FCSA)

By Main Markets: The biggest drop in private higher education enrolment in the UAE in 2016 came from Dubai’s non free zone universities

Enrolment in KHDA HEIs continued to grow, with the drop in 2016 coming from private HEIs outside of free zones in Dubai. Abu Dhabi’s growth slowed in 2016 but did not see a drop in enrolment, continuing a trend of slower yet steady increase over the past 4 years.

Figure 18: Higher Education Enrolment Estimates in Dubai and Abu Dhabi (2013-2016)

*2014 is an estimateSources: Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority (FCSA)

201620152014*2013 2013 2014* 2015 2016

70,000

60,000

40,000

10,000

50,000

20,000

30,000

0

22,261 24,816 23,266 18,899

9,411 9,358 9,305 8,996

28,180 28,091 28,001 28,516

20,914

52,586

59,801 60,31056,867

51,333 53,84856,361 57,102

25,627 27,739 28,972 23,153 25,757 28,360 28,586

Public Private Private FZ

Dubai Abu Dhabi

CAGR 2013-2016 Public Dubai -1.5% | AD: 0.4%

CAGR 2013-2016 Private Dubai: -5.3% | AD: 7.3%

CAGR 2013-2016 Private FZ Dubai: 11.5%


By Specialization: There is little annual variation in graduating students’ specializations, despite changing labor market needs, with Business and Engineering continuing to be the top choices in both public and private universities

Public universities tend to have more diversity among their graduating students’ specializations than private HEIs in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where 75% of all graduating students fall under 2 specializations: Business and Engineering in Dubai and Business and Education in Abu Dhabi. Private universities are also driven to offer more profitable programs, and often stay away from programs that either attract smaller enrolment numbers or have higher infrastructure and running costs. Examples include Medicine, Arts, Sports, History, Archaeology etc.

The UAE has a relatively low number of postgraduate students compared with mature markets and the number of undergraduate students in the country. To enhance its global standing in education, more is required to increase the number and attractiveness of postgraduate courses available as well as the availability of research funding.

Figure 19: Higher Education Graduates by Specialization in UAE Public Institutions (2015)

Figure 20: Higher Education Graduates by Specialization in Dubai and Abu Dhabi Private Institutions (2015)

Sources: Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority (FCSA), Statistics Centre Abu Dhabi (SCAD)

Business & Economics

Engineering

Information Technology

Human & Social Sciences

Communication & Media Sciences

Education

Environment & Health Sciences

Other

UAE Public Education

Total: 6,509

Abu Dhabi PrivateTotal: 2,806

Dubai PrivateTotal: 5 ,943

Other includes IT, Medical Sciences, Arts & Design, Foreign languages, Sciences, Food and Agriculture along with undeclared and foundation year.

33% 45%

2015-16

2013-14

13% 7%

5% 4%

6% 5%

9% 5%

8% 5%

12% 14%

13% 15%

Business & Economics

Education

Engineering & Technology

Other Social Sciences

Other

2015-16

2013-14Other includes Architecture and Construction, Education, Health and Medicine, Humanities, Law, Natural & Physical Sciences, Tourism and Hospitality along with undeclared and foundation year

Other includes Humanities, Arts & Religion, Medical & Health Sciences, Natural Sciences

10% 11%

63% 67%

2% 2%

38% 38%

13% 11% 38%

31%

6% 5%

13% 14%

7% 6%

9% 15%

Business

Engineering

Information Technology

Media & design

2015-16

2013-14

Other


UAE leadership recognizes the need to move away from business and finance courses and focus more on STEAM related subjects in preparation for a job market where technological disruption is underway and a push to reduce the current dependency on government employment will increase the need for private sector participation. Priority sectors identified as needed for the UAE’s future job market include:

• Energy and Petrochemicals

• Travel, Tourism and Hospitality

• Manufacturing

• Trade and Logistics

• Financial Services

• Technology, Media and Communications

• Construction*

The UAE’s national vision and major projects like the Expo 2020 are likely to influence a transition towards specializations like Information Technology, the Sciences, Communication, Media and Design, alongside a continued focus on engineering. However, to what extent and speed both the private universities and the student population will respond is yet to be determined. Private universities are unlikely to be able to invest in new programs with low initial student numbers, a gap that public universities might be expected to fill. Student uptake of these programs may need a combination of a necessary shift in mindset, alongside a rapid shift in the job market to supply new jobs that will encourage students to venture towards different specializations.

*The composition of the construction labor force is skewed towards lower skilled labor, and is dependent on the growth of other sectors, so is not considered a priority field for student studies.Sources: Knowledge and Human Development Authority, Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority (FCSA), Statistics Centre Abu Dhabi, British Council Future Skills Report


Sara MarieManager

E: [email protected]

Contact us

Sally JefferyPartner


Roland HancockSenior Director


PwC works nationally and internationally in the education sector with governments, agencies and private sector organizations. If you want to talk to our Middle East team of dedicated specialists who focus exclusively on the education sector, please get in touch.

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This publication has been prepared for general guidance on matters of interest only, and does not constitute professional advice. You should not act upon the information contained in this publication without obtaining specific professional advice. No representation or warranty (express or implied) is given as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this publication, and, to the extent permitted by law, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, its members, employees and agents do not accept or assume any liability, responsibility or duty of care for any consequences of you or anyone else acting, or refraining to act, in reliance on the information contained in this publication or for any decision based on it.

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Understanding Middle East Education...UAE Country Profile | 2 This series of infographics provides a country by country overview of the education sector in the Middle East The UAE