Top Schools in dubai 2026

The Arbor School
UK*
5.0(21)
Annual fees
58,806 - 97,232 AED
View
Dunecrest American School
American
5.0(11)
Annual fees
49,754 - 96,263 AED
View
Glendale International School
UK*
5.0(9)
Annual fees
42,000 - 57,600 AED
View
Dubai British School Jumeira
UK*
5.0(8)
Annual fees
43,500 - 69,872 AED
View
Little Flower English School
Indian
5.0(8)
Annual fees
3,837 - 4,135 AED
View
South View School
UK*
5.0(8)
Annual fees
46,510 - 66,519 AED
View
BC Academy International School
UK (13 Y)
5.0(4)
Annual fees
50,000 - 66,000 AED
View

Average Tuition Fees by Area

Average published annual tuition for 2026-2027, by area

Average annual tuition fees by area, 2026-2027
AreaAverage annual feeSchools
Muwaileh & University CityAED 80,3331
Sports City & Motor CityAED 80,0136
Emirates Hills, JLT & ParksAED 67,8674
Meydan & Creek HarbourAED 65,91913
Dubailand & RanchesAED 62,20811
Umm Suqeim & SufouhAED 58,46710
Barsha & QuozAED 54,43237
Jebel Ali & FurjanAED 50,73513
Jumeirah & Umm SuqeimAED 50,0879
Silicon Oasis & AcademicAED 46,5917
Average Tuition (AED)

Latest from Dubai schools

New principals, campuses, inspection ratings and awards, as announced by the schools themselves.

All 12 updates
  1. Milestone

    GEMS Founders marks 10 years as newest school GFH opens

    GEMS Founders School marks a decade since GFS opened in Al Barsha South in 2016. The Founders family has since grown with GFM in 2018, GFD and GFA in 2024, and its newest school, GFH, which opened days before this announcement.

  2. Award

    Regent all-girls team wins Fastest Car Award at ADNOC STEM Racing UAE National Finals

    Team Pavan, an all-girls STEM Racing team from Regent, earned the Fastest Car Award in the Development Category at the STEM Racing UAE National Finals presented by ADNOC. The school credited the national-level achievement to creativity, teamwork and resilience from concept through competition.

  3. Milestone

    Lycée Français Jean Mermoz Dubai celebrates its very first graduating class

    The school held an evening celebration marking its first-ever graduating class, described as a founding moment in its history. The pioneer students grew up alongside the school. The event took place ahead of the Baccalauréat results, expected at the end of June 2026.

  4. Accreditation

    Sunmarke rated Outstanding across all areas in 2026 BSO Inspection Report

    Principal Nicholas Rickford announced that Sunmarke was rated Outstanding by British School Overseas in the 2026 BSO Inspection Report, covering curriculum, student progress, leadership, wellbeing, teaching, learning and assessment, with Outstanding recognition also in English, Mathematics and Science.

  5. Leadership

    Yvonne Hardiman appointed Head of Prep from Academic Year 2026-2027

    Mrs Yvonne Hardiman will take up the Head of Prep role from Academic Year 2026-2027, bringing over two decades of senior leadership experience in British curriculum schools in the UK and Dubai.

  6. New campus

    Repton Dubai unveils new Sports Village

    Repton Dubai has opened a new Sports Village, presented as a step forward in sport, wellbeing and education. The unveiling featured a Q&A and sports showcase with football figures including Kaka, Pirlo, Seedorf and Marcelo, and UFC fighter Ciryl Gane, alongside pupils.

FAQ Dubai Schools

Find answers to the most common questions about schools in Dubai.

How does the school system work in Dubai?

The school system in Dubai is regulated by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), which oversees licensing, inspections, and quality standards. Unlike many countries, Dubai's education system is almost entirely composed of private and international schools. Schools operate independently but are subject to regular KHDA inspections, ratings, and compliance with local education policies.

Is school free in Dubai?

No. All schools in Dubai charge tuition fees. There is no free public school system available for expatriates, and the vast majority of families enroll their children in private or international schools. Education in Dubai is therefore a fully fee-based system.

How much does school cost in Dubai?

School fees in Dubai vary significantly depending on the curriculum, grade level, school reputation, and facilities. Tuition can range from more affordable private schools to premium international institutions. In addition to tuition, families should budget for uniforms, transportation, school meals, learning resources, and extracurricular activities.

What age do children start school in Dubai?

Children in Dubai typically start school at age 3 or 4 in early years programmes such as Foundation Stage (FS1/FS2) or Kindergarten. Compulsory education usually begins around age 5 or 6, depending on the curriculum followed.

What types of schools are available in Dubai?

Dubai offers a wide variety of schools, including British, American, International Baccalaureate (IB), Indian (CBSE/ICSE), French, German, and other international curriculum schools. There are also private schools offering hybrid or adapted programmes aligned with international standards.

What curricula are available in Dubai schools?

Dubai has one of the most diverse curriculum offerings in the world. Available curricula include British (UK), American, IB, Indian (CBSE/ICSE), French, German, Canadian, Australian, and other international education systems, all regulated by KHDA.

Where are schools located in Dubai?

Schools in Dubai are spread across many residential and education-focused areas, including Jumeirah, Al Barsha, Al Quoz, Mirdif, Dubailand, Arabian Ranches, Academic City, and surrounding communities. This wide distribution allows families to choose schools close to home.

Are international schools common in Dubai?

Yes. International schools are extremely common in Dubai and represent the majority of the education market. They are particularly popular among expatriate families and parents seeking internationally recognised qualifications and global university pathways.

How long is the summer break in Dubai schools?

The summer break in Dubai typically lasts between 8 and 10 weeks, depending on the curriculum and academic calendar. British and IB schools often follow international or UK-aligned schedules, while other curricula may vary slightly.

Are schools in Dubai regulated by the government?

Yes. All schools in Dubai are regulated by KHDA, which ensures compliance with education standards, conducts inspections, publishes school ratings, and oversees tuition fee frameworks.