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International schools in Dubai

154 internationally accredited schools · UAE

What to know when choosing a school in Dubai

The ranking holds 154 schools with an international accreditation or an authorised programme. International Baccalaureate programmes are taught at 31 of them. The British Cambridge route, IGCSE and A-Level, at 65. A year of school costs from $1 276 to $33 613. A swimming pool on site is confirmed at 63.

We do not take reviews from maps and directories: their terms forbid it, and nobody checks the quality there. Everything below comes from the official registers of the accrediting organisations and from the schools' own sites, and every fact carries its source and the date of the check.

What a school in Dubai costs

Cheapest$1 276 a yearAl Sadiq Islamic English School
Median$17 726 a yeartop of the fee range at 124 schools with a published fee
Most expensive$33 613 a yearGEMS World Academy Dubai

Figures are converted to dollars at a weekly rate; schools publish their fees in their own currency. One-off charges, meals, transport and uniform are not included unless the school says otherwise. Fees for schools in Dubai are taken from published price lists, not from what third parties say.

Private schools in Dubai

150 of the 154 schools in the ranking are private. The other 4 are state schools, set out below. The type of school does not affect the score: private and state schools sit in one list and are scored by the same formula, and only verifiable data moves the number.

State schools in Dubai

4 schools with an international accreditation are funded by the state: Applied Technology Schools - Dubai, Dubai Boys School For Secondary Education, Zayed Educational Complex - Al Barsha, Zayed Educational Complex - Al Mizhar. Admission to these schools is usually competitive, and tuition is free or markedly cheaper than at a private school. In the ranking they stand alongside private schools and are scored on the same nine criteria.

Schools with IB and Cambridge programmes in Dubai

Schools in Dubai with an IB programme (31): GEMS Dubai American Academy, Emirates International School - Jumeirah, Deira International School, The Aquila School, Jumeira Baccalaureate School, Universal American School, GEMS International School - Dubai Hills, Greenfield International School, Bloom World Academy, Collegiate International School, Emirates International School - Meadows, Fairgreen International School, GEMS Wellington Academy - Silicon Oasis, GEMS Wellington International School, Repton School Dubai, GEMS World Academy Dubai, GEMS Modern Academy, Dunecrest American School, Sunmarke School, Swiss International Scientific School Dubai, Philadelphia Private School (PPS) Dubai, Greenfield International School, Emirates National Schools - Dubai Campus, Ambassador International Academy, GEMS Al Khaleej International School, Jumeirah English Speaking School, Dubai International Academy Emirates Hills, Lycée Français Bilingue International ICE, Dwight School Dubai, Nord Anglia International School Dubai, GEMS Wellington International School. 15 of them run the full three-stage cycle: PYP, MYP and DP. Authorisation is confirmed against the International Baccalaureate register.

The British Cambridge programme - IGCSE and A-Level - is taught at 65 schools in Dubai: Safa Community School, Al Diyafah High School L.L.C., GEMS Founders School - Al Mizhar, Deira International School, Dove Green Private School, GEMS Al Barsha National School, GEMS Winchester School - Dubai, GEMS Cambridge International School - Dubai, GEMS FirstPoint School - The Villa, MSB Private School, The Apple International School, Raffles International School, GEMS Wellington Academy - Dubai Hills, Jumeirah College, GEMS Wellington Academy - Silicon Oasis, The International School of Choueifat - Dubai, The English College, Dubai, Repton School Dubai, Kings' School Nad Al Sheba, The Arbor School, Dubai Scholars Private School, GEMS Metropole School, Motor City, School of Research Science, Star International School, Mirdif, The International School of Creative Science, Nad Al Sheba, Sunmarke School, Regent International School, Lycée Français Jean Mermoz, The Westminster School - Dubai, Arab Unity School, GEMS Founders School - Dubai, South View School, Arcadia School, Dubai College, Al Salam Community School, The City School International, Dubai British School Emirates Hills, Star International School, Al Twar, Hartland International School, The Sheffield Private School, Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai, Brighton College Dubai, Pristine Private School, Dubai British School Jumeirah Park, The Oxford School, Arcadia Global School, The Apple International Community School, St Mary High School Muhaisnah, The Arbor School, Al Sadiq Islamic English School, Nord Anglia International School Dubai, Dubai Carmel School, Dubai Heights Academy, Repton School Al Barsha, The International School of Choueifat - Dubai Investments Park, Dubai English Speaking College, Horizon International School, New Dawn Private School, Hampton Heights International School, Citizens School, Queen International School, Al Salam Private School & Nursery, English Language Private School, Newlands School, Pakistan Education Academy.

