Private schools in Dubai assessed by KHDA, with 23 schools rated as exceptional
Dubai School Fees and Curriculum Options for the 2025-2026 Academic Year
In the upcoming 2025-2026 academic year, school fees in Dubai's private schools will vary widely, ranging approximately from AED 12,723 to AED 64,093 annually, excluding additional optional fees such as transportation, uniforms, and books [1][3].
The selection of curricula in Dubai's private schools remains diverse, with more than 17 types available, including British (IGCSE), Indian (CBSE), American, International Baccalaureate (IB), UAE Ministry of Education, and others like French, German, Filipino, and Pakistani [1]. Notably, from 2025-2026 onward, all private schools are required to teach Arabic, Islamic education, and social studies, reflecting a unified academic direction for private schools in the UAE [4].
Many schools in Dubai cover a range from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12. New schools opening in 2025-26 typically start with lower grades and expand over time; for example, one new school opening will initially offer only up to Year 6 (equivalent to Grade 6), while others cover all primary and secondary levels [5].
In line with KHDA's 2025 announcements, no formal KHDA inspections will take place during the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 academic years, as schools adjust to policy updates and new measures. Despite this, schools continue participating in other quality assurance processes such as British Schools Overseas (BSO) inspections [2]. KHDA maintains oversight through these alternative means and its fee regulation system, including mandatory school fee fact sheets detailing tuition and optional fees for parents before each academic year [3].
Some examples of schools offering a UK curriculum and their respective tuition fees are:
- Horizons English School: FS1 Dh34,607 to Year 6 Dh50,396
- Dubai English Speaking School - Oud Metha: FS 1 Dh43,084 to Year 6 Dh53,320
- Victory Heights Primary School: FS1 Dh40,138 to Year 6 Dh54,733
- Jumeirah English Speaking School - Arabian Ranches: FS1 Dh54,129 to Year 13 Dh104,544
- Dubai College: Year 7 Dh97,415 to Year 13 Dh110,305
- Dubai British School Jumeirah Park: FS1 Dh55,350 to Year 13 Dh83,015
- GEMS Jumeira Primary School: FS 1 Dh44,200 to Year 6 Dh55,714
- Kings School Al Barsha: FS1 Dh57,999 to Year 13 Dh105,873
For families seeking a UK curriculum education for their children in Dubai, these schools offer a range of tuition fees to consider. As always, it is essential to research each school thoroughly and carefully consider all factors before making a decision.
[1] Khda.gov.ae [2] Bso.org.uk [3] Khda.gov.ae/school-fee-regulation [4] [Khda.gov.ae/newsroom/press-releases/2025/02/23/khda-announces-new-strategy-to-further-improve-the-quality-of-private-schools-in-dubai) [5] Khda.gov.ae/newsroom/press-releases/2025/03/15/khda-announces-new-schools-for-the-2025-2026-academic-year
- For those considering personal-finance implications, it's worth noting the wide range of school fees in Dubai's private schools for the 2025-2026 academic year, with costs ranging from AED 12,723 to AED 105,873 annually [1][3].
- Apart from financial aspect, education-and-self-development opportunities in Dubai's private schools are extensive, with over 17 curricula options available, including UK (IGCSE), Indian (CBSE), American, IB, and more [1].
- In addition to the curriculum, families should also consider the variety of learning opportunities provided by schools offering a UK curriculum, such as Horizons English School, Dubai College, Dubai British School Jumeirah Park, and more [6].
- It's crucial for parents to engage in thorough research about each school and carefully consider factors like tuition fees, curriculum, and quality assurance standards before making a decision for their child's education [7].
