Dubai schools allowed 5-7% hike in fees

The Executive Council of Dubai on Sunday announced its decision to cap the increase in school fees between 5-7%. The increase would depend on the performance of the schools. According to the resolution, schools that are evaluated “outstanding” can increase by 7%, and those that are “good” can hike by 6%. Schools that are branded acceptable or poor can increase by 5%. It adds that if the cost of education index is negative or zero, then no increase is allowed. The resolution further explained that a framework would be developed to give the schools the right to apply for restructuring their fees if the inflation rates negatively impacts the profitability and development of their services. Abdullah Al Shaibani, Secretary-General of the Executive Council of the Dubai, said, “The function of the Executive Council is to adopt policies that will contribute to meeting the needs of Emiratis and residents in the Emirate of Dubai and increase the competitiveness of the emirate socially and economically.” According to the Dubai Statistics Center and the Knowledge and Human Development, the cost of education index saw an increase in 2013 at 1.74%. KHDA explained that staff salaries of private schools formed 60 per cent of their operating costs, followed by rent, maintenance, electricity, water and other factors. It said these factors were used in the process of calculating the cost of education index. Emirates 24/7