Best schools in Dubai: ranked on data anyone can check

1Safa Community SchoolSchool in the registers of Pearson, BSOPart of the association BSME≈ $14 823–24 354 a year · 54 437–89 440 AED78.68/9 criteria2GEMS Dubai American AcademySchool in the registers of CIS, NEASC, IB, College BoardPart of the network GEMS≈ $18 022–25 405 a year · 66 185–93 300 AED77.08/9 criteria3Emirates International School - JumeirahSchool in the registers of IB, CIS, PearsonPart of the network Al Habtoor GroupPrice on request76.07/9 criteria4Al Diyafah High School L.L.C.School in the register of Cambridge≈ $3 158–5 588 a year · 11 596–20 521 AED75.38/9 criteria5GEMS Founders School - Al MizharSchool in the registers of Cambridge, BSOPart of the network GEMS · part of the association BSME≈ $6 774–10 308 a year · 24 877–37 856 AED75.18/9 criteria6Deira International SchoolSchool in the registers of Cambridge, Pearson, BSO, IBPart of the association BSMEPrice on request74.87/9 criteria7The Aquila SchoolSchool in the registers of Cambridge, Pearson, BSO, IBPart of the network International Schools Partnership · part of the association BSME≈ $13 253–21 205 a year · 48 673–77 876 AED74.78/9 criteria8Jumeira Baccalaureate SchoolSchool in the registers of CIS, Pearson, IBPart of the network Taaleem≈ $11 797–25 007 a year · 43 325–91 840 AED74.58/9 criteria9Dove Green Private SchoolSchool in the register of BSOPart of the association BSME≈ $11 436–17 699 a year · 42 000–65 000 AED74.28/9 criteria10GEMS Al Barsha National SchoolSchool in the registers of Cambridge, Pearson, BSOPart of the network GEMS · part of the association BSME≈ $10 892–18 260 a year · 40 000–67 059 AED74.18/9 criteria11GEMS Winchester School - DubaiSchool in the registers of Cambridge, BSOPart of the network GEMS · part of the association BSME≈ $5 547–10 457 a year · 20 370–38 403 AED73.68/9 criteria12Universal American SchoolSchool in the registers of MSA, IB, College BoardPart of the network Al-Futtaim Education FoundationPrice on request73.57/9 criteria13GEMS International School - Dubai HillsSchool in the registers of IB, CISPart of the network GEMS≈ $12 662–21 644 a year · 46 500–79 488 AED73.48/9 criteria14Greenfield International SchoolSchool in the registers of CIS, IBPart of the network Taaleem≈ $9 386–22 564 a year · 34 470–82 865 AED73.38/9 criteria15GEMS Cambridge International School - DubaiSchool in the registers of Cambridge, PearsonPart of the network GEMS · part of the association BSME≈ $6 479–10 014 a year · 23 795–36 775 AED73.18/9 criteria16Bloom World AcademySchool in the register of IB≈ $13 615–23 145 a year · 50 000–85 000 AED73.18/9 criteria17Collegiate International SchoolSchool in the registers of NEASC, IB, College BoardPart of the network Innoventures Education≈ $10 750–19 232 a year · 39 478–70 630 AED73.18/9 criteria18GEMS FirstPoint School - The VillaSchool in the registers of Cambridge, BSOPart of the network GEMS · part of the association BSME≈ $10 198–20 628 a year · 37 453–75 757 AED73.08/9 criteria19MSB Private SchoolSchool in the registers of Cambridge, Pearson≈ $3 217–7 537 a year · 11 816–27 681 AED72.88/9 criteria20Emirates International School - MeadowsSchool in the registers of IB, CISPart of the network Al Habtoor GroupPrice on request72.67/9 criteria21The Apple International SchoolSchool in the registers of Cambridge, Pearson≈ $1 904–5 482 a year · 6 993–20 131 AED72.48/9 criteria22Raffles International SchoolSchool in the registers of Cambridge, BSOPart of the association BSME≈ $9 273–23 639 a year · 34 055–86 815 AED72.38/9 criteria23GEMS Wellington Academy - Dubai HillsSchool in the registers of Cambridge, BSOPart of the network GEMS≈ $12 941–26 310 a year · 47 527–96 624 AED71.88/9 criteria24Fairgreen International SchoolSchool in the registers of Pearson, IBPrice on request71.87/9 criteria25Jumeirah CollegeSchool in the registers of