United Arab Emirates Education Spending
Government expenditure on education as % of GDP SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS
United Arab Emirates's education spending was 3.89% in 2021, ranked 68th globally. This represents a 2.3% decrease from 2020. Data from World Bank, covering 2019–2021.
Overview
United Arab Emirates's education spending stood at 3.89% in 2021, a decline of +0.09% from 2020. United Arab Emirates ranked 68th globally.
The United Arab Emirates devoted 3.89 percent of its gross domestic product to education in 2021, ranking it 68th globally according to World Bank data. This level represents a modest rise from the all‑time trough of 3.86 percent recorded in 2019 and sits just below the all‑time peak of 3.98 percent reached in 2020, suggesting a slight consolidation after a brief surge. The UAE’s spending is comparable to that of the Philippines, which allocated 3.87 percent of GDP to education, and marginally lower than Peru’s 3.93 percent, indicating that the emirate remains within the mid‑range of investment among peers. Over the three‑year coverage period, the upward trajectory has been gradual, reflecting steady policy commitment rather than abrupt fiscal shifts. Continued emphasis on curriculum reform and vocational training could sustain or modestly increase the share of GDP devoted to education, keeping the UAE’s trajectory upward in the near term.
Data & projection
| Year | Education Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 3.89% | −0.09% | #68 |
| 2020 | 3.98% | +0.12% | #68 |
| 2019 | 3.86% | – | #74 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
United Arab Emirates matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw education spending improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
United Arab Emirates's education spending was 3.89% in 2021. Ranked 68th globally. This represents a 2.3% decrease from the previous year.
United Arab Emirates's education spending peaked at 3.98% in 2020.
The lowest education spending in United Arab Emirates was 3.86% in 2019.
United Arab Emirates ranks 68th globally in education spending as of 2021.
The World Bank indicator code is SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
The education spending of United Arab Emirates in 2021 was 3.89%. This ranks 68th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_united-arab-emirates_education-spending-gdp,
title = {United Arab Emirates Education Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/united-arab-emirates/education-spending-gdp/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}