EDUCATION & SCHOOLS

Navigate Dubai's diverse educational landscape and find the perfect school for your children

Navigate Dubai's diverse educational landscape and find the perfect school for your children

Navigate Dubai's diverse educational landscape and find the perfect school for your children

CURRICULUM OPTIONS

CURRICULUM OPTIONS

British Curriculum

GCSE and A-Level qualifications recognized worldwide

Key Features:

National Curriculum of England

  • GCSE examinations at age 16

  • A-Level qualifications for university

  • Strong emphasis on core subjects

  • Recognized by UK universities

Popular Schools:

GEMS Wellington

  • Dubai English Speaking College

  • Jumeirah College

British Curriculum

GCSE and A-Level qualifications recognized worldwide

Key Features:

National Curriculum of England

  • GCSE examinations at age 16

  • A-Level qualifications for university

  • Strong emphasis on core subjects

  • Recognized by UK universities

Popular Schools:

GEMS Wellington

  • Dubai English Speaking College

  • Jumeirah College

American Curriculum

US-based education system with High School Diploma

Key Features:

Common Core State Standards

  • SAT and AP examinations

  • High School Diploma

  • Flexible course selection

  • Strong extracurricular focus

Popular Schools:

Dubai American Academy

  • American School of Dubai

  • GEMS American Academy

American Curriculum

US-based education system with High School Diploma

Key Features:

Common Core State Standards

  • SAT and AP examinations

  • High School Diploma

  • Flexible course selection

  • Strong extracurricular focus

Popular Schools:

Dubai American Academy

  • American School of Dubai

  • GEMS American Academy

International Baccalaureate (IB)

Globally recognized program fostering critical thinking

Key Features:

PYP, MYP, and DP programs

  • Holistic education approach

  • International perspective

  • University preparation focus

  • Recognized worldwide

Popular Schools:

Dubai International Academy

  • GEMS World Academy

  • Raffles World Academy

International Baccalaureate (IB)

Globally recognized program fostering critical thinking

Key Features:

PYP, MYP, and DP programs

  • Holistic education approach

  • International perspective

  • University preparation focus

  • Recognized worldwide

Popular Schools:

Dubai International Academy

  • GEMS World Academy

  • Raffles World Academy

Indian Curriculum

CBSE and ICSE boards for Indian expatriate families

Key Features:

National Curriculum of England

  • GCSE examinations at age 16

  • A-Level qualifications for university

  • Strong emphasis on core subjects

  • Recognized by UK universities

Popular Schools:

  • Delhi Private School

  • GEMS Our Own English High School

  • Indian High School

Indian Curriculum

CBSE and ICSE boards for Indian expatriate families

Key Features:

National Curriculum of England

  • GCSE examinations at age 16

  • A-Level qualifications for university

  • Strong emphasis on core subjects

  • Recognized by UK universities

Popular Schools:

  • Delhi Private School

  • GEMS Our Own English High School

  • Indian High School

ADMISSION PROCESS

ADMISSION PROCESS

1

Research & Shortlist

Research schools based on curriculum, location, fees, and facilities. Create a shortlist of 3-5 schools.

1

Research & Shortlist

Research schools based on curriculum, location, fees, and facilities. Create a shortlist of 3-5 schools.

1

Research & Shortlist

Research schools based on curriculum, location, fees, and facilities. Create a shortlist of 3-5 schools.

2

School Tours

Book tours to visit campuses, meet staff, and understand the school culture and environment.

2

School Tours

Book tours to visit campuses, meet staff, and understand the school culture and environment.

2

School Tours

Book tours to visit campuses, meet staff, and understand the school culture and environment.

3

Application Submission

Complete application forms with required documents: passport copies, previous school records, photos.

3

Application Submission

Complete application forms with required documents: passport copies, previous school records, photos.

3

Application Submission

Complete application forms with required documents: passport copies, previous school records, photos.

4

Assessment & Interview

Students may need to complete entrance assessments. Some schools conduct parent interviews.

4

Assessment & Interview

Students may need to complete entrance assessments. Some schools conduct parent interviews.

4

Assessment & Interview

Students may need to complete entrance assessments. Some schools conduct parent interviews.

5

Offer & Enrollment

Receive admission offer, pay registration fees, and complete enrollment process before term starts.

5

Offer & Enrollment

Receive admission offer, pay registration fees, and complete enrollment process before term starts.

5

Offer & Enrollment

Receive admission offer, pay registration fees, and complete enrollment process before term starts.

