GEMS World Academy, Dubai

GEMS World Academy - Dubai (GWA) is a KHDA rated ‘Very Good’ Nursery to Grade 12 (ages 2-19) international school, and is authorised by the world-renowned International Baccalaureate (IB) organisation to offer all four IB programmes.

Established in 2008, the Academy is a member of the GEMS network of schools and currently hosts over 1200 students from over 80 different nationalities in a 21st century learning environment. Students have access to a broad range of world class facilities and learning experiences, facilitated by our multicultural and multilingual international staff of educators with over 900 years of combined IB experience.

Located on Al Khail Road in the Al Barsha South area of Dubai, GEMS World Academy – Dubai is conveniently located a short drive from the Meadows, Springs, Lakes, Arabian Ranches and Dubai Hills developments as well as both the Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Mall.

Our Nursery offers a Reggio inspired programme from age 2 leading into an IB programme from age 3. The IB is split into four programmes: the Primary Years Programme for students aged 3 to 12; the Middle Years Programme for students aged 12 to 16; the Diploma Programme; and the Career-related Programme, which is a qualification for entrance into further education.

The school’s large campus is home to an outstanding range of facilities, which includes a 400m athletics track, tennis courts, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a 620 seat auditorium, a green-screen room, a recording studio and our very own 3D planetarium. We also a run a ‘Bring Your Own Educational Device’ programme, which encourages tech integration across all subject areas.

GEMS World Academy – Dubai offers an extensive Language Institute and Entrepreneurship Hub in addition to over 120 Enrichment Programmes. The Enrichment Programmes include clubs and teams in sports, arts and academics. In many cases the core activities will be staffed by highly experienced GWA staff as Internal Enrichment Opportunities. External Enrichment Opportunities, such as golf, swimming, cross-country, basketball, rock-climbing, horseback riding, skiing, dance and martial arts are also provided on or off campus by external companies. Intercultural understanding involves recognizing and reflecting on one’s own perspective, as well as the perspectives of others. In our own highly diverse international community the learning of not only another language, but the preservation and understanding of one’s mother tongue is critical. GEMS World Academy - Dubai is proud to offer the UAE's largest mother tongue programme of any school in the UAE with 14 languages; Arabic, Mandarin, Russian, Spanish, French, Italian, Swedish, Hindi, German, Turkish, Korean, Dutch, Danish and Portuguese.

The IB Plus

GEMS World Academy – Dubai believes the International Baccalaureate (IB) offers the best educational experience, providing exceptional preparation for competitive universities and beyond. The IB is more than a qualification—it’s an educational vision that prepares students as global leaders. At the Academy, students explore a range of subjects and have the freedom to specialise in areas they are passionate about. Our programmes, including the PYP, MYP, DP, and CP, are guided by IB’s philosophy, fostering critical thinking, reflection, and volunteering. We pride ourselves on our inclusive community and strong academic results, particularly in Mathematics. Our graduates gain acceptance to the world’s top universities and excel in innovation and entrepreneurship challenges.

Small entrepreneurship, innovation & social impact

At the core of GEMS World Academy - Dubai, our mission is to develop inquiring, reflective and caring leaders who will graduate from our Academy with the knowledge, skill and character to take action and create a better and more peaceful world.

With today's ever-changing world, our role is to prepare our students for the world that awaits them. In tomorrows’ world, students are far more likely to have to create their own employment since 65% of the jobs students will engage in do not exist today. We can’t prepare them for jobs that don’t yet exist so we are here to prepare them to be agile and adaptable in the face of profound shifts.

Language Institute

The Academy's Language Institute provides the largest mother tongue language programme among all schools in the UAE.

Intercultural understanding involves recognising and reflecting on one’s own perspective, as well as the perspectives of others. In our own highly diverse international community, the learning of another language, and the preservation and understanding of one’s mother tongue is critical.

The Academy's Language Institute allows us to impart intercultural understanding and respect among our students of more than 100 nationalities. Multilingual opportunities advance critical thinking skills, allowing students to approach and understand the world as global citizens.

University Desitantions

We have a dedicated University and Careers Counselling Centre on campus, creating individual pathways for students and connecting them to top universities and businesses.

Our students go on to study at some of the world’s leading universities with over 60% of our IBDP cohort being accepted to a Top 50 QS World University. These include University of Cambridge, Yale University, University of Oxford, Princeton University, London School of Economics, Australian National University, University of Edinburgh, New York University, Durham University and McGill University. All GEMS World Academy – Dubai students are accepted into one or more of their top three university choices.

Enriching experiences for all ages

GEMS World Academy – Dubai offers a comprehensive enrichment programme with activities that inspire every child, whether sporty, musical, creative, or curious. Students are encouraged to sign up for activities across music, arts, sport, science, languages, and public speaking. Enrichment opportunities include Clubs, Performing Arts, Sports, Languages, and Leadership. Most activities are free, though some may require additional fees. Activities take place before school, during lunch, and after school, all adhering to KHDA and Dubai health and safety guidelines.

School’s strengths

• The inclusive nature of the school that ensures high quality care and support for all students, particularly those with special educational needs
• The outstanding environment for learning in the Kindergarten and children’s excellent attainment and progress in English, mathematics and science
• Students’ outstanding personal development and sense of social responsibility
• The excellent arrangements for keeping students safe and promoting healthy life styles

The very effective use made of the excellent accommodation and resources to support learning, and the outstanding partnerships with parents