Cambridge, Pearson, BSOPart of the association BSME≈ $21 497–26 870 a year · 78 946–98 681 AED71.68/9 criteria26GEMS Wellington Academy - Silicon OasisSchool in the registers of Cambridge, BSO, Pearson, IBPart of the network GEMS · part of the association BSME≈ $10 984–24 301 a year · 40 340–89 246 AED71.68/9 criteria27The International School of Choueifat - DubaiSchool in the registers of Cambridge, MSA, College BoardPart of the network SABISPrice on request71.67/9 criteria28GEMS Wellington International SchoolSchool in the registers of Cambridge, BSO, IBPart of the network GEMS · part of the association BSME≈ $12 941–28 155 a year · 47 527–103 399 AED71.48/9 criteria29The English College, DubaiSchool in the register of BSOPart of the network International Schools Partnership · part of the association BSME≈ $14 190–18 588 a year · 52 112–68 265 AED71.48/9 criteria30Repton School DubaiSchool in the registers of Cambridge, Pearson, IBPart of the network Cognita · part of the association BSME≈ $15 569–27 979 a year · 57 178–102 753 AED71.28/9 criteria31GEMS World Academy DubaiSchool in the registers of CIS, NEASC, IBPart of the network GEMS≈ $19 364–33 613 a year · 71 113–123 442 AED71.28/9 criteria32GEMS Modern AcademySchool in the registers of CIS, IBPart of the network GEMSPrice on request71.17/9 criteria33Kings' School Nad Al ShebaSchool in the registers of Cambridge, BSOPart of the association BSME≈ $11 781–29 507 a year · 43 264–108 363 AED71.08/9 criteria34Dunecrest American SchoolSchool in the registers of MSA, IB, College Board≈ $11 300–24 520 a year · 41 500–90 050 AED71.08/9 criteria35The Arbor SchoolSchool in the register of BSO≈ $13 479–25 187 a year · 49 500–92 500 AED70.98/9 criteria36Dubai Scholars Private SchoolSchool in the register of CambridgePart of the association BSME≈ $4 311–8 868 a year · 15 833–32 568 AED70.88/9 criteria37GEMS Metropole School, Motor CitySchool in the register of BSOPart of the network GEMS≈ $10 454–13 939 a year · 38 393–51 190 AED70.88/9 criteria38School of Research ScienceSchool in the registers of Cambridge, Pearson, BSO, College BoardPart of the association BSME≈ $10 119–21 726 a year · 37 163–79 790 AED70.58/9 criteria39Star International School, MirdifSchool in the register of CambridgePart of the network International Schools Partnership · part of the association BSME≈ $8 912–15 660 a year · 32 730–57 510 AED70.58/9 criteria40The International School of Creative Science, Nad Al ShebaSchool in the register of CambridgePart of the network Bukhatir Education Advancement & Management · part of the association BSME≈ $9 336–17 836 a year · 34 287–65 504 AED70.48/9 criteria41Sunmarke SchoolSchool in the registers of BSO, IBPart of the association BSME≈ $14 732–24 954 a year · 54 104–91 643 AED70.48/9 criteria42Regent International SchoolSchool in the registers of Cambridge, Pearson, BSOPart of the association BSME≈ $13 363–19 939 a year · 49 076–73 225 AED70.38/9 criteria43Lycée Français Jean MermozSchool in the registers of AEFE, Cambridge≈ $10 834–18 659 a year · 39 789–68 525 AED70.38/9 criteria44The Westminster School - DubaiSchool in the registers of Cambridge, BSOPart of the network GEMS · part of the association BSME≈ $2 549–4 957 a year · 9 362–18 203 AED70.38/9 criteria45Arab Unity SchoolSchool in the register of Cambridge≈ $2 318–4 228 a year · 8 512–15 528 AED70.28/9 criteria46GEMS Founders School - DubaiSchool in the register of BSOPart of the network GEMS · part of the association BSME≈ $6 739–10 109 a year · 24 749–37 124 AED70.28/9 criteria47Swiss International Scientific School DubaiSchool in the register of IBPart of the network Nord Anglia Education≈ $17 127–32 240 a year · 62 900–118 400 AED70.18/9 criteria48Dubai National School Al TwarSchool in the registers of NEASC, College Board≈ $5 411–10 575 a year · 19 872–38 836 AED70.18/9 criteria49American Academy for GirlsSchool