Choosing a school in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Curricula, inspection ratings, fees and the timeline for admissions.
In short
Dubai and Abu Dhabi have over 300 private schools with British, American, IB, Indian and other curricula. Shortlist by curriculum and KHDA/ADEK rating, apply 6–12 months early, and budget for fees from AED 15,000 to over AED 100,000 per year.
- Regulator
- KHDA (Dubai), ADEK (Abu Dhabi)
- School year
- August/September to June/July
- Fees
- AED 15,000–110,000 per year
- Ratings
- Outstanding → Weak
Step by step
Tick each step as you finish it. Open a step to see what to do.
Keep your child’s current system if you might move again.
12 months before
Documents checklist
Do’s and don’ts
Do
- Visit the school during a school day
- Ask about waiting lists and sibling priority
- Check if your employer pays fees
Don’t
- Don’t forget to attest transfer certificates
- Don’t assume transport is included
Cost estimator
Untick what doesn't apply to you. These are rough figures and fees change often, so check with the authority.
Watch out
- Popular schools fill quickly for September. Apply as soon as your move is confirmed.
Common questions
Can fees rise every year?
Only within the KHDA/ADEK approved fee framework, based on inspection results.
Official links
Background and more detail
Who regulates schools
- Dubai: KHDA publishes annual inspection ratings from Outstanding to Very Weak, plus capped fee bands.
- Abu Dhabi: ADEK runs the Irtiqa'a inspection programme.
- Other emirates: the federal Ministry of Education.
Curricula
British (IGCSE and A-level), American, International Baccalaureate, Indian (CBSE and ICSE), French, German and others. Choose based on where your children will finish school, not just the next few years.
Fees
Annual fees range from about AED 15,000 at budget schools to over AED 100,000 at premium ones. Fee increases are capped and tied to inspection ratings. Expect extra costs for registration, uniforms, transport and exams.
Admissions timeline
- Popular schools open waiting lists a year ahead
- The academic year starts in late August
- Most schools need an entrance assessment, previous reports and a transfer certificate
- Arabic and Islamic Education are compulsory for Muslim students; Arabic is required for all students in many grades
Documents
Passports, Emirates ID or residence visa, birth certificate, attested transfer certificate, vaccination records and school reports.
Rather have someone do it?
Vetted local partners can handle this for you. Free quote, no obligation.
School Placement
Curriculum advice, shortlisting and application support for your children.
- From
- USD 600
- Takes
- 2–6 weeks
Per child
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