Choosing an international school in the UAE

Dubai reported 387,441 pupils across 227 private schools in 2024–25. School size and the range of curricula create several possible routes for relocating families, but availability must be checked for each child’s year group. ↗

The school search extends beyond higher-fee international schools. Aldar’s 2023 annual report states that 78% of Abu Dhabi private-school pupils attended schools charging under AED 30,000 annually. This is historical market data, not a current quotation or a guarantee of an affordable place in a particular curriculum. ↗

Published Dubai figures include about 33,210 Emirati pupils in private schools in 2024–25, with the American curriculum the most common choice among them. That describes enrolment, not admission priority at individual schools. ↗

Inspection reports carry dates that matter. Dubai’s 2023–24 full cycle covered 209 schools, including 23 Outstanding, 48 Very Good and 85 Good. Later inspections of newer schools mean not every rating dates from that cycle. Abu Dhabi’s October 2025 announcement included 13 Outstanding, 51 Very Good and 93 Good schools. Read the findings as well as the overall grade. ↗

The UAE has federal education requirements alongside local private-school regulators. The government portal identifies the authorities responsible for oversight. Knowing your school’s regulator helps you find inspection information and clarify fee or admissions questions. ↗

• Dubai — KHDA. Publishes school inspection reports and School Fees Fact Sheets.
• Abu Dhabi — ADEK. Runs the Irtiqa’a inspection programme and approves school fees.
• Sharjah — SPEA. The Sharjah Private Education Authority was established in 2018 and oversees licensing, inspections, fees and curricula. ↗
• Ras Al Khaimah — Department of Knowledge. Federal authorities oversee private schools in Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah.

The government portal summarises Federal Decree-Law No. 18 of 2020 on Private Education, including approval requirements for changes to fees and curricula, so every school works from an approved fee schedule and an authorised list of qualifications. ↗

Published 2024–25 Dubai enrolment figures place British curricula at about 37%, Indian at 26%, American at 14% and IB at 7%. These are Dubai figures, not national shares. Each category includes schools with different qualifications, subject choices and support arrangements. ↗

Consider how a curriculum fits your child’s current studies, possible future moves and university plans. Our curriculum comparison guide explains the main differences. National subject requirements also apply alongside the school’s chosen curriculum. ↗

Fee increases require approval. Dubai’s published Education Cost Index for 2025–26 was 2.35%, with permitted increases linked to inspection-rating changes. Abu Dhabi’s April 2023 framework listed limits from 2.25% to 3.94% for 2023–24. Those historical percentages should not be used as this year’s limits. ↗

Dubai announced a tuition freeze for 2026–27. A child moving into a higher year group may still enter a higher published fee band, and transport, uniforms and devices sit outside the freeze. Abu Dhabi has a separate approval process. ↗

For school-by-school tuition, deposits and debentures, use the Dubai school fees guide and the Abu Dhabi guide.

For worked examples of tuition, deposits and additional charges, see our international school fees comparison guide.

Private schools teach Arabic and UAE social studies alongside their chosen curriculum, with Islamic studies for Muslim pupils. The weekly Arabic time and the split between native-speaker and learner groups differ by school and year group. ↗

The national Moral Education Programme was introduced in 2017–18. Launch reporting described four areas: character and morality, the individual and the community, civic studies and cultural studies. Schools fit it into their own timetables. ↗

For 2026–27, new entrants at August or September-start schools use a 31 December age cut-off: 3 for FS1, 4 for FS2, 5 for Year 1 and 6 for Year 2. April-start schools use 31 March. Schools should confirm any transition provisions, existing-pupil arrangements and placement when transferring between curricula. Use the school’s own calendar for the first day and holidays. ↗

Reporting on ADEK’s fees policy effective for 2025–26 describes a registration cap of 5% of tuition, instalment arrangements and protection against exclusion from examinations over late payment. Not every school offers ten instalments; each school’s approved payment schedule and refund terms apply. ↗

Sharjah has British, American, IB, French and Indian-curriculum schools regulated by SPEA. A secondary guide lists Sharjah Indian School at AED 4,015–6,980 and GEMS Millennium at AED 17,835–25,675. Treat these as indicative figures until the schools confirm the academic year and applicable grade. If travelling between Sharjah and Dubai, test the journey at school times. ↗

RAK Academy was founded in 1975 as RAK English Speaking School and offers British and IB programmes. Its recruitment profile describes more than 2,800 pupils across over 60 nationalities. Al Ain, within Abu Dhabi emirate, is another distinct location for a school search, with options including Brighton College Al Ain. ↗

Links beside the sections identify the sources used, including the UAE government portal, regulator announcements, school schedules and education reporting. Corporate reports provide dated market context. Secondary fee listings should be checked against the school’s approved schedule before you budget.

Sources were checked on 2 September 2026, with editorial updates on 5 September 2026. Figures retain their stated reporting years. See our research standard or send a correction if information has changed.