There are numerous private schools for expatriate children throughout the United Arab Emirates although they can be oversubscribed so it is wise to apply as soon as possible. Schooling can be expensive (e.g. the High School at the American Community School in Abu Dhabi is over 10,000 US dollars per year/41,475 dirhams per year). There is no free state education for those who are not UAE nationals.

In addition to international schools a number of overseas colleges and universities now offer part or full degree courses to expats living in the UAE.