Moving to Dubai
Expats continue to move to Dubai in large numbers, often lured by the promise of excellent salaries and luxury living.
As the second largest emirate in the United Arab Emirates after Abu Dhabi, Dubai was once considered a barren landscape in the oil-rich Gulf, but is now a thriving metropolis, attracting thousands of new residents to its shores each month.
Only about 15 percent of Dubai’s population of around 3.1 million are Emirati – the other 85 percent are expat and migrant workers. Men outnumber women by around 300 percent – a sobering prospect for the ambitious bachelor.
The growth has, of course, not only been in the form of expats in Dubai, but in the city itself. This is largely due to the visionary leadership of the current ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, under whose direction many of the emirate’s best-known landmarks and projects have been constructed. The iconic Burj al Arab Hotel (one of the world’s tallest hotels), Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa (the world’s tallest skyscraper) are just a handful of the most prominent additions to this desert playground.
In another progressive action, expats can both buy property and own land in Dubai, a legal right otherwise limited in most other parts of the Middle East, that certainly serves to entice international investment.
Contrary to popular belief, Dubai’s main source of revenue is not oil. Although oil was discovered in the emirate in the 1960s and helped build the economy, it is other industries such as construction, tourism and financial services that are contributing to Dubai’s extraordinary wealth and creating job opportunities for expats around the world.
Expats moving to Dubai will find themselves in a city that offers a great lifestyle with excellent healthcare facilities, exciting shopping and entertainment options and solid transport infrastructure. The city also has a wide variety of international schooling options for those moving with children, but seat shortages are notorious, and expat parents need to plan well ahead of time to ensure their kids get a place at the school of their choice.
While Dubai’s culture is still based on Islam and its accompanying traditions, its modernity has cast a slight shadow across the rigour of the religion and expats can enjoy a largely relaxed lifestyle in the emirate. That said, it’s vital that one becomes familiar with the local laws of the land, in order to respect the people and the governing rules that exist.
ACCOMODATION
There is plenty of expat accommodation in Dubai. Although leasing prices dropped after the market crash of 2008, the property market has slowly started to rebound with the market showing a trend of prices stabilising, which is good news for expats moving to Dubai. While many expats entertain the idea of living in a luxurious Middle Eastern villa surrounded by a lavish courtyard and pool, this type of housing can often be expensive and in high demand. Whether buying property in Dubai or renting, it’s best to temper these dreams of grandeur and to take into consideration a number of factors before searching for accommodation in Dubai. Depending on their employment contract, expats may find that they are allocated a home by their employer when relocating from overseas. Expats who would prefer to look for their own accommodation can usually request a housing allowance in order to do so.
Types of accommodation in Dubai
The type of accommodation and associated costs are important factors to consider. Both furnished and unfurnished accommodation is available in Dubai, and there are many different styles of housing to choose from, with the main ones being:
- Apartments – generally don’t have a garden, and may have a balcony
- Townhouses – are duplex or triplex and have a small garden
- Villas – freestanding and have a garden
Some areas and suburbs in Dubai are more expensive than others; this is especially true of New Dubai, a collection of suburbs that has been recently developed.
Finding accommodation in Dubai
It’s helpful to hire a real estate agent in Dubai, but it’s also possible to peruse the online classifieds or even just drive through areas of interest and look out for ‘To Let’ signs.
Expats using an agent to find accommodation in Dubai should make sure the chosen individual is registered with the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) to minimise their exposure to risk and red tape. There have been reports of unsuspecting expats being duped by illegitimate agents, so it’s best to check the agent’s credentials before dealing with them.
Other expats have migrated to the neighbouring emirate of Sharjah, where rents are considerably less, but this involves commuting (approximately 30 minutes by car).
Factors to consider when house-hunting in Dubai
Before picking an area to live in, expats must decide on their priorities and what they’re willing to sacrifice. Each area has its own set of pros and cons and it’s recommended that newcomers speak to other expats about their experiences. Other factors to consider include:
- Commute times to work and to local schools for those with school-aged children
- Congestion and noise level in the area
- Proximity to shops and restaurants
- Which areas are popular with expat communities
It’s also important to bear in mind that because Dubai has grown so rapidly, some residential areas are still being finished off, which means not all the planned facilities (pools and parks) may actually be complete. This will often be reflected in the rental prices, so while getting more for one’s money in a place that is not yet finished, it will mean the possibility of having to live with some inconvenience in the short-term.
Signing a lease in Dubai
In order to rent an apartment in Dubai, expats require a residence visa. When signing the lease, prospective tenants will need to present a copy of their residence visa and passport, and proof of income from their employer.
