Schools also follow different curricula, such as British, International Baccalaureate (IB), American or bilingual. Additionally, tuition fees range from moderate to very high. This guide summarises some of Dubai’s best‑regarded international schools (based on KHDA ratings and independent reviews), including recent fee ranges, facilities, and curricula, to help parents make informed choices.
Understanding the main curricula
British curriculum (National Curriculum of England)
This is structured programme from Foundation Stage (FS) through GCSEs and A‑Levels, emphasising step‑by‑step progress and global recognition. Driven Properties notes that the British curriculum balances academics, creativity, sport, and personal development.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
A globally recognised programme with four stages: Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), Diploma Programme (DP) and Career‑related Programme (CP). It promotes independent thinking and inquiry. Driven Properties notes that IB schools are popular in Dubai because top universities worldwide value the Diploma Programme.
American curriculum
Based on US standards, the American curriculum offers a broad liberal‑arts education and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. American schools often emphasise sports and co‑curricular activities and typically prepare students for admission to US universities.
Other curricula
Dubai also hosts French, German, and Indian (CBSE or ICSE) schools, as well as bilingual programmes (e.g., English–Arabic or English–French/German). CBSE schools are popular with Indian families and generally have much lower fees than IB or British schools, but the current fee sheets were inaccessible.
Top IB schools in Dubai
| School | Key features (curriculum & facilities) | Fee range (AED, 2025‑26) | KHDA rating & notable data |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai International Academy, Emirates Hills | Offers the full IB continuum (PYP–DP). The school runs a Future Skills Programme and had an average IB Diploma score of 35. | 40,900 – 72,600 | Rated Very Good. Emphasises future‑ready skills. |
| Jumeira Baccalaureate School | Full IB PYP–DP with a French francophone stream and rooftop sports facilities; IB Diploma average score 31.5. | 39,700 – 84,100 | Rated Very Good. Diverse enrichment programmes. |
| GEMS World Academy (Al Barsha South) | Full IB continuum (PYP–CP); strong arts, music and innovation focus. IB Diploma average 32.0. | 40,000 – 114,000 | Very Good. Wide fee range due to extensive facilities (art studios, sports arenas). |
| Raffles World Academy | IB PYP–DP with a Mother Tongue Programme and scholarships. IB Diploma average 33.0. | 31,000 – 89,000 | Very Good. Multilingual support and scholarships. |
| Uptown International School (Mirdif) | Offers IB PYP–DP plus the CP. Known for TEDxYouth events, robotics and DELF French certificates. IB Diploma average 33.0. | 40,000 – 73,000 | Very Good. Balanced academics and enrichment programmes. |
| GEMS International School – Al Khail | Full IB continuum with an award‑winning STEAM approach, flight simulator and space lab. IB Diploma average 30.0. | 46,400 – 73,400 | Rated Good. Focuses on science and technology. |
| Swiss International Scientific School | Offers bilingual IB diplomas (English‑French or English‑German); eco‑campus with green buildings. IB Diploma average 33.2. | 53,000 – 99,000 | Very Good. Emphasises sustainability and multilingualism. |
| Dar Al Marefa School | Bilingual Arabic‑English IB school; offers robotics, arts and cultural activities. IB Diploma average 31.0. | 36,000 – 75,000 | Good. Blends international academics with UAE cultural values. |
| Emirates International School Jumeirah | Full IB programmes (PYP, MYP, DP, CP) with broad extracurricular options. IB Diploma average 32.0. | 35,000 – 74,000 | Good. Long‑established IB school in Jumeirah. |
| Greenfield International School | Provides IB PYP–DP plus CP; known for affordability and an ACE enrichment programme. IB Diploma average 33.0. | 31,700 – 76,300 | Good. Budget‑friendly IB option. |
Why choose IB Schools Dubai?
The IB Diploma is highly regarded by universities worldwide. The schools above show that Dubai offers both premium IB programmes with extensive facilities (e.g., GEMS World Academy’s arts and innovation suites) and more affordable options, such as Greenfield International School. Families seeking bilingual education may favour Swiss International Scientific School (English‑French/German), or Dar Al Marefa’s Arabic‑English program.