COMPARE SCHOOLS

COMPARE SCHOOLS

Gems Wellington International

Dubai American Academy

Gems World Academy

housing

Gems Wellington International
Dubai American Academy
Gems World Academy

Curriculum

British

American

International Baccalaureate

Location

Al Sufouh

Al Barsha

Al Barsha South

KHDA Rating

Outstanding

Outstanding

Outstanding

Annual Fees

AED 75,000 - 95,000

AED 70,000 - 90,000

AED 85,000 - 105,000

Waiting List

yes

no

no

Sports Programs

Football Swimming Tennis Cricket

Basketball Soccer Track & Field Baseball

Football Basketball Swimming Athletics

Facilities

Olympic Pool Sports Complex Tennis Courts

Sports Hall Track Baseball Diamond

Aquatic Center Multi-Sport Complex

SCHOOL DIRECTORY

SCHOOL DIRECTORY

GEMS Wellington International School

British Curriculum

Grades:

FS1 - Year 13

Location:

Academic City

Annual Fees:

AED 75,000 - 95,000

contact:

+971 4 364 8000

GEMS Wellington International School

British Curriculum

Grades:

FS1 - Year 13

Location:

Academic City

Annual Fees:

AED 75,000 - 95,000

contact:

+971 4 364 8000

Dubai American Academy

British Curriculum

Grades:

Pre-K - Grade 12

Location:

Al Barsha

Annual Fees:

AED 70,000 - 90,000

contact:

+971 4 347 9222

GEMS World Academy

International Baccalaureate (IB)

Grades:

FS1 - Grade 12

Location:

Al Barsha South

Annual Fees:

AED 75,000 - 95,000

contact:

+971 4 364 8000

British Curriculum

British Curriculum

Grades:

Year 7 - Year 13

Location:

Academic City

Annual Fees:

AED 80,000 - 95,000

contact:

+971 4 360 0000

American School of Dubai

American Curriculum

Grades:

Pre-K - Grade 12

Location:

Al Barsha

Annual Fees:

AED 85,000 - 100,000

contact:

+971 4 344 0824

Raffles World Academy

International Baccalaureate (IB)

Grades:

FS1 - Grade 12

Location:

Umm Suqeim

Annual Fees:

AED 65,000 - 85,000

contact:

+971 4 427 0600

SPORTS ACADEMIES

SPORTS ACADEMIES

Aspire Academy Dubai

Elite sports training integrated with academic curriculum

Sports Offered:

Football
Basketball
Athletics

Age Range:

8-18 years

Aspire Academy Dubai

Elite sports training integrated with academic curriculum

Sports Offered:

Football
Basketball
Athletics

Age Range:

8-18 years

Dubai Sports City Academy

Professional coaching in world-class facilities

Sports Offered:

Cricket
Football
Tennis
Golf

Age Range:

5-18 years


Dubai Sports City Academy

Professional coaching in world-class facilities

Sports Offered:

Cricket
Football
Tennis
Golf

Age Range:

5-18 years


IMG Academy Dubai

International sports academy with boarding options

Sports Offered:

Tennis
Golf
Football

Age Range:

12-18 years

IMG Academy Dubai

International sports academy with boarding options

Sports Offered:

Tennis
Golf
Football

Age Range:

12-18 years

KEY CONSIDERATIONS

KEY CONSIDERATIONS

School Fees

Annual fees range from AED 20,000 to AED 100,000+ depending on curriculum and school rating. Budget for registration, uniforms, and transportation.

School Fees

Annual fees range from AED 20,000 to AED 100,000+ depending on curriculum and school rating. Budget for registration, uniforms, and transportation.

KHDA Ratings

Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) rates schools from Outstanding to Weak. Check latest inspection reports.

KHDA Ratings

Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) rates schools from Outstanding to Weak. Check latest inspection reports.

Sports Programs

For athletic families, evaluate sports facilities, coaching quality, and competitive programs. Some schools have elite sports academies.

Sports Programs

For athletic families, evaluate sports facilities, coaching quality, and competitive programs. Some schools have elite sports academies.

Location & Transport

Consider proximity to home and workplace. Most schools offer bus services with additional fees. Traffic patterns affect commute times.

Location & Transport

Consider proximity to home and workplace. Most schools offer bus services with additional fees. Traffic patterns affect commute times.

Waiting Lists

Popular schools have waiting lists. Apply early, ideally 6-12 months before intended start date. Some accept mid-year admissions.

Waiting Lists

Popular schools have waiting lists. Apply early, ideally 6-12 months before intended start date. Some accept mid-year admissions.

Special Needs

Schools vary in special educational needs (SEN) support. Inquire about learning support programs and inclusion policies.

Special Needs

Schools vary in special educational needs (SEN) support. Inquire about learning support programs and inclusion policies.

SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR

SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR

Most Dubai schools follow a September to June academic year with three terms. Some schools offer mid-year admissions in January. Plan your relocation timing accordingly for smooth transitions.

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MIDDLE EAST

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The premier source for GCC sports news and relocation guidance for athletes and sports executives. Powered by Premier Sports Network.

Copyright © 2025 by Middle East Sports Network

MIDDLE EAST

SPORTS NETWORK

The premier source for GCC sports news and relocation guidance for athletes and sports executives. Powered by Premier Sports Network.

Copyright © 2025 by Middle East Sports Network

MIDDLE EAST

SPORTS NETWORK

The premier source for GCC sports news and relocation guidance for athletes and sports executives. Powered by Premier Sports Network.

Copyright © 2025 by Middle East Sports Network