Schools and Kindergartens in Dubai
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Schools in Dubai

International Schools in Dubai

In Dubai, education, along with security and economic policy, is a top priority. Significant investments have been made in the education sector for many years. Furthermore, the United Arab Emirates also strive for an international top standard in school education.

Increased competition among schools, a growing privatization of education, and the integration of foreign children at international schools have helped establish a European level of education in the UAE.

Example of school fees in Dubai

The annual tuition fees (as of 2026) are:

Kindergarten AED 37,631
Preschool AED 41,595
Elementary School AED 44,398
Secondary School from AED 56,196 to AED 71,094

For more detailed information on the average school fees in Dubai, please also see “Cost of Living in Dubai“.

English Speaking schools in Dubai and alternatives

Children in Dubai grow up in a cosmopolitan and diverse culture. In their classes, they learn alongside children from all over the world, regardless of nationality, skin color, or religion. When new students join the class at the start of the school year, who have just moved to Dubai and do not yet speak English, this is not seen as a problem. Through the use of special language programs, these children are supported so that they often speak English fluently and are fully integrated into their class by the end of the first school year.

Due to the international orientation, international schools in Dubai are very open-minded. Diversity and internationality are key aspects that characterise these schools, and an international mindset is promoted simply by having many different nationalities taught together in a classroom community.

School Fees in Dubai
International Schools in Dubai

School in Dubai, the Right Choice for Your Child

After you have emigrated to Dubai, a new life begins for you. New company, new home, and for children, a new school. Are you already looking for a school in Dubai? We are here to help you, provide advice, and at this point, inform you about what you should generally consider when choosing a school.

The successful acclimatization of your children to the new environment depends particularly on the choice of a suitable school in Dubai. Consider that your children had to leave their familiar life, environment, and friends. Therefore, it is now extremely important that they receive the right support primarily from their teachers.

Types of Schools in Dubai

In Dubai and the entire United Arab Emirates, school attendance is mandatory for children from the age of six. Both genders have access to the same educational opportunities.

Kindergarten in Dubai (3–6 years):

There are also many private preschools that offer playgroups, day care, and a kindergarten. Attendance at these schools is voluntary but very popular as they allow mothers to socialize and settle into their new environment.

Elementary School in Dubai (6–11 years):

Schooling typically begins at six years of age. The language of instruction in most elementary schools is English. Other schools also teach in German, and some offer foreign languages like French and Russian.

Secondary Schools in Dubai (12–18 years):

After finishing elementary school, children move on to secondary schools or high schools.

Elementary School in Dubai
University in Dubai

Public Schools in Dubai

Public schools in Dubai are free for Emirati nationals and mandatory for boys and girls in all grades. The language of instruction in public schools is Arabic, with English offered as the first foreign language.

Private Schools in Dubai

The majority of private schools in Dubai are run and managed by expatriates from Western countries. However, many local families also choose to send their children to private schools in Dubai. This is not only due to the importance of English as a global language but also because of the belief that the education offered there is superior to that at public schools.

Dubai also has schools for American, British, French, German, Egyptian, Indian, Pakistani, Filipino, and Japanese expatriates, as well as international schools for students of all nationalities. Most schools teach in English, including the Indian and Pakistani schools.

Students from countries like Japan, France, or Germany are mostly sent to international schools in Dubai where the primary language of instruction is English.

Most private schools in Dubai operate continuously and educate children from preschool to university entrance exams. Students are prepared for a variety of examinations, such as the British “A-Levels” or the “International Baccalaureate,” which can be taken in the Gulf states.

The standard of private schools is generally high and compared to schools in Europe or North America, international private schools are often less strict regarding their administration, curriculums, dress codes, or the relationship between teachers and students. Some view this as positive, while others see it as negative.

Private Schools in the United Arab Emirates
Swiss School in Dubai

The Leading Private Schools in Dubai

Our list of leading private schools in Dubai does not follow any official ranking, but rather our subjective impression, which we have gathered through the reports of our clients:

  • Dubai English Speaking College
  • Jumeirah English Speaking School, Arabian Ranches
  • Dubai College
  • Swiss International School Dubai
  • German International School in Dubai

Registration at Private Schools in Dubai

International schools in Dubai often have waiting lists. For this reason, you should register your child as early as possible at the school of your choice. It is likely that you will need a current report card or a letter of assessment from your child’s previous school. The registration process at a private school in Dubai includes an interview with you and your child and possibly an entrance exam.

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