in the registers of CIS, NEASC, College Board≈ $9 935–17 773 a year · 36 485–65 270 AED70.08/9 criteria50Philadelphia Private School (PPS) DubaiSchool in the registers of NEASC, IB, College BoardPart of the network Learner's World International Schools≈ $5 314–9 574 a year · 19 517–35 160 AED · Pre-School70.08/9 criteria51School of Modern SkillsSchool in the registers of NEASC, College Board≈ $4 763–8 052 a year · 17 491–29 572 AED · Pre-School from 4 years69.98/9 criteria52Greenfield International SchoolSchool in the register of PearsonPart of the network Taaleem≈ $9 386–22 564 a year · 34 470–82 865 AED69.98/9 criteria53South View SchoolSchool in the registers of Cambridge, BSOPart of the association BSME≈ $12 664–18 113 a year · 46 510–66 519 AED69.78/9 criteria54Greenwood International SchoolSchool in the registers of NEASC, College Board≈ $5 213–7 995 a year · 19 144–29 360 AED69.78/9 criteria55Emirates National Schools - Dubai CampusSchool in the registers of Cognia, IBPrice on request69.67/9 criteria56Arcadia SchoolSchool in the register of BSOPart of the association BSME≈ $18 431–26 197 a year · 67 687–96 209 AED69.68/9 criteria57Ambassador International AcademySchool in the registers of IB, CIS≈ $12 867–25 404 a year · 47 255–93 297 AED69.58/9 criteria58Dubai CollegeSchool in the registers of COBIS, BSOPart of the association BSME≈ $26 526–30 035 a year · 97 415–110 305 AED69.48/9 criteria59American School of DubaiSchool in the registers of MSA, College Board≈ $16 493–24 321 a year · 60 571–89 319 AED69.48/9 criteria60Al Salam Community SchoolSchool in the registers of Cambridge, BSOPart of the association BSME≈ $6 479–11 192 a year · 23 795–41 102 AED69.38/9 criteria61The City School InternationalSchool in the register of CambridgePart of the association BSME≈ $4 025–9 719 a year · 14 781–35 694 AED69.28/9 criteria62Dubai British School Emirates HillsSchool in the registers of Pearson, BSOPart of the association BSME≈ $14 439–21 659 a year · 53 027–79 541 AED69.18/9 criteria63Dubai International Private School - Al QuozSchool in the registers of NEASC, College Board≈ $4 350–6 829 a year · 15 974–25 080 AED · Pre-School from 4 years68.98/9 criteria64Star International School, Al TwarSchool in the register of BSOPart of the network International Schools Partnership · part of the association BSME≈ $5 998–19 444 a year · 22 027–71 409 AED68.98/9 criteria65Nibras International SchoolSchool in the registers of NEASC, Pearson, College BoardPart of the network International Schools Partnership≈ $6 893–13 702 a year · 25 316–50 321 AED68.88/9 criteria66Hartland International SchoolSchool in the registers of COBIS, BSOPart of the association BSME≈ $13 283–25 270 a year · 48 781–92 803 AED68.58/9 criteria67GEMS Al Khaleej International SchoolSchool in the registers of CIS, NEASC, IB, College BoardPart of the network GEMS≈ $9 239–17 279 a year · 33 932–63 457 AED68.48/9 criteria68Jumeirah English Speaking SchoolSchool in the registers of Cambridge, Pearson, IB≈ $14 739–28 467 a year · 54 129–104 544 AED68.28/9 criteria69German International School DubaiSchool in the register of ZfA≈ $10 554–19 939 a year · 38 760–73 227 AED68.28/9 criteria70Lycée Français International Georges PompidouSchool in the registers of AEFE, CambridgePrice on request68.17/9 criteria71The Sheffield Private SchoolSchool in the registers of Cambridge, BSOPart of the association BSME≈ $6 435–12 134 a year · 23 631–44 563 AED68.18/9 criteria72Dubai National School - Al BarshaSchool in the registers of NEASC, College Board≈ $6 582–10 801 a year · 24 172–39 665 AED67.78/9 criteria73Royal Grammar School Guildford DubaiSchool in the register of BSOPart of the association BSME≈ $21 445–32 597 a year · 78 758–119 713 AED67.78/9 criteria74Lycée Libanais Francophone Privé MeydanSchool in the register of AEFE≈ $10 866–18 872 a year · 39 904–69 307 AED67.58/9 