GEMS Dubai American Academy

Q: Where is GEMS Dubai American Academy - Dubai Branch located in Dubai?

GEMS Dubai American Academy is located in Barsha & Quoz , occupying a premium campus in Al Barsha South First at the intersection of Sheikh Zayed Road and Hessa Street. The academy serves families across Al Barsha , Dubai Hills Estate , Arabian Ranches , The Lakes , and Emirates Hills with excellent Metro connectivity.

Q: What curriculum does GEMS Dubai American Academy - Dubai Branch offer?

The school follows the American curriculum , structured around US educational standards. The programme covers elementary, middle, and high school levels with subject-based instruction and preparation for American college admissions.

Q: What age groups and grade levels are available at GEMS Dubai American Academy - Dubai Branch?

GEMS Dubai American Academy accepts students from KG1 to Grade 12 , covering ages 4 to 18 across elementary, middle, and high school divisions.

Q: What are the tuition fees at GEMS Dubai American Academy - Dubai Branch?

Annual fees range from AED 66,185 to AED 93,300 , depending on grade level. Additional charges may apply for specific programmes or services.

Q: Who is GEMS Dubai American Academy - Dubai Branch best suited for?

GEMS Dubai American Academy is best suited for American expatriates and internationally mobile families seeking outstanding American education with IB Diploma options. The school attracts residents of Al Barsha , Dubai Hills , Arabian Ranches , and Emirates Hills who value Advanced Placement courses and flexible senior pathways.

Also known as dubai american academy gems, gems american academy dubai

4.0

2023-2024Outstanding

Curriculum

American

Annual Fees

66K - 93K AED

Location

Al Barsha

About GEMS Dubai American Academy

Last updated 15 September 2026 · Sources: KHDA inspection reports · methodology

GEMS Dubai American Academy is a US/IB school established in 1998 in Al Barsha. The school accommodates boys and girls aged 4 to 18, offering education from KG 1 to Grade 12 with a total enrolment of 3,088 students.

The curriculum blends the US and IB frameworks, with students preparing for AP and IB Diploma Programme examinations. The school is accredited by NEASC and IB, ensuring high academic standards, and has received an "Outstanding" rating for the 2023-2024 period.

Annual tuition fees range from AED 66,185 to AED 93,300. The school is conveniently located for families in Al Barsha, including nearby areas such as Al Barsha First, Al Barsha Second, and Al Barsha South.

Location

Al Barsha

Fees & Admissions

The academic year of some recorded fees has not been verified against its source. Confirm current rates with the school before using them.

Grade Level	Annual Fees (recorded)	Est. Monthly
KG 12026-2027 (year unverified)	66,185 AED	~5,515 AED
KG 22026-2027 (year unverified)	66,185 AED	~5,515 AED
GRADE 12026-2027 (year unverified)	93,300 AED	~7,775 AED
GRADE 22026-2027 (year unverified)	93,300 AED	~7,775 AED
GRADE 32026-2027 (year unverified)	93,300 AED	~7,775 AED
GRADE 42026-2027 (year unverified)	93,300 AED	~7,775 AED
GRADE 52026-2027 (year unverified)	93,300 AED	~7,775 AED
GRADE 62026-2027 (year unverified)	93,300 AED	~7,775 AED
GRADE 72026-2027 (year unverified)	93,300 AED	~7,775 AED
GRADE 82026-2027 (year unverified)	93,300 AED	~7,775 AED
GRADE 92026-2027 (year unverified)	93,300 AED	~7,775 AED
GRADE 102026-2027 (year unverified)	93,300 AED	~7,775 AED
GRADE 112026-2027 (year unverified)	93,300 AED	~7,775 AED
GRADE 122026-2027 (year unverified)	93,300 AED	~7,775 AED

Inspection Report

KHDA rated GEMS Dubai American Academy "Outstanding" in its 2023-2024 inspection, its 11th consecutive "Outstanding". The school has been inspected 14 times since 2008-2009.

Latest Rating (2023-2024)

Outstanding

Download Report

What inspectors found in 2023-2024

Strengths noted by inspectors

Highly-effective leadership and governance
Sustained excellent student outcomes and learning skills
Commitment to an inclusive culture which embraces wellbeing
Students' continued excellent personal and social skills
A stimulating and futuristic learning environment

What the school was asked to improve

Review and modify improvement strategies which are not having the desired impact
Develop, embed and monitor a whole-school reading literacy strategy with regular review
Design impact indicators for the wellness, inclusion, safeguarding and emotional/social support (WISE) initiative

Source: KHDA inspection report 2023-2024 (PDF, pages 1–25), inspected 23 to 27 October 2023. Restated by BestSchool.ae.