Top British‑curriculum schools
| School | Highlights & facilities | Fee range (AED, 2025‑26) | KHDA rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kings’ School Al Barsha | Serves FS1 to Year 13 with around 2,400 students from 70 nationalities. Offers extensive extracurriculars such as football, karate, music, netball, chess, Zumba, ballet and photography. | 53,600 – 97,700 | Outstanding |
| Dubai College | One of Dubai’s oldest British schools (founded in the late 1970s). Known for strong academics and competitive sports; hosts large‑scale music concerts. | 82,400 – 93,300 | Outstanding |
| Horizon English School | Caters to ages 3‑11, focusing on equal opportunities and individual attention. Provides a challenging and creative classroom environment. | 40,800 – 54,700 | Outstanding |
| Jumeirah College | Offers superb facilities: music rooms, drama studio, art rooms, science labs, tennis courts, swimming pool and multipurpose gym. | 72,900 – 91,200 | Outstanding |
| GEMS Jumeirah Primary School | Purpose‑built campus for FS1–Year 6. Teachers use the latest educational technology to encourage curiosity and experimentation. | 40,800 – 51,500 | Outstanding |
| Repton School Dubai | Offers IGCSE and A‑Levels as well as the IB Diploma in Sixth Form. Associated with Repton School in England and provides boarding facilities. | 52,800 – 95,000 | Outstanding |
| GEMS Wellington International School | Large 8‑acre campus with dance and music studios, tennis courts, indoor/outdoor pools, sports pitches and an observatory. Offers IB Diploma for Years 12‑13. | 43,900 – 95,500 | Outstanding |
| Dubai British School Emirates Hills | Provides a well‑rounded education with strong emphasis on creativity. Facilities include racket‑sports courts, swimming pool and extensive library. | 49,000 – 73,500 | Outstanding |
| Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS) | Encourages independent thinking and creativity, with two campuses (Al Safa and Arabian Ranches). | 39,800 – 93,800 | Outstanding |
| Dubai English Speaking School (DESS) | Established in 1963; motto “dare, excel, share, create” encourages academic and life‑skill development. | 35,400 – 75,000 | Outstanding |
| GEMS Royal Dubai School | Rated Outstanding for five consecutive inspections; integrates science, technology and sports into the National Curriculum. | 38,300 – 48,300 | Outstanding |
Additional British Schools
The 2023/24 KHDA inspection round found 21 Outstanding schools across Dubai. What’s On’s guide lists several with their average fees, including:
- GEMS Modern Academy (average fees 51,226 AED)
- Nord Anglia International School Dubai (76,697 AED)
- Dubai College (92,339 AED).
- Parents seeking French instruction may consider the Lycée Français International Georges Pompidou (average fees 29,670 AED).
American‑curriculum schools
Dubai hosts several American schools. The American School of Dubai is not‑for‑profit; its 2025‑26 fee schedule shows:
- Pre‑K tuition of AED 60,571
- K1 tuition of AED 64,092
- K2 facility fee 12,984 and tuition 69,961
- Grades 1‑12 facility fee 12,984 and tuition 89,319
Tuition fees fund all educational costs and emphasises that its not‑for‑profit status allows a focus on academic quality rather than profit (asdubai.org). The school also charges a one‑time capital fee of AED 22,000 for new students to fund facilities.
Other American schools include Dunecrest American School (which follows the US curriculum through Grade 10 and the IB Diploma Programme for Grades 11‑12) and Universal American School (offering IB Diploma and American programme). Because their detailed fee sheets were not accessible, prospective parents should consult the schools directly.
Factors To Consider When Choosing Dubai International Schools
- Curriculum fit and pathways – Determine whether your child will pursue IB, British A‑Levels, American AP/High School Diploma or another path. Some schools offer dual pathways, such as GEMS Wellington International School (a British curriculum with the IB Diploma in the senior years).
- KHDA rating and accreditation – A higher KHDA rating (Outstanding or Very Good) usually reflects better teaching, leadership and student achievement. IB schools like Dubai International Academy and Jumeira Baccalaureate School have Very Good ratings. In contrast, several British schools listed above are consistently rated Outstanding.
- Facilities and enrichment programmes – Compare sports complexes, arts spaces, labs and extracurricular offerings. For example, GEMS World Academy has dedicated arts, music, and innovation hubs. At the same time, GEMS Wellington International School features an observatory and multiple sports courts.
- Language of instruction and bilingual programmes – Families seeking bilingual education can choose Swiss International Scientific School (English‑French/German) or Dar Al Marefa (Arabic‑English). Some schools, such as Raffles World Academy, offer a Mother Tongue Program.
- Location and community – Traffic patterns and commute times matter. Many schools serve specific residential areas; for example, Dubai British School Emirates Hills is convenient for families living in The Springs, The Meadows and The Lakes.
- Fees and budgets – Fee ranges vary widely. Premium IB schools may charge up to 114,000 AED per year, drivenproperties.com, while some British schools’ fees start around 40,000 AED, drivenproperties.com. CBSE schools (not covered here) are known to be far more affordable – often under 15,000 AED – but families should consult individual schools for accurate 2025‑26 figures.
Dubai provides a diverse array of international schools that cater to different curricula, budgets and cultural preferences. IB schools like Dubai International Academy, GEMS World Academy and Swiss International Scientific School offer global recognition and innovative programmes.
British‑curriculum schools such as Kings’ School Al Barsha, Dubai College and GEMS Jumeirah Primary School consistently earn Outstanding KHDA ratings and provide structured academic pathways with rich extracurricular opportunities. American schools like the American School of Dubai publish transparent fee schedules and emphasise holistic education.
When choosing a school, parents should balance curriculum preferences, fees, KHDA ratings, facilities and proximity. Ultimately, arranging campus visits and speaking with current parents can help families find the best fit for their children in Dubai’s vibrant educational landscape.
