How Dubai education systems work

International schools in Dubai 

 Until 2001⁵, expat children couldn’t attend public schools in the UAE⁶, which in part explains why there are so many international schools in the country, most of which have high standards. As a global expat hub, Dubai has one of the highest concentrations of international schools in the world.

Top 10 international schools in Dubai

1.  Repton School (age 3+)
2. King’s School, Al Barsha (age 3+)
3. King’s School, Dubai (ages 3-9)
4. Horizon English School Dubai (ages 3-9)
5. Dubai College (ages 10+)
6. Dubai English Speaking School (ages 3-9)
7. Jumeirah English Speaking School (ages 3+)
8. Dubai British School (ages 3+)
9. GEMS Wellington International School (ages 3+)
10. GEMS Dubai Academy (3+)

These schools were all rated ‘outstanding’ in 2020⁷.

There are 209 private schools⁸ in Dubai. All students who are not of Arab heritage must⁹ take Arabic language classes until grade 9, or approximately age 13. There are options for national curriculums¹⁰ including Canada, US, UK, Russia, Japan, Iran and more.

Many of these schools include tertiary education — 15-18 years old — and the school week is from Sunday to Thursday, with school hours set by each school.

Public schools in Dubai

There are a number of government-owned schools in Dubai. The language of instruction14 in public schools is Arabic, while English is often taught as a second language. The state offers a comprehensive curriculum to both boys and girls.

While public schools often rank lower than international schools, the UAE government has made it a top priority to reform the emirate’s public education system.

Private schools in Dubai

Due to the high proportion of expats looking for schools that follow home-country national curricula, private schools in Dubai are synonymous with international schools.

Nursery in Dubai

Nursery provision in Dubai has many styles, locations and curricula to choose from.

Things to consider when choosing a nursery:

Curriculum

• If you plan to return home and resume your child’s education at some stage, you may choose a nursery that offers your national curriculum. If you’re relocating long-term this may be less important

Languages

• Check the nursery operates in your preferred language as many offer one or more languages

School affiliations

• Many nurseries15 are affiliated with schools/school groups, so you may want to choose a nursery that offers your child priority for your preferred school

Location

• Is it near where you or your partner work or your home?

Time

• Do you want your children to attend only in term time or all year round?

The annual average fees for nurseries16 in Dubai are:

Grade

• FS1 AED33,658 / $9,163 / £7,073
• KG1 AED27,640 / $7,525 / £5,808
• KG2 AED29,872 / $8,133 / £6,277

Be aware that opening hours will differ between each nursery, so although a school may be cheaper it may also be operating fewer hours during the week. You should also consider additional fees for medical checks and examinations.

The Edarabia17 website includes details on and reviews of various nurseries — a great place to start your search for a good nursery.

In 2019¹¹, there are:

• 17 outstanding schools
• 28 very good
• 74 good
• 52 acceptable
• 5 weak.

School fees¹² currently range from AED 12,723 ($3,463/£2,674) per year to AED 64,093 ($17,449/£13,475). The high cost¹³ of international education in the UAE has pushed many expat parents towards home schooling or leaving the country.

Most international schools have ‘rolling admissions’ so that families can apply at any time of year. Space can often be limited, especially in primary schools, so you should apply early to secure a spot at your preferred school.