Since the 2022-2023 inspection

Of the 87 performance indicators rated in both reports, 1 improved, 1 declined and 85 kept the same rating.

Students

2,972 → 3,088

+116 (+4%)

Teachers

240 → 244

+4 (+2%)

Students of determination

334 → 326

-8 (-2%)

Emirati students

61 → 62

+1 (+2%)

Improved

Mathematics — Attainment · Middle: Very good → Outstanding

Declined

Understanding of Islamic values and awareness of Emirati and world cultures · KG: Outstanding → Very good

Did GEMS Dubai American Academy act on the 2022-2023 recommendations?

Of the 3 recommendations made in 2022-2023, 3 can be checked against the 2023-2024 ratings: 1 show an improvement, 1 a decline, 1 no change yet.

Raise students' achievement in Islamic Education through direct support and interventions to fill gaps in understanding and skillsDeclined
Understanding of Islamic values and awareness of Emirati and world cultures (KG): Outstanding → Very good
Analyze what drives successful Arabic learning and ensure every student is supported to reach their potentialNo change yet
16 related indicators kept their ratings in 2023-2024
Embed practical skills and real-life applications of conceptual knowledge in mathematics through daily inquiryImproved
Mathematics — Attainment (Middle): Very good → Outstanding

Performance standards by year (87 indicators, 2 inspections)

Indicator	Phase	2022-2023	2023-2024
Students' achievement
Islamic Education — Attainment	Elementary	Good	Good
Islamic Education — Attainment	Middle	Good	Good
Islamic Education — Attainment	High	Acceptable	Acceptable
Islamic Education — Progress	Elementary	Good	Good
Islamic Education — Progress	Middle	Good	Good
Islamic Education — Progress	High	Acceptable	Acceptable
Arabic as a First Language — Attainment	Elementary	Acceptable	Acceptable
Arabic as a First Language — Attainment	Middle	Acceptable	Acceptable
Arabic as a First Language — Attainment	High	Acceptable	Acceptable
Arabic as a First Language — Progress	Elementary	Good	Good
Arabic as a First Language — Progress	Middle	Acceptable	Acceptable
Arabic as a First Language — Progress	High	Good	Good
Arabic as an Additional Language — Attainment	Elementary	Good	Good
Arabic as an Additional Language — Attainment	Middle	Good	Good
Arabic as an Additional Language — Attainment	High	Good	Good
Arabic as an Additional Language — Progress	Elementary	Good	Good
Arabic as an Additional Language — Progress	Middle	Good	Good
Arabic as an Additional Language — Progress	High	Good	Good
English — Attainment	KG	Outstanding	Outstanding
English — Attainment	Elementary	Outstanding	Outstanding
English — Attainment	Middle	Outstanding	Outstanding
English — Attainment	High	Outstanding	Outstanding
English — Progress	KG	Outstanding	Outstanding
English — Progress	Elementary	Outstanding	Outstanding
English — Progress	Middle	Outstanding	Outstanding
English — Progress	High	Outstanding	Outstanding
Mathematics — Attainment	KG	Outstanding	Outstanding
Mathematics — Attainment	Elementary	Very good	Very good
Mathematics — Attainment	Middle	Very good	Outstanding
Mathematics — Attainment	High	Outstanding	Outstanding
Mathematics — Progress	KG	Outstanding	Outstanding
Mathematics — Progress	Elementary	Very good	Very good
Mathematics — Progress	Middle	Outstanding	Outstanding
Mathematics — Progress	High	Outstanding	Outstanding
Science — Attainment	KG	Outstanding	Outstanding
Science — Attainment	Elementary	Outstanding	Outstanding
Science — Attainment	Middle	Outstanding	Outstanding
Science — Attainment	High	Outstanding	Outstanding
Science — Progress	KG	Outstanding	Outstanding
Science — Progress	Elementary	Outstanding	Outstanding
Science — Progress	Middle	Outstanding	Outstanding
Science — Progress	High	Outstanding	Outstanding
Learning skills	KG	Outstanding	Outstanding
Learning skills	Elementary	Outstanding	Outstanding
Learning skills	Middle	Outstanding	Outstanding
Learning skills	High	Outstanding	Outstanding
Students' personal and social development
Personal development	KG	Outstanding	Outstanding
Personal development	Elementary	Outstanding	Outstanding
Personal development	Middle	Outstanding	Outstanding
Personal development	High	Outstanding	Outstanding
Understanding of Islamic values and awareness of Emirati and world cultures	KG	Outstanding	Very good
Understanding of Islamic values and awareness of Emirati and world cultures	Elementary	Outstanding	Outstanding
Understanding of Islamic values and awareness of Emirati and world cultures	Middle	Outstanding	Outstanding
Understanding of Islamic values and awareness of Emirati and world cultures	High	Outstanding	Outstanding
Social responsibility and innovation skills	KG	Outstanding	Outstanding
Social responsibility and innovation skills	Elementary	Outstanding	Outstanding
Social responsibility and innovation skills	Middle	Outstanding	Outstanding
Social responsibility and innovation skills	High	Outstanding	Outstanding
Teaching and assessment
Teaching for effective learning	KG	Outstanding	Outstanding
Teaching for effective learning	Elementary	Outstanding	Outstanding
Teaching for effective learning	Middle	Outstanding	Outstanding
Teaching for effective learning	High	Outstanding	Outstanding
Assessment	KG	Outstanding	Outstanding
Assessment	Elementary	Outstanding	Outstanding
Assessment	Middle	Outstanding	Outstanding
Assessment	High	Outstanding	Outstanding
Curriculum
Curriculum design and implementation	KG	Outstanding	Outstanding
Curriculum design and implementation	Elementary	Outstanding	Outstanding
Curriculum design and implementation	Middle	Outstanding	Outstanding
Curriculum design and implementation	High	Outstanding	Outstanding
Curriculum adaptation	KG	Outstanding	Outstanding
Curriculum adaptation	Elementary	Outstanding	Outstanding
Curriculum adaptation	Middle	Outstanding	Outstanding
Curriculum adaptation	High	Outstanding	Outstanding
The protection, care, guidance and support of students
Health and safety, including arrangements for child protection/safeguarding	KG	Outstanding	Outstanding
Health and safety, including arrangements for child protection/safeguarding	Elementary	Outstanding	Outstanding
Health and safety, including arrangements for child protection/safeguarding	Middle	Outstanding	Outstanding
Health and safety, including arrangements for child protection/safeguarding	High	Outstanding	Outstanding
Care and support	KG	Outstanding	Outstanding
Care and support	Elementary	Outstanding	Outstanding
Care and support	Middle	Outstanding	Outstanding
Care and support	High	Outstanding	Outstanding
Leadership and management
The effectiveness of leadership	Whole school	Outstanding	Outstanding
School self-evaluation and improvement planning	Whole school	Outstanding	Outstanding
Parents and the community	Whole school	Outstanding	Outstanding
Governance	Whole school	Outstanding	Outstanding
Management, staffing, facilities and resources	Whole school	Outstanding	Outstanding