Many landlords in Dubai will demand the entire year of rent be paid up front, in addition to a security deposit. If this is a financial possibility, expats should use it to gain leverage over the landlord and try and bring the price down.
When signing a lease for accommodation in Dubai be sure to pay attention to additional maintenance charges, such as fees for the general upkeep of the gardens and building, as well as the landlord’s responsibilities. Utilities are often not covered by the rent, so be sure to factor in the addition of these costs to the monthly budget, as well as the agent fees, which the tenant is responsible for paying.
Expats should try sign a renewable lease, and then notify the landlord accordingly when ready to leave, rather than having to engage in the house hunt all over again after 12 months.
COST OF LIVING IN DUBAI
While grandiose visions of tax-free wealth lure expats to the United Arab Emirates in droves, it is worth remembering that the cost of living in Dubai can still be high. The city ranks as one of the most expensive in the Gulf Region and was placed at 26th out of 209 cities around the world in the Mercer Cost of Living Survey for 2018, ranking as more expensive than the neighbouring emirate of Abu Dhabi.
There are no taxes on salaries or wages in Dubai, and sales tax is, for the most part, minimal. Despite the favourable tax climate, living expenses can add up, and many expats find themselves spending money on luxuries that they would not normally have splurged on back home. Accommodation, transport and education are the biggest expenses expats living in Dubai are likely to encounter. In the past, many expats have been able to reconcile these costs by stipulating subsidies and allowances in their expat contract, but nowadays these perks aren’t as easy to come by. Still, expats should try their best to ensure inclusions, if possible.
Cost of accommodation in Dubai
Although prices have stabilised in recent months, the cost of accommodation in Dubai remains expensive. Landlords usually require rent to be paid upfront in advance for a year. Utilities are reasonably priced, but constant air conditioning can add to the cost, especially in the hot summer months.
Having arrived in Dubai, many people also find they can afford additional luxuries in their home, like domestic help and childcare, due to the somewhat inflated salaries. It is commonplace for families to have a nanny and a housekeeper, and others may also have gardeners and drivers. Most villas have small maids’ quarters attached. Families who choose to employ a maid are responsible for paying their residence permit costs and healthcare in Dubai.
Cost of education in Dubai
Public schools in Dubai are not usually an option for expats, but there are plenty of international schools in the emirate. Tuition and fees for international schools can be exorbitant and have been on the rise in recent times.
Many expats choose to homeschool their children to avoid the extravagant pricing structures, especially if their stay is short.
Cost of transport in Dubai
Having a car is the fastest and cheapest way of getting around Dubai. As petrol and maintenance prices are greatly reduced, many expats find they are able to buy cars that are a better make and model than what they would be able to afford at home. Hiring a car is also an option.
Catching a bus or taxi is also a possibility, while Dubai’s new metro system also offers expats a reasonably priced transport option.
Cost of food and household goods in Dubai
Groceries in Dubai are reasonably priced compared to other cities. However, imported products can be very expensive.
With Dubai’s extensive malls, expats will likely find themselves doing more shopping than they ever did before. Gadgets, international fashion brands and everything else in between is on offer in these massive shopping centres. Expats who enjoy shopping will relish the Dubai shopping festival where all sorts of bargains are to be found. In general, due to low import duties, household electronic goods are reasonably priced, but clothing can still be expensive.
Food is relatively well-priced in Dubai, and with a variety of eating establishments catering for all budgets, it’s easy to eat out on a regular basis in the emirate. Many bars and restaurants also have happy hours and special deals. While food is generally reasonably priced, alcohol is expensive, and expats should remember that if wanting to drink or buy alcohol, they need to have a special permit to do so.
Cost of living in Dubai chart
(Note that prices may vary depending on product and service provider. The list below shows average prices for November 2018.)
| Accommodation (monthly rent in good area) | |
| Furnished two-bedroom villa | AED 12,000 |
| Unfurnished two-bedroom villa | AED 10,000 |
| Furnished two-bedroom apartment | AED 8,000 |
| Unfurnished two-bedroom apartment | AED 6,000 |
| Groceries | |
| Eggs (dozen) | AED 12 |
| Milk (1 litre) | AED 7 |
| Rice (1kg) | AED 9 |
| Loaf of white bread | AED 4.80 |
| Chicken breasts (1kg) | AED 20 |
| Pack of cigarettes (Marlboro) | AED 20 |
| Eating out | |
| Big Mac Meal | AED 25 |
| Coca-Cola (330ml) | AED 1.75 |
| Cappuccino | AED 18 |
| Bottle of beer | AED 40 |
| Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | AED 160 |
| Utilities | |
| Mobile to mobile call rate (per minute) | AED 0.70 |
| Internet (uncapped ADSL or cable average per month) | AED 350 |
| Basic utilities (per month for a small apartment) | AED 700 |
| Transportation | |
| Taxi rate (per kilometre) | AED 2 |
| Bus/train fare in the city centre | AED 5 |
| Petrol/gasoline (per litre) | AED 2.36 |
LIFESTYLE IN DUBAI
Surrounded by the sultry heat of the desert, expats will find that the lifestyle in Dubai largely revolves around activities best accompanied by air conditioning.
