Best Schools in UAE for Expats | Education Guide for Families
Moving to the UAE with children brings a big question for expat families: which school is right for your child? With a wide range of curriculums, fee structures, and teaching standards, the UAE offers one of the most diverse international education landscapes in the world. Whether you’re settling in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or another Emirate, this guide explores the best schools in UAE for expats.
Understanding the UAE Schooling System
The UAE has a well-regulated private school sector, particularly in Emirates like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Schools are governed by authorities like KHDA (Knowledge and Human Development Authority) in Dubai and ADEK (Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge) in the capital.
Almost 90% of students in the UAE attend private schools, and most cater specifically to expat communities, offering British, American, IB, Indian, and other international curriculums.
Popular Curriculums for Expat Families
British Curriculum (UK/IGCSE/A-Level)
Highly popular among British, European, and even Indian expats. British schools offer:
Foundation Stage to Year 13
GCSEs and A-Levels
Widely accepted globally
Top Schools Offering British Curriculum:
Dubai College (Dubai)
The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi)
Jumeirah College (Dubai)
American Curriculum
Designed for a U.S.-style education system, culminating in a High School Diploma. Schools may also offer AP (Advanced Placement) programs.
Popular American Schools:
American School of Dubai
GEMS American Academy Abu Dhabi
Universal American School
IB (International Baccalaureate)
The IB curriculum is globally recognized and prepares students for international universities.
Top IB Schools:
Dubai International Academy
Raha International School (Abu Dhabi)
GEMS World Academy
Indian Curriculum (CBSE/ICSE)
Ideal for Indian expats, offering affordability and alignment with Indian education boards.
Notable Indian Schools:
The Indian High School (Dubai)
Our Own English High School (Sharjah)
Delhi Private School (Dubai and Sharjah)
Others: French, German, Pakistani, Filipino, and more
The UAE also hosts schools from various national curriculums to serve different expat communities.
Best Schools in Dubai for Expat Families
Dubai boasts a vast number of international schools. KHDA ratings can help parents evaluate a school’s performance based on teaching quality, student well-being, and innovation.
Top KHDA-Rated Schools in Dubai:
| School Name | Curriculum | KHDA Rating | Annual Fees (AED) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai College | British | Outstanding | 25,000 – 80,000 |
| GEMS Wellington | British | Very Good | 50,000 – 100,000 |
| Dubai International Academy | IB | Outstanding | 40,000 – 95,000 |
These schools offer strong extracurricular programs, excellent university placement records, and modern facilities.
Top Schools in Abu Dhabi for Expats
In Abu Dhabi, schools are regulated by ADEK, and several institutions provide exceptional international education.
Recommended Schools in Abu Dhabi:
The British School Al Khubairat (British)
GEMS World Academy (IB)
Repton School Abu Dhabi (British)
Each has received positive parent reviews, high ADEK ratings, and offers world-class amenities.
Schooling in Other Emirates: Sharjah, Ajman, and Beyond
Expat families living in Sharjah and Ajman have more affordable schooling options. While there may be fewer international schools than in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, these Emirates still offer strong choices.
Example Schools:
Our Own English High School – Sharjah (CBSE, Indian)
The International School of Choueifat – Sharjah (SABIS system)
These schools are popular among families looking for cost-effective yet quality education.
School Fees in UAE: What to Expect
School fees vary significantly based on the curriculum, location, and school reputation. Here’s a general overview:
| Curriculum | Average Annual Fees (AED) |
|---|---|
| British | 30,000 – 100,000+ |
| American | 35,000 – 95,000 |
| IB | 45,000 – 120,000 |
| Indian | 5,000 – 25,000 |
Most schools offer payment in 3–4 terms. Some may offer sibling discounts or early payment incentives.
Admission Process for Expat Children
To enroll your child, prepare the following:
Emirates ID (child and parent)
Passport copies
Residence visa
Previous school reports
Transfer certificate (attested)
Admissions often open months in advance. Some schools have long waitlists, especially for mid-level grades in British and IB systems.
School Transport and Facilities
Most schools offer optional bus services, charged separately. Transport costs range from AED 3,000–7,000 per year depending on the distance. Modern facilities may include:
Science and IT labs
Swimming pools and sports grounds
Music, art, and drama studios
Counseling and SEN support
KHDA and ADEK Ratings: A Guide for Parents
Before finalizing a school, always check their latest inspection report:
KHDA (Dubai): https://www.khda.gov.ae
ADEK (Abu Dhabi): https://www.adek.gov.ae
These ratings cover academic performance, innovation, leadership, and student well-being.
Tips for Choosing the Right School in UAE
Visit the campus: Tour the facility and observe a class if allowed.
Check KHDA/ADEK rating: Look for at least “Very Good” or “Outstanding”.
Consider your location: Daily commute impacts the child and family.
Ask other parents: Community feedback is very useful.
Plan budget accordingly: Add uniform, transport, activities, etc.
Final Thoughts
With a rich variety of international schools, the UAE is well-suited for expat families seeking quality education. Whether you prefer British academics, American innovation, or Indian affordability, there’s a school for every expat family in the Emirates.
