Education

International schools in Dubai

What this entry covers

Most expatriate children in Dubai attend private schools, which teach a wide range of curricula including British, American, IB, Indian, French and others. The Dubai list on International Schools DB is a starting point for comparing them by curriculum and age range, and the wider United Arab Emirates section covers Abu Dhabi and the other emirates.

Inspection ratings

Private schools in Dubai are regulated by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), which inspects schools and publishes a rating for each on a scale running from Outstanding down to Very weak. The rating also affects how much a school is allowed to raise its fees. Abu Dhabi schools are regulated separately by the Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK).

What else to check

• Arabic language lessons and Islamic education are part of the required programme for many students, with rules that depend on nationality and religion. Ask how the school timetables them.
• Fee schedules in Dubai are public, but extras such as transport, uniforms and activities are charged on top.
• School runs in Dubai can be long. Map the commute from the areas you are considering.

Entry last checked: October 2026. Spotted something out of date? Use the contact page.