For an expat community lured to the emirate by inflated salaries and visions of tax-free wealth, heavy heat means that shopping and indoor entertainment options make up the epicentre of life and go nicely with the extra income.
Nightlife in Dubai
Expats can enjoy a vibrant social atmosphere as Dubai dishes up a heady dose of everything from indoor snowboarding to phenomenal music festivals to world-class restaurants, and there always seems to be a fellow partner in crime anxious to engage.
Most of Dubai’s nightlife is centred on the hotels due to the strict liquor laws, and it’s not uncommon to find expats gathered around hotel bars until the wee hours when last rounds are being called.
However, a few clubs and nightlife spots do exist outside the hotels; Arabic nightclubs have become increasingly popular with locals and expats over the years.
Eating out in Dubai
Expats will be spoilt for choice when it comes to dining out in Dubai, with hundreds of restaurants to suit any taste and budget.
One not-to-be-missed eating experience in Dubai is the famous “brunch”. Hosted mainly by the larger hotels, brunch is an eat-as-much-as-you-like buffet, normally accompanied by unlimited beverages or house wine and beer, even champagne in some cases, and held on a Friday from 12pm onwards. Prices vary widely, as does the quality of the food on offer, so it’s best to get some recommendations before deciding where to go.
Alcohol is only served at select restaurants licensed to serve liquor. In most cases, the impressive array of hotel restaurants satisfies this requirement. Any dishes containing pork or alcohol are clearly marked on the menu. Pork products are only served in establishments that have a special licence.
Shopping in Dubai
For the expat whose idea of fun is relegated to cruising the aisles, Dubai’s city centre can be thrilling, with selections of malls, souks and specialist stores on offer. Authentic Bedouin paraphernalia, Persian-style carpets and textiles abound at the local markets, while brand names and electronic goods can be scooped up for relatively cheaper than elsewhere in the world.
Most shops open from 8am to 1pm, and then reopen again after the heat of the day at around 4.30pm until 8pm, or even later. Malls are air-conditioned and remain open from 10am to 10pm. Most shops, malls and souks usually close on Friday mornings.
It won’t take long for expats to realise that malls in Dubai have revolutionised the retail experience. These shopping meccas don’t settle for the stock-standard stores and food courts typically on offer – rather, they take on the roles of entertainer, curator and cultural director all at once. Expats will find movie theatres, ski slopes, ice skating rinks and libraries alongside their favourite restaurants and international brand names.
Dubai Mall is the city’s largest mall, and where it seems bigger is better. The fountain onsite can rival that of the Bellagio, and the venue has one of the largest single tank aquariums in the world, a SEGA Republic theme park and an ice rink. Other popular malls include Ibn Battuta Mall, Wafi City and the Mall of the Emirates.
Ramadan
Bear in mind that during the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims and even some expats, fast. One is not permitted to eat or drink in public during the day for the duration of the holiday. Many restaurants remain closed until evening, although those in the larger hotels still serve food.
Lunch-time dining takes place behind covered windows in order to show respect. As take-away meals are allowed, many restaurants remain partially open to provide this service, or else do home deliveries. Fasting is broken after sunset, and restaurants will open as normal at this time, often remaining open into the early hours of the morning.
The sale of alcohol is also impacted during this period, with some restaurants not serving it at all for the duration of Ramadan.
WORK PERMITS FOR DUBAI
Expats wanting to work in Dubai require a residency visa, which allows them to obtain a work permit.
Most expats arrive in Dubai after already securing employment, and don’t have to deal directly with the complicated process as employers usually take responsibility for the visa application process, and thus the work permit, while also acting as the sponsor for the visa.
Employers also normally incur the costs of the application.
Getting a work permit for Dubai
In order to obtain a work permit for Dubai, expats need a residency visa, which allows them to live in the emirate. The employer usually handles the full application process, so the employee will need to supply all the necessary documents to their employer.
All forms and documents for the work permit should be written and processed in Arabic. The employment contract should also be written in Arabic and three copies are needed: one for the employee, one for the employer and one for the Department of Labour.
Before getting a residency permit, applicants have to pass a