In “Private Tutoring in the UAE,” Research Associate Samar Farah presented findings of her work on the prevalence and effects of private tutoring in the UAE education system.

Private tutoring, also known as shadow education due its informal nature, is a worldwide phenomenon which has been growing steadily and which accounts for close to 3% of Gross Domestic Products in some countries. A recent survey conducted by the Dubai School of Government found that more than 65% of Emirati students in grade 12 attend private tutoring lessons. While there can be benefits both to students and teachers, private tutoring also has serious negative implications not only for the individuals involved but the education system as a whole.

This presentation gave an overview of shadow education, its reach and patterns worldwide. It highlighted the results from the recent study revealing private tutoring practices among Emiratis. The presentation concluded with a discussion of the consequences of private tutoring and offered policy recommendations to address the issue.

Samar Farah is a Research Associate at Dubai School of Government, where her research focuses on education policy. She joined DSG in April 2008 after obtaining her Master’s degree in Globalization and Development from the University of Warwick in the United Kingdom.