Education represents a basic human right and a major priority for Arab Governments. Over recent years, the Arab region has witnessed a substantial increase in enrolment rates and one of the highest rates of government spending on education in the world. At the same time, however, public education systems are under growing strain, with considerable variations in access, quality and relevance. Against this backdrop, private and civil society actors in many Arab countries have become increasingly involved in the provision of education.

The present study explores major trends related to non-State provision of education in the Arab region. It falls under a series of research conducted by ESCWA’s Social Development Division in view of providing further evidence on the distribution of responsibilities between State, market and civil society actors in the provision of social services and social protection.