criteria75Al Maaref American SchoolSchool in the registers of NEASC, Cognia, College BoardPart of the network First Education Holding≈ $3 514–10 111 a year · 12 906–37 134 AED · Pre-School67.58/9 criteria76Brighton College DubaiSchool in the registers of Cambridge, BSOPart of the association BSME≈ $18 348–30 242 a year · 67 384–111 062 AED67.48/9 criteria77Ignite SchoolSchool in the registers of NEASC, College Board≈ $7 803–12 262 a year · 28 658–45 034 AED · Pre-School67.28/9 criteria78Lycée Français International de l'AFLECSchool in the register of AEFE≈ $8 029–16 981 a year · 29 488–62 363 AED67.18/9 criteria79Pristine Private SchoolSchool in the register of Cambridge≈ $4 747–6 978 a year · 17 434–25 626 AED67.18/9 criteria80Dubai British School Jumeirah ParkSchool in the register of BSOPart of the association BSME≈ $17 470–22 604 a year · 64 160–83 015 AED67.18/9 criteria81Dubai International Academy Emirates HillsSchool in the registers of NEASC, IBPart of the network Innoventures Education≈ $12 248–21 701 a year · 44 979–79 696 AED67.08/9 criteria82The Oxford SchoolSchool in the register of CambridgePart of the network LEAMS Education · part of the association BSME≈ $3 228–5 481 a year · 11 856–20 128 AED66.78/9 criteria83Arcadia Global SchoolSchool in the registers of Cambridge, BSOPart of the network Arcadia Education · part of the association BSME≈ $7 696–11 588 a year · 28 265–42 558 AED66.78/9 criteria84Lycée Français Bilingue International ICESchool in the registers of AEFE, Cambridge, IB, College Board≈ $12 621–22 998 a year · 46 350–84 460 AED66.68/9 criteria85The Apple International Community SchoolSchool in the register of Cambridge≈ $5 290–7 006 a year · 19 427–25 728 AED66.68/9 criteria86St Mary High School MuhaisnahSchool in the register of Cambridge≈ $3 403–6 583 a year · 12 498–24 177 AED66.68/9 criteria87Al Mawakeb School - Al BarshaSchool in the registers of NEASC, College BoardPart of the network AMSI≈ $4 282–6 942 a year · 15 726–25 493 AED · Pre-School66.68/9 criteria88Al Mawakeb School - Al GarhoudSchool in the registers of NEASC, College BoardPart of the network AMSI≈ $4 282–6 942 a year · 15 726–25 493 AED · Pre-School66.68/9 criteria89The Arbor SchoolSchool in the register of CambridgePart of the association BSME≈ $13 479–25 187 a year · 49 500–92 500 AED66.58/9 criteria90Vernus International SchoolSchool in the register of NEASC≈ $9 722–12 301 a year · 35 704–45 175 AED66.58/9 criteria91Dwight School DubaiSchool in the registers of NEASC, IBPart of the network Dwight Schools≈ $17 731–30 158 a year · 65 117–110 755 AED · Pre-School66.58/9 criteria92Al Sadiq Islamic English SchoolSchool in the register of CambridgePart of the network Athena Education≈ $1 276–2 587 a year · 4 687–9 499 AED66.18/9 criteria93Next Generation SchoolSchool in the registers of NEASC, College Board≈ $6 828–13 445 a year · 25 076–49 376 AED · Pre-School from 3 years66.08/9 criteria94Global Indian International School, DubaiSchool in the register of MSAPart of the network Global Schools Group≈ $6 237–11 434 a year · 22 904–41 993 AED66.08/9 criteria95Nord Anglia International School DubaiSchool in the registers of BSO, Cambridge, NEASC, IBPart of the network Nord Anglia Education · part of the association BSME≈ $18 958–28 669 a year · 69 625–105 288 AED66.08/9 criteria96American International SchoolSchool in the registers of NEASC, College BoardPart of the network Athena EducationPrice on request65.87/9 criteria97Russian International SchoolRussian state accreditation≈ $4 281–6 856 a year · 15 722–25 180 AED65.88/9 criteria98Horizon English SchoolSchool in the register of BSOPart of the network Cognita · part of the association BSME≈ $11 940–16 018 a year · 43 849–58 825 AED65.68/9 criteria99Safa British SchoolSchool in the registers of Cambridge, BSOPart of the association BSME≈ $12 370–20 027 a year · 45 428–73 550 