ADEC encourages investment in private kindergartens

The Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) is encouraging school investors to open more standalone kindergartens in the emirate.

During an investment workshop organised by ADEC's business development division, more than 60 attendees, including existing and potential investors were offered information on investment opportunities for private schools in Abu Dhabi, including the private schools licensing process, and details on banking requirements to review school financing.

There are currently 191 private schools in Abu Dhabi, serving around 245,000 students, out of which 24.6% are Emirati and 74.4% expatriates, with over 14 different curricula offered. Approximately 45,000 students are enrolled in kindergarten, representing 18% of private school students.

Commenting on the event, Dr Tareq Al Amiri, business development division manager at ADEC's Private Schools and Quality Assurance (PSQA) sector said: "For the first time, we are launching a tailor made investment workshop that is especially delivered and designed to offer transparent and detailed information to investors, while showcasing the different opportunities available in the market.

"Our main aim is to keep investors updated on our framework, while guiding them on what is exactly required to start up a new school or refurbish an existing one, especially since we now encourage stand-alone kindergartens schools."

Sixty five new private schools have opened in Abu Dhabi in the last six years, and student enrolment at private schools is expected to grow at an average rate of 5% over the next few years.

"The education market in Abu Dhabi has witnessed sustainable growth in the past few years due to investors becoming more familiar with current and future market needs, which is exactly what we'd like to achieve and witness here in ADEC," added Al Amiri.