List of 580 Best Schools in UAE (2026 Fees)

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According to recent reports, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) continues to have the highest number of international schools (511) in the Gulf region. Just 15 years ago, there were fewer than 1 million students, and now there are over 2.75 million students in the UAE from across the world.

What are some known facts about the UAE education system?

The public schools are government-funded.
The curriculum is created to match the UAE development's goals and values.
The medium of instruction at public schools is Arabic and English as a Second Language is emphasized.
There are also many top private schools which are internationally accredited.
Public schools in the country are free for citizens of the UAE, while the fees for private schools vary.
Education at primary and secondary levels is universal and compulsory up to the ninth grade
About 40% of pupils attend private schools.
Primary and secondary education is mandatory for all UAE citizens (including Arab nationals and expatriates).
The existing educational structure, which was established in the early 1970s, is a four-tier system covering 14 years of education.

Which governing bodies regulate education in the UAE?

The UAE Ministry of Education (MOE) is tasked with education reform, while preserving local traditions, principles and the cultural identity of the UAE. The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC), are responsible for the growth and quality of private education in their respective emirates, Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum,the Mohammed Bin Rashid Smart Learning Programme was launched, aiming to establish a unique learning environment in schools through the introduction of ‘Smart Classes’. Under the programme, students will utilise smart devices and high-speed 4G networks as means of acquiring knowledge. The initiative also includes specialised training programmes for teachers and the introduction of new curricula to serve its purpose.

What are the age brackets of children among UAE schools?

4 to 5 year-olds attend kindergarten
6 to 11 year-olds attend primary school
Preparatory stage caters for children aged between 12 and 14
15 to 17 year-olds attend secondary school

How many schools are there in each Emirate?

Dubai – 169
Abu Dhabi – 265 Public Schools; 185 Tuition-based Schools
Sharjah – 47
Ajman – 9
Ras Al Khaimah – 9
Fujairah – 6
Umm Al Quwain - 3

Below is a comprehensive list of all private schools in the UAE (المدارس في الإمارات). Our team strives to offer parents the latest updates, helping you find the best school in the UAE, including details, tuition fees, videos, photos, location map and community reviews.

Edarabia showcases all private schools in Uae through which parents can filter by tuition fees, curriculum, rankings & ratings. There are many public, private and charter schools near you that cater to both expat and local students.

Depending on the level of education; kindergartens (pre-schools), primary, secondary and high schools will all have varying tuition fees. Most K-12 schools offer different curriculums and extra-curricular activities to support the intellectual and physical wellbeing of students. Admissions for the top international schools in Uae tend to have waiting lists so it is recommended that parents apply well in advance to secure a spot for their children. Additionally, each school has ratings based on parent reviews and are ranked below accordingly.

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