AED65.58/9 criteria100Dubai Carmel SchoolSchool in the register of CambridgePrice on request65.57/9 criteria101Dubai Heights AcademySchool in the registers of Cambridge, BSOPart of the association BSME≈ $9 530–19 061 a year · 35 000–70 000 AED65.48/9 criteria102Dubai Modern Education SchoolSchool in the registers of NEASC, College Board≈ $3 672–6 783 a year · 13 487–24 911 AED65.38/9 criteria103GEMS Wellington International SchoolSchool in the register of PearsonPart of the network GEMS≈ $12 941–28 155 a year · 47 527–103 399 AED65.38/9 criteria104Dubai International Private School - Al GarhoudSchool in the registers of Cognia, College BoardPrice on request65.27/9 criteria105GEMS Jumeirah Primary SchoolSchool in the register of COBISPart of the network GEMS · part of the association BSME≈ $12 035–15 171 a year · 44 200–55 714 AED65.18/9 criteria106International Academic SchoolSchool in the registers of ACS WASC, College BoardPrice on request65.07/9 criteria107Applied Technology Schools - DubaiSchool in the registers of Cognia, College BoardPrice on request65.07/9 criteria108GEMS Royal Dubai SchoolSchool in the registers of COBIS, BSOPart of the network GEMS · part of the association BSME≈ $10 960–20 902 a year · 40 252–76 762 AED64.98/9 criteria109Sharjah American International School - DubaiSchool in the register of NEASCPart of the network SAISPrice on request · Pre-School64.97/9 criteria110Al Mawakeb School - Al KhawaneejSchool in the registers of NEASC, College BoardPart of the network AMSI≈ $9 852–18 952 a year · 36 181–69 602 AED · Pre-School64.98/9 criteria111Al Ittihad Private School, Al MamzarSchool in the registers of CIS, NEASC, College Board≈ $5 367–12 534 a year · 19 709–46 030 AED64.88/9 criteria112North American International School - DubaiSchool in the registers of NEASC, College Board≈ $8 350–13 359 a year · 30 664–49 061 AED · Pre-School64.88/9 criteria113Bright Learners Private SchoolSchool in the register of NEASC≈ $6 700–10 529 a year · 24 606–38 668 AED · Pre-School from 3 years64.88/9 criteria114GEMS Metropole School - Al WahaSchool in the register of BSOPart of the network GEMS · part of the association BSME≈ $10 892–14 432 a year · 40 000–53 000 AED64.78/9 criteria115Repton School Al BarshaSchool in the register of CambridgePart of the network Cognita · part of the association BSME≈ $14 579–24 445 a year · 53 540–89 774 AED64.38/9 criteria116Al Ittihad Private School, JumeirahSchool in the registers of CIS, NEASC, College BoardPrice on request64.37/9 criteria117The International School of Choueifat - Dubai Investments ParkSchool in the registers of Cambridge, MSA, College BoardPart of the network SABISPrice on request64.37/9 criteria118New Academy SchoolSchool in the registers of NEASC, Cognia, College BoardPrice on request64.37/9 criteria119iCademy Middle EastSchool in the registers of College Board, NEASCPrice on request64.37/9 criteria120Dubai English Speaking CollegeSchool in the register of BSO≈ $22 961–24 679 a year · 84 326–90 633 AED64.38/9 criteria121Horizon International SchoolSchool in the register of BSOPart of the network Cognita · part of the association BSME≈ $10 574–19 911 a year · 38 832–73 124 AED64.18/9 criteria122New Dawn Private SchoolSchool in the register of Cambridge≈ $5 854–6 916 a year · 21 500–25 400 AED64.08/9 criteria123Dubai English Speaking School - Oud MethaSchool in the register of BSO≈ $11 732–14 519 a year · 43 084–53 320 AED64.08/9 criteria124Deira Private SchoolSchool in the register of BSO≈ $6 227–11 204 a year · 22 867–41 147 AED64.08/9 criteria125Hampton Heights International SchoolSchool in the register of Cambridge≈ $5 310–7 624 a year · 19 500–28 000 AED63.98/9 criteria126Citizens SchoolMembership of CIS, COBIS≈ $12 253–23 145 a year · 45 000–85 000 AED63.88/9 criteria127Queen International SchoolSchool in the register of Cambridge≈ $4 235–7 943 a year · 15 554–29 