Choosing the right school in Dubai for your child is a crucial decision. With more than 200 private schools in the city, a range of curricula (British, IB, American, Indian, French, etc.), and wide fee variations, getting the right information is essential for parents moving to or living in Dubai.
Dubai’s education market is regulated by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), which rates schools on quality indicators like teaching, learning environment, curriculum breadth, and student outcomes. Schools with an “Outstanding” KHDA rating are considered among the best in the emirate.
1. Dubai International Academy – Al Barsha (IB Curriculum)
Location: Al Barsha, Dubai
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate (IB) – PYP, MYP & DP
Tuition Fees: ~AED 60,000 – 80,000 per year
Overview:
Dubai International Academy (DIA) is one of the most respected International Baccalaureate schools in the city, known for its global focus, inquiry-based learning, and strong university placement record. The school offers programs from early years through IB Diploma, promoting international mindedness and critical thinking.
Why It Stands Out:
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Excellent IB academic framework
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Diverse international student body
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Strong extracurricular and leadership programs
2. GEMS Wellington International School – Al Sufouh
Location: Al Sufouh, near Sheikh Zayed Road
Curriculum: British National & IB Diploma
Tuition Fees: ~AED 46,000 – 101,000 per year
Overview:
Part of the respected GEMS network, Wellington offers both the British National Curriculum and the International Baccalaureate Diploma. It has strong academic performance, extensive facilities, and extracurricular choices like arts, sports, and leadership clubs.
Why It Stands Out:
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Balanced British and IB pathways
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Large student community
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Strategic, accessible location
3. GEMS Modern Academy – Nad Al Sheba
Location: Nad Al Sheba
Curriculum: Indian (ICSE) with optional IB Diploma
Tuition Fees: ~AED 30,000 – 72,000 per year
Overview:
One of the only Indian-curriculum schools in Dubai that also offers an IB pathway, GEMS Modern Academy blends academic depth with extracurriculars. It’s particularly popular with families seeking strong STEM and language programs.
Why It Stands Out:
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Dual curriculum options
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Diverse student body
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Ranked Outstanding by KHDA
4. Repton School Dubai – Nad Al Sheba
Location: Nad Al Sheba
Curriculum: British (IGCSE & A-Level)
Tuition Fees: ~AED 57,000 – 102,000 + per year
Overview:
Repton is an established British school with primary through secondary education. It’s known for academic excellence, holistic development, and boarding options for older students.
Why It Stands Out:
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Long-standing reputation for quality
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Strong sports and arts programs
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Consistently strong KHDA ratings
5. Jumeirah College – Al Safa 1
Location: Al Safa, Dubai
Curriculum: British (IGCSE & A-Level)
Tuition Fees: ~AED 75,000 – 99,000 per year
Overview:
Part of GEMS Education, Jumeirah College serves older students (secondary), focusing on rigorous academics and preparing learners for top universities worldwide. Ghigher educational outcomes and parent satisfaction rates make it sought-after.
6. Dubai British School – Emirates Hills
Location: Emirates Hills
Curriculum: British (IGCSE & A-Level)
Tuition Fees: ~AED 49,000 – 79,000 per year
Overview:
Operated by the Taaleem group, this British curriculum school emphasizes academic excellence, leadership, and community engagement. Families often choose this school for its reputation and strong outcomes.
7. Deira International School – Festival City
Location: Dubai Festival City
Curriculum: British & IB
Tuition Fees: ~AED 44,600 – 89,800 per year
Overview:
Deira International offers a combination of British primary years and IB opportunities, promoting inquiry learning and global citizenship. It has a multicultural student base and modern facilities.
8. Horizons English School – Al Wasl
Location: Al Wasl, Dubai
Curriculum: British
Tuition Fees: ~AED 43,800 – 58,800 per year
Overview:
Horizons is a primary-only British curriculum school with a focus on individual growth, creativity, and community spirit.
Why It Stands Out:
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Strong focus on early learning
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Tight-knit community
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Affordable compared to secondary schools
9. Dubai College – Al Sufouh
Location: Al Sufouh
Curriculum: British (IGCSE & A-Level)
Tuition Fees: ~AED 97,000 – 110,000 per year
Overview:
Dubai College consistently ranks as one of the most academically prestigious schools in Dubai. Its British curriculum, combined with rigorous teaching and excellent university matriculation results, makes it a top choice for many families.
10. Nord Anglia International School – Al Barsha
Location: Al Barsha
Curriculum: British & IB Diploma
Tuition Fees: ~AED 69,600 – 105,000 per year
Overview:
Part of the global Nord Anglia Education group, this school emphasizes global citizenship, innovation, and experiential learning.
11. Safa Community School – Al Barsha
Location: Al Barsha
Curriculum: British & IB
Tuition Fees: ~AED 54,400 – 89,400 per year
Overview:
A dynamic, culturally diverse school with strong community engagement, Safa combines British curriculum strengths with IB approaches.
12. Emirates International School – Multiple Campuses
Location: Meadows & Jumeirah
Curriculum: IB & American
Tuition Fees: Typically ~AED 60,000 – 90,000 per year
Overview:
Well-known for its IB Primary Years and Middle Years Programs, Emirates International is valued for academic excellence and learner-centered teaching.
13. Russian International School – Muhaisnah
Location: Muhaisnah
Curriculum: Russian
Tuition Fees: ~AED 14,000 – 22,000 per year
Overview:
This school is unique in offering the Russian national curriculum in Dubai. It’s popular with Russian-speaking families and those seeking that specific educational track.
