List of 229 Best Schools in Dubai (2026 Fees)

With a population of 3,549,900 (2022), Dubai has over the years emerged as the business hub of the Middle East. The UAE Ministry of Education is tasked with the accreditation of schools in Dubai (المدارس في دبي) while the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) is responsible for growth and quality of private education in the Emirate. The KHDA supports parents, students, educators, investors and government partners to develop a high quality education sector focused on happiness and wellbeing.

In Dubai, primary and secondary schooling is mandatory for all children. Government set up public schools are free of expense for all UAE Nationals. The Arabic language with an emphasis on English as a second language is the medium of teaching in state-funded schools in Dubai. Furthermore, American, British, CBSE, and International Baccalaureate (IB) schools are taught in English; whereas all students (including expatriates) must take Arabic language classes.

Related Articles:

• • Nurseries in Dubai
  • School Fees in Dubai
  • School Holidays in Dubai
  • Public Holidays in UAE
  • How to Get a Scholarship in UAE
  • Student Visa Requirements in Dubai
  • Things to do in Dubai

Which are the best schools in Dubai?

According to the KHDA, 30% of students are enrolled at very good and 'outstanding' schools, 36% at 'good' schools, 30% at 'acceptable' schools and 4% at 'weak' schools. Entire list of all schools is listed below and can be filtered as per KHDA rating.

Reference to a report from the KHDA there are:

• 194 private schools in Dubai
• In total; 281,432 students from 187 different nationalities were enrolled in private schools in Dubai
• There are 17 schools rated ‘outstanding’, 28 ‘Very Good’, 74 ‘Good’, 52 ‘Acceptable’, and 5 ‘Weak’
• The majority of students who attend a private school in Dubai with UK, Indian, IB and French curricula now attend schools judged to be good or better overall.
• Tuition ranges from AED 3,567 (USD 975) to AED 107,928 (USD 29,490) per annum
• 57.5% of students pay less than Dh20,000 in annual tuition

What are the types of school curricula in Dubai?

There are 17 types of school curricula in Dubai: UAE Ministry of Education, British (IGCSE), Indian (CBSE), American, International Baccalaureate (IB), Iranian, French, Filipino, Pakistani, SABIS, IAT, German, Russian, Japanese and Canadian.

Where are the best schools in Dubai located?

Find the top schools in Dubai near you: Jumeirah Beach Residences (JBR), Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), The Palm, Jumeirah Islands, City Walk, Barsha Heights (TECOM), The Greens, Green Community, Dubai Marina, Emirates Hills, Meadows, Springs, Dubai Internet City, Knowledge Village, Dubai Media City, Discovery Gardens, JAFZA, Arabian Ranches, Motor City, Sports City, Studio City, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), Al Barsha, Jafiliya, Karama, Bur Dubai, Mankhool, Safa, Al Wasl, Business Bay, Dubai Healthcare City, Downtown, Oud Metha, Satwa, Sheikh Zayed Road, Zabeel, Umm Hurair, Al Mizhar, Al Warqa, Garhoud, Mirdif, Muhaisnah, Rashidiya, International City, Al Khail, Al Quoz, Umm Al Sheif, Al Sufouh, Umm Suqeim, Al Manara, Al Qusais, Nad Al Sheba, Jebal Ali.

Edarabia showcases all private schools in Dubai 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 Dubai 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.

For more details, please click here