170 AED63.88/9 criteria128The Winchester SchoolSchool in the registers of Cambridge, PearsonPart of the network GEMS≈ $4 071–9 082 a year · 14 950–33 352 AED63.78/9 criteria129Mirdif American SchoolSchool in the registers of NEASC, College BoardPrice on request63.77/9 criteria130Dubai Schools Nad Al ShebaSchool in the register of NEASCPart of the network Dubai Schools≈ $8 333–13 043 a year · 30 603–47 900 AED · Pre-School from 3 years63.78/9 criteria131Al Salam Private School & NurserySchool in the register of CambridgePrice on request63.77/9 criteria132Sharjah American International School, Dubai BranchSchool in the registers of Cognia, College BoardPart of the network SAISPrice on request63.77/9 criteria133Victory Heights Primary SchoolSchool in the registers of COBIS, BSOPart of the association BSME≈ $10 929–14 903 a year · 40 138–54 733 AED63.58/9 criteria134GEMS Metropole School, Motor CitySchool in the register of COBISPart of the network GEMS · part of the association BSME≈ $10 454–13 939 a year · 38 393–51 190 AED63.58/9 criteria135American School of Creative Science - Nad Al ShebaSchool in the registers of NEASC, College BoardPart of the network Bukhatir Education Advancement & Management≈ $9 754–19 787 a year · 35 822–72 669 AED · Pre-School63.48/9 criteria136Newlands SchoolSchool in the register of BSOPart of the network Beaconhouse Education Group≈ $5 819–10 911 a year · 21 372–40 072 AED63.38/9 criteria137Glendale International School, DubaiSchool in the registers of MSA, BSOPart of the association BSME≈ $11 436–15 684 a year · 42 000–57 600 AED63.18/9 criteria138Dubai Schools Al KhawaneejSchool in the register of NEASCPart of the network Dubai Schools≈ $8 333–13 043 a year · 30 603–47 900 AED · Pre-School from 3 years62.98/9 criteria139Dubai Schools Al BarshaSchool in the register of NEASCPart of the network Dubai Schools≈ $8 333–13 043 a year · 30 603–47 900 AED · Pre-School from 3 years62.98/9 criteria140GEMS Founders School - Dubai SouthSchool in the register of BSOPart of the network GEMS · part of the association BSME≈ $9 912–13 724 a year · 36 400–50 400 AED62.98/9 criteria141English Language Private SchoolSchool in the register of CambridgePrice on request62.57/9 criteria142Newlands SchoolSchool in the register of CambridgePart of the network Beaconhouse Education GroupPrice on request62.57/9 criteria143Pakistan Education AcademySchool in the register of CambridgePrice on request62.57/9 criteria144School of Research Science, US High SchoolSchool in the register of CogniaPrice on request62.57/9 criteria145PACE Modern British SchoolSchool in the register of BSO≈ $5 519–8 196 a year · 20 267–30 100 AED61.58/9 criteria146Jumeirah English Speaking School, JumeirahSchool in the register of BSO≈ $14 739–17 726 a year · 54 129–65 097 AED61.08/9 criteria147Dubai Boys School For Secondary EducationSchool in the register of College BoardPrice on request60.87/9 criteria148Zayed Educational Complex - Al BarshaSchool in the register of College BoardPrice on request60.87/9 criteria149Zayed Educational Complex - Al MizharSchool in the register of College BoardPrice on request60.87/9 criteria150International School of Creative Science, Nad Al ShebaSchool in the register of BSOPart of the network Bukhatir Education Advancement & ManagementPrice on request60.27/9 criteria151Jumeirah English Speaking School, Arabian RanchesSchool in the register of BSO≈ $14 739–28 467 a year · 54 129–104 544 AED60.08/9 criteria152Kings' School DubaiSchool in the register of BSOPart of the association BSME≈ $12 847–19 551 a year · 47 179–71 801 AED60.08/9 criteria153Jebel Ali SchoolSchool in the register of BSOPart of the association BSME≈ $13 514–22 380 a year · 49 630–82 190 AED59.78/9 criteria154Kings' School Al BarshaSchool in the register of BSOPart of the association BSME≈ $15 793–31 338 a year · 57 999–115 088 AED59.28/9 criteria

