Dubai’s education system offers families a wide range of choices, with private schools accounting for about 90% of all educational services. These schools frequently provide international curricula, such as American, British, and French programs. Education is compulsory for children aged 5 to 15, and Emirati citizens receive free public schooling at both primary and secondary levels¹.
International Schools
Historically, expatriate children had limited access to public schools, which led to the growth of high-quality international schools in Dubai². Today, Dubai is recognized for its concentration of international schools, including:
- GEMS Dubai American Academy³
- Dubai College³
- Repton School Dubai³
- Swiss International Scientific School³
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS)³
- King's School Dubai³
- American School of Dubai (ASD)³
- Nord Anglia International School³
- The Indian High School³
- Deira International School³
As of January 2025, Dubai has 227 private schools⁴. The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) requires all private schools to teach mandatory subjects, including Arabic, Islamic Education, and Social and Moral Studies, to promote Emirati values⁵. The school week runs from Sunday to Thursday⁶.
School Ratings (2024–2025)
- Outstanding: 23⁷
- Very Good: 48⁷
- Good: 85⁷
- Acceptable: 51⁷
- Weak: 2⁷
School fees vary widely. Many international schools offer rolling admissions, but early application is recommended, especially for primary grades due to limited spaces⁸.
Public Schools
Public schools in Dubai use Arabic as the primary language of instruction, with English taught as a second language. The UAE government continues to invest in improving the public education system⁹.
Private Schools
Private schools, often synonymous with international schools, cater to Dubai’s large expatriate community and typically follow curricula from students’ home countries¹⁰.
Preschool
Dubai offers a diverse range of preschool options. When selecting a preschool, families should consider curriculum, language, school affiliations, location, and schedule. Leading preschools include:
- British Orchard Nursery¹¹
- Blossom Nursery¹¹
- Kids World Nursery¹¹
- Ladybird Nursery¹¹
- Raffles Nursery¹¹
- Step By Step Nursery¹¹
- Toddler Town British Nursery¹¹
- Emirates British Nursery¹¹
- Willow Children's Nursery¹¹
- Kids Kingdom Learning Centre¹¹
Preschool fees depend on location, curriculum, and services offered¹².
Primary and Secondary Education
Primary education is compulsory in the UAE. Most private schools offer both primary and secondary education on the same campus. Private schools operate under the supervision of the Ministry of Education and KHDA, following their home country’s curriculum while adhering to national policies¹³.
Tertiary Education and Universities
Dubai is home to many international university branches and local institutions. Top universities include:
- Canadian University Dubai (CUD)¹⁴
- University of Dubai¹⁴
- American University in Dubai¹⁴
- The British University in Dubai¹⁴
When choosing a university, consider accreditation, recognition, location, campus facilities, accommodation, visa requirements, faculty, alumni network, and employment rates¹⁵.
American Schools
Many Dubai schools offer an American curriculum, including:
- GEMS Dubai American Academy¹⁶
- American School of Dubai¹⁶
- Dunecrest American School¹⁶
- Clarion School¹⁶
- Next Generation School¹⁶
Academic Calendar
The academic year in the UAE typically starts in late August or early September and ends in June or July, divided into three terms with winter and spring breaks. Dates may vary by school and curriculum¹⁷.
Curriculum and Inspections
KHDA mandates subjects such as Arabic, Islamic Education (for Muslim students), and social studies for all private schools. KHDA also conducts regular inspections, with reports available to the public¹⁸.
Education Initiatives
KHDA’s Education 33 (E33) program aims to transform Dubai’s education system, focusing on learner-centric approaches, cultural empowerment, and equitable access¹⁹.
Higher Education
Dubai’s higher education sector is expanding, with oversight from the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research²⁰.
School Fees
School fees in Dubai vary by school type, curriculum, and grade level. Public schools are free for Emirati citizens, while private schools charge tuition. Some schools offer discounts or scholarships²¹.
Key Facts (2025)
- Private schools: 227²²
- Students in private schools: 387,441²²
- Students in higher education: 42,026²²
- KHDA. "Dubai’s education system overview," Accessed December 16, 2025, https://www.khda.gov.ae.
- KHDA. "Expatriate access and international school growth;" Accessed December 16, 2025, https://www.khda.gov.ae.
- Edarabia. "List of top international schools," Accessed December 16, 2025, https://www.edarabia.com.
- KHDA. Number of private schools in Dubai;" Accessed December 16, 2025, https://www.khda.gov.ae.
- KHDA. "Mandatory subjects," Accessed December 16, 2025, https://www.khda.gov.ae.
- KHDA. "School week schedule," Accessed December 16, 2025, https://www.khda.gov.ae.
- KHDA. "School ratings breakdown," Accessed December 16, 2025, https://www.khda.gov.ae.
- Which school advisor. "School fees and admissions," Accessed December 16, 2025, https://www.whichschooladvisor.com.
- United Arab Emirates Ministry of Education. "Public school language and government investment," Accessed December 16, 2025, https://www.moe.gov.ae.
- Edarabia. "Private school curricula and expatriate focus," Accessed December 16, 2025, https://www.edarabia.com.
- Edarabia. "Leading preschools in Dubai," Accessed December 16, 2025, https://www.edarabia.com.
- Which school advisor. "Nursery fees," Accessed December 16, 2025, https://www.whichschooladvisor.com.
- KHDA. "Primary and secondary education structure;" Accessed December 16, 2025, https://www.khda.gov.ae.
- Edarabia. "Top universities in Dubai," Accessed December 16, 2025, https://www.edarabia.com.
- Top Universities. "University selection criteria," Accessed December 16, 2025, https://www.topuniversities.com.
- Edarabia. "American curriculum schools," Accessed December 16, 2025, https://www.edarabia.com.
- KHDA. "Academic calendar," Accessed December 16, 2025, https://www.khda.gov.ae.
- KHDA. "Curriculum and inspections," Accessed December 16, 2025, https://www.khda.gov.ae.
- KHDA. "Education 33 initiative," Accessed December 16, 2025, https://www.khda.gov.ae.
- United Arab Emirates Ministry of Education. "Higher education sector and oversight," Accessed December 16, 2025, https://www.moe.gov.ae.
- Which school advisor. "School fees and scholarships," Accessed December 16, 2025, https://www.whichschooladvisor.com.
- KHDA. "Key facts and figures," Accessed December 16, 2025, https://www.khda.gov.ae.
We’re here to help!
Get answers to your questions about joining our team or doing business with us.