Earlier inspections

2022-2023Outstanding

This large US/IB curriculum school was rated outstanding overall. Inspectors highlighted outstanding personal development, learning skills, English, science, safeguarding, and inclusion provision. Recommendations focus on raising Islamic Education achievement, improving Arabic as a First Language outcomes, and embedding practical, real-life applications of mathematics through daily inquiry.

Strengths noted by inspectors

A schoolwide culture of well-being with wide-ranging support for inclusion
Students' outstanding personal and social skills across all phases
Highly effective health, safety and safeguarding measures
Students' outstanding learning skills and high-quality provision for learning
A broad, progressive curriculum

What the school was asked to improve

Raise students' achievement in Islamic Education through direct support and interventions to fill gaps in understanding and skills
Analyze what drives successful Arabic learning and ensure every student is supported to reach their potential
Embed practical skills and real-life applications of conceptual knowledge in mathematics through daily inquiry

Source: KHDA inspection report 2022-2023 (PDF, pages 1–18), inspected 23 to 27 October 2022. Restated by BestSchool.ae.

Rating History

2022-2023Outstanding

2019-2020Outstanding

2018-2019Outstanding

2017-2018Outstanding

Quality Indicators

2023-2024 inspection

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is GEMS Dubai American Academy - Dubai Branch located in Dubai?

GEMS Dubai American Academy is located in Barsha & Quoz, occupying a premium campus in Al Barsha South First at the intersection of Sheikh Zayed Road and Hessa Street. The academy serves families across Al Barsha, Dubai Hills Estate, Arabian Ranches, The Lakes, and Emirates Hills with excellent Metro connectivity.

What curriculum does GEMS Dubai American Academy - Dubai Branch offer?

The school follows the American curriculum, structured around US educational standards. The programme covers elementary, middle, and high school levels with subject-based instruction and preparation for American college admissions.

What age groups and grade levels are available at GEMS Dubai American Academy - Dubai Branch?