Facilities at schools in Dubai

A facility counts only when the school names it outright on its own site: a modern campus is not a swimming pool. Swimming pool: 63 schools · Boarding: 2 schools · School transport: 43 schools.

How to compare schools in Dubai

Comparing schools on a single feature is useless: the most expensive is not the best, and a famous name says nothing about what is backed by documents. The score is therefore built from nine criteria with different weights - from academic programmes and accreditation to facilities, clubs and fees relative to other schools in the country.

A criterion counts towards the score only when there is verifiable data behind it. That is why every score says how many of the nine criteria were counted: at schools in Dubai that is 7.8 out of 9 on average. A school with a detailed site and a school with no site cannot earn an equally reliable score, and that is shown rather than hidden.

Ratings and reviews from Google Maps, Yandex Maps and 2GIS are not used: their terms forbid aggregation. Only verified reviews left here count. Full methodology →

Frequently asked questions

How much does an international school in Dubai cost?

Published fees run from $1 276 to $33 613 for a school year. The cheapest is Al Sadiq Islamic English School, the most expensive GEMS World Academy Dubai. The median for the senior stage is $17 726 a year. Fees are converted into dollars at a weekly rate; schools publish them in their own currency.

Which school in Dubai ranks first?

Safa Community School comes first with 78.6 points out of 100, counted from 8 of the 9 criteria. Next come GEMS Dubai American Academy (77.0) and Emirates International School - Jumeirah (76.0). The score is built from data anyone can check: accreditations found in official registers, programmes, facilities and published fees. A place in the ranking is not for sale.

How many private and state schools with an international programme are there in Dubai?

The ranking holds 154 schools: 150 private and 4 state (Applied Technology Schools - Dubai, Dubai Boys School For Secondary Education, Zayed Educational Complex - Al Barsha, Zayed Educational Complex - Al Mizhar). Private and state schools go into the ranking on equal terms.

Which schools in Dubai run the IB?

International Baccalaureate programmes are taught at 31 schools: GEMS Dubai American Academy, Emirates International School - Jumeirah, Deira International School, The Aquila School, Jumeira Baccalaureate School, Universal American School, GEMS International School - Dubai Hills, Greenfield International School, Bloom World Academy, Collegiate International School, Emirates International School - Meadows, Fairgreen International School, GEMS Wellington Academy - Silicon Oasis, GEMS Wellington International School, Repton School Dubai, GEMS World Academy Dubai, GEMS Modern Academy, Dunecrest American School, Sunmarke School, Swiss International Scientific School Dubai, Philadelphia Private School (PPS) Dubai, Greenfield International School, Emirates National Schools - Dubai Campus, Ambassador International Academy, GEMS Al Khaleej International School, Jumeirah English Speaking School, Dubai International Academy Emirates Hills, Lycée Français Bilingue International ICE, Dwight School Dubai, Nord Anglia International School Dubai, GEMS Wellington International School. 15 of them run the full three-stage cycle: PYP, MYP and DP.

Where in Dubai can a child follow the British Cambridge programme?

IGCSE and A-Level are offered by 65 schools: Safa Community School, Al Diyafah High School L.L.C., GEMS Founders School - Al Mizhar, Deira International School, Dove Green Private School, GEMS Al Barsha National School, GEMS Winchester School - Dubai, GEMS Cambridge International School - Dubai, GEMS FirstPoint School - The Villa, MSB Private School, The Apple International School, Raffles International School, GEMS Wellington Academy - Dubai Hills, Jumeirah College, GEMS Wellington Academy - Silicon Oasis, The International School of Choueifat - Dubai, The English College, Dubai, Repton School Dubai, Kings' School Nad Al Sheba, The Arbor School, Dubai Scholars Private School, GEMS Metropole School, Motor City, School of Research Science, Star International School, Mirdif, The International School of Creative Science, Nad Al Sheba, Sunmarke School, Regent International School, Lycée Français Jean Mermoz, The Westminster School - Dubai, Arab Unity School, GEMS Founders School - Dubai, South View School, Arcadia School, Dubai College, Al Salam Community School, The City School International, Dubai British School Emirates Hills, Star International School, Al Twar, Hartland International School, The Sheffield Private School, Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai, Brighton College Dubai, Pristine Private School, Dubai British School Jumeirah Park, The Oxford School, Arcadia Global School, The Apple International Community School, St Mary High School Muhaisnah, The Arbor School, Al Sadiq Islamic English School, Nord Anglia International School Dubai, Dubai Carmel School, Dubai Heights Academy, Repton School Al Barsha, The International School of Choueifat - Dubai Investments Park, Dubai English Speaking College, Horizon International School, New Dawn Private School, Hampton Heights International School, Citizens School, Queen International School, Al Salam Private School & Nursery, English Language Private School, Newlands School, Pakistan Education Academy.

From what age do international schools in Dubai take children?

The earliest intake starts at 2 years old. 17 schools have a preschool section.

How do you compare schools in Dubai?

The score of every school adds up from nine criteria with different weights: academic programmes, accreditation, facilities, clubs, the fee against other schools in the country, reviews, university destinations, safety and teachers. A criterion counts only when there is data behind it that can be checked, so every score says how many of the nine were counted. Right now that is 7.8 out of 9 on average. We do not use reviews from maps or directories.

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