Complete List of International Schools in Dubai (2026 Edition)

Choosing a school while relocating to Dubai is one of the most stressful parts of any international move. With over 200 private and international schools across the city, knowing where to begin is genuinely hard. This 2026 guide cuts through the noise for families searching for international schools in Dubai, covering GEMS Wellington, the American School of Dubai, Dubai British School, and more, with verified fees, curriculum summaries, and direct links to each school profile on doris.

Quick Comparison: Top International Schools in Dubai (2026)

Below is a curated list of some of the top international schools in Dubai, including their location, curriculum, and estimated annual fees.

Schools shown for informational purposes only. doris does not rank or promote any school.

Which Curriculum Fits Your Child?

This is the question most parents ask too late, after they have already fallen in love with a campus. Dubai's international schools follow four main curriculum tracks.

British (IGCSE / A-Level): Structured, globally portable, and familiar to families from the UK, India, and Commonwealth countries. Most British schools in Dubai are regulated by the KHDA (Knowledge and Human Development Authority). Schools like DBS and JESS follow this path.

American / US Curriculum: Credit-based, less formal in early years, and often paired with AP or IB at senior level. The American School of Dubai and Dubai International Academy are the most established names.

IB (International Baccalaureate): Recognised by universities worldwide. The IBO authorises schools, so always verify authorisation status directly. IB is popular with families who move frequently.

Australian / CBSE / Others: Less common but worth considering for continuity. The Swiss International Scientific School Dubai offers a bilingual IB-based pathway, practical for families with European roots or onward moves in mind.

Living and Schooling in Dubai: What Families Should Know

Dubai's appeal for relocating families goes well beyond its schools. The city offers a relatively low cost of living compared to other global hubs once housing is factored in, high safety ratings, and a year-round lifestyle that suits families with young children.

Most expat communities are concentrated in areas such as Dubai Marina, Jumeirah, Arabian Ranches, and the Mirdif district, and school choices often follow residential location. Traffic during school drop-off and pick-up can be significant, so proximity matters more than it might seem at first. Many families find that choosing a school within a 20-minute drive of home reduces daily friction considerably.

School Profiles: What Parents Need to Know

GEMS Wellington International School

Curriculum: IB and British National Curriculum | Fees: AED 55,000–95,000 (approx. USD 15,000–25,900)

One of Dubai's most established schools, GEMS Wellington draws families who want a globally recognised pathway. The IB Diploma results are consistently strong, and the pastoral care structure is well-regarded by relocating families. Waitlists are common, so apply early. Note: sibling discounts apply and are worth requesting upfront.

American School of Dubai

Curriculum: American / AP | Fees: AED 62,000–85,000 (approx. USD 16,900–23,100)

The American School of Dubai is the go-to choice for families arriving from North America or planning to return. Its AP programme is robust, university counselling starts early, and the community is tightly knit. Sibling priority is strong, so new families should enquire about placement timelines.

Dubai British School

Curriculum: British / IGCSE | Fees: AED 45,000–72,000 (approx. USD 12,250–19,600)

DBS is popular with British expats and families who value academic rigour without the premium price tag of larger campuses. IGCSE results are solid and the school has a reputation for responsive leadership. A practical middle-ground option for many relocators.

GEMS Modern Academy

Curriculum: IB (PYP, MYP, DP) | Fees: AED 58,000–98,000 (approx. USD 15,800–26,700)

A full IB continuum school, authorised by the International Baccalaureate Organisation. A strong choice for globally mobile families who want curriculum consistency across moves. The facilities are impressive, and the student body spans 80-plus nationalities.

Swiss International Scientific School Dubai

Fees: AED 40,000–68,000 (approx. USD 10,900–18,500). Offers a bilingual IB pathway in English and French or German, making it particularly well-suited to European families or those planning onward moves within the international school circuit.

Nord Anglia International School Dubai

Curriculum: IB and British | Fees: AED 60,000–96,000 (approx. USD 16,340–26,130)

Part of a global network, Nord Anglia offers curriculum consistency for families who may move again. The school has partnerships with MIT and Juilliard, which enriches STEM and arts provision beyond what most schools offer.

Dubai International Academy

Curriculum: IB | Fees: AED 55,000–90,000 (approx. USD 14,970–24,500)

A well-respected IB school with a long track record in Dubai. Parents frequently mention the stability of teaching staff as a key strength. Enrolment enquiries for the 2026 academic year should be submitted as early as possible.

Repton School Dubai

Curriculum: British / IB | Fees: AED 65,000–100,000 (approx. USD 17,700–27,200)

Repton is among Dubai's most prestigious options. Linked to the historic UK Repton School, it offers a high-quality British education with strong boarding connections for older students. Best suited to families with a longer-term Dubai stay.