GEMS Dubai American Academy accepts students from KG1 to Grade 12, covering ages 4 to 18 across elementary, middle, and high school divisions.

What are the tuition fees at GEMS Dubai American Academy - Dubai Branch?

Annual fees range from AED 66,185 to AED 93,300, depending on grade level. Additional charges may apply for specific programmes or services.

Who is GEMS Dubai American Academy - Dubai Branch best suited for?

GEMS Dubai American Academy is best suited for American expatriates and internationally mobile families seeking outstanding American education with IB Diploma options. The school attracts residents of Al Barsha, Dubai Hills, Arabian Ranches, and Emirates Hills who value Advanced Placement courses and flexible senior pathways.

What is GEMS Dubai American Academy's KHDA inspection rating?

KHDA rated GEMS Dubai American Academy "Outstanding" in its 2023-2024 inspection, its 11th consecutive "Outstanding". The school has been inspected 14 times since 2008-2009.

What did KHDA inspectors say about GEMS Dubai American Academy in 2023-2024?

Inspectors rated this large US/IB curriculum school in Al Barsha as outstanding overall, highlighting highly effective leadership, sustained excellent student outcomes, and a strong inclusive, wellbeing-focused culture. Recommended improvements include Arabic language differentiation, embedding a whole-school reading literacy strategy, and strengthening the WISE wellbeing initiative's impact measures. Strengths noted by the inspectors in 2023-2024: highly-effective leadership and governance; sustained excellent student outcomes and learning skills; commitment to an inclusive culture which embraces wellbeing; students' continued excellent personal and social skills; a stimulating and futuristic learning environment.

What was GEMS Dubai American Academy asked to improve in its 2023-2024 inspection?

The 2023-2024 KHDA report recommended that the school: review and modify improvement strategies which are not having the desired impact; develop, embed and monitor a whole-school reading literacy strategy with regular review; design impact indicators for the wellness, inclusion, safeguarding and emotional/social support (WISE) initiative.

Has GEMS Dubai American Academy improved since its 2022-2023 inspection?

Between the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 inspections, 1 of the 87 indicators rated in both reports improved, 1 declined and 85 kept the same rating. Improvements include Mathematics — Attainment (Middle) from Very good to Outstanding. Enrolment went from 2,972 to 3,088 students (+4%). Of the 3 recommendations made in 2022-2023, 3 can be checked against the 2023-2024 ratings and 1 was followed by a measurable improvement.

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At a Glance

From the 2023-2024 inspection profile

Grades

KG 1 to Grade 12

Age

4 to 18

Students

3,088

Genders

Boys and girls

Curriculum

US/IB

Language

English

School Profile

As reported for 2023-2024

Principal

HELENA ISABEL DA COSTA PEREIRA RASO

Since 08/01/2022

Opening year

1998

Teachers

244 (+75 assistants)

Counsellors

Largest nationality teachers

American

Largest nationality students

Emirati students

Determination students

326

Accreditation

NEASC/IB

Curriculum examinations

AP,IBDP

Last inspection: 23 to 27 October 2023

About GEMS Dubai American Academy

Last updated 15 September 2026 · Sources: KHDA inspection reports · methodology

Grade Level

Annual Fees (recorded)

Est. Monthly

Fact Sheet

KG 12026-2027 (year unverified)

66,185 AED

~5,515 AED

KG 22026-2027 (year unverified)

66,185 AED

~5,515 AED

GRADE 12026-2027 (year unverified)

93,300 AED

~7,775 AED

GRADE 22026-2027 (year unverified)

93,300 AED

~7,775 AED

GRADE 32026-2027 (year unverified)

93,300 AED

~7,775 AED

GRADE 42026-2027 (year unverified)

93,300 AED

~7,775 AED

GRADE 52026-2027 (year unverified)

93,300 AED

~7,775 AED

GRADE 62026-2027 (year unverified)

93,300 AED

~7,775 AED

GRADE 72026-2027 (year unverified)

93,300 AED

~7,775 AED

GRADE 82026-2027 (year unverified)

93,300 AED

~7,775 AED

GRADE 92026-2027 (year unverified)

93,300 AED

~7,775 AED

GRADE 102026-2027 (year unverified)

93,300 AED

~7,775 AED

GRADE 112026-2027 (year unverified)

93,300 AED

~7,775 AED

GRADE 122026-2027 (year unverified)

93,300 AED

~7,775 AED

Inspection Report

KHDA rated GEMS Dubai American Academy "Outstanding" in its 2023-2024 inspection, its 11th consecutive "Outstanding". The school has been inspected 14 times since 2008-2009.

Latest Rating (2023-2024)

Outstanding

Download Report