Top 13 Schools in Dubai – Comparison & Quick Guide
| School Name | Curriculum | Area / Location | KHDA Reputation | Approx Annual Fee Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai International Academy – Al Barsha | IB (PYP, MYP, DP) | Al Barsha | Outstanding | AED 60,000 – 80,000 |
| GEMS Wellington International School | British + IB | Al Sufouh | Outstanding | AED 46,000 – 101,000 |
| GEMS Modern Academy | Indian + IB | Nad Al Sheba | Outstanding | AED 30,000 – 72,000 |
| Repton School Dubai | British | Nad Al Sheba | Outstanding | AED 57,000 – 102,000+ |
| Jumeirah College | British | Al Safa | Outstanding | AED 75,000 – 99,000 |
| Dubai British School | British | Emirates Hills | Outstanding | AED 49,000 – 79,000 |
| Deira International School | British + IB | Festival City | Very Good / Outstanding | AED 44,000 – 89,000 |
| Horizons English School | British (Primary) | Al Wasl | Very Good | AED 43,000 – 58,000 |
| Dubai College | British | Al Sufouh | Outstanding | AED 97,000 – 110,000 |
| Nord Anglia International School | British + IB | Al Barsha | Outstanding | AED 69,000 – 105,000 |
| Safa Community School | British + IB | Al Barsha | Outstanding | AED 54,000 – 89,000 |
| Emirates International School | IB + American | Meadows & Jumeirah | Very Good | AED 60,000 – 90,000 |
| Russian International School | Russian | Muhaisnah | Good | AED 14,000 – 22,000 |
Location-Focused Table
| Area | Best Schools in This Area | Why Parents Choose |
|---|---|---|
| Al Barsha | Dubai International Academy, Nord Anglia, Safa Community School | Central location, premium facilities, strong academics |
| Al Sufouh | GEMS Wellington, Dubai College | Easy access, reputable British curriculum |
| Nad Al Sheba | Repton School, GEMS Modern Academy | Large campuses, high-ranking |
| Emirates Hills | Dubai British School | Strong UK academic track |
| Festival City | Deira International School | Balanced academics & IB |
| Al Wasl | Horizons English School | Best for primary level |
| Meadows / Jumeirah | Emirates International School | IB plus international diversity |
| Muhaisnah | Russian International School | Affordable and specific curriculum focus |
Curriculum Comparison Table
| Curriculum Type | Schools Offering It | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| IB Curriculum | Dubai International Academy, Nord Anglia, Deira International, Emirates International | Global university goals, analytical learning |
| British Curriculum | GEMS Wellington, Dubai British School, Jumeirah College, Repton, Dubai College, Safa School, Horizons | Structured academic system, UK pathways |
| Indian Curriculum | GEMS Modern Academy | Indian expat families, strong academics |
| American / Hybrid | Emirates International School | Flexible learning + IB |
| Russian Curriculum | Russian International School | Russian speaking families |
Fee Band Comparison Table
| Fee Category | Schools Included | Parent Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Affordable (AED 10,000 – 25,000) | Russian International School | Budget families |
| Mid Range (AED 30,000 – 60,000) | GEMS Modern Academy, Horizons, Deira International (lower grades) | Balanced investment |
| Premium (AED 60,000 – 90,000) | DIA, GEMS Wellington, Safa, Nord Anglia | Strong academics + facilities |
| Ultra Premium (AED 90,000 – 120,000+) | Dubai College, Repton, Wellington top grades | Elite academic tier |
School Fees in Dubai – Quick Breakdown
Dubai offers every budget tier:
• Low fee schools: AED 8,000 – 20,000 yearly
• Mid tier schools: AED 30,000 – 60,000 yearly
• Premium international schools: AED 60,000 – 100,000+
• Elite schools: AED 100,000+
Additional Costs Parents Should Expect:
• Registration Fee
• Security Deposit (refundable in many schools)
• Uniform
• Transport Fee
• Books & Resources
• Examination Charges (especially IB & A-Level)
How Admissions Work in Dubai
Parents generally need:
• Application Submission
• Assessment or Interview
• Offer Letter
• Document Submission (Passport, Emirates ID, Visa etc.)
• Fee Payment & Seat Confirmation
Admissions open early. For top schools, apply 6 to 12 months in advance.
School Fees in Dubai – What to Expect
School fees in Dubai vary enormously depending on curriculum, facilities, and reputation:
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Budget-friendly schools: ~AED 8,000 – 20,000 per year (national curricula or modest international schools).
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Mid-range international schools: ~AED 30,000 – 70,000.
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Top-tier schools: ~AED 70,000 – 110,000+.
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Ultra-premium new schools: over AED 116,000 or more.
These fees often do not include registration fees (AED 500–2,000), security deposits (5–10% of annual fees), uniforms, books, transport, and extracurricular or exam fees, which can significantly add to total costs.
How School Admissions Work in Dubai
KHDA Fact Sheets: Dubai schools must publish transparent fee structures via KHDA School Fees Fact Sheets, showing tuition plus optional charges
Application Timeline: Many schools have application deadlines 12–18 months before the academic year starts. Competitive schools often fill early.
Curriculum Choice: Choose based on long-term goals — IB for global universities, British for structured international standards, American for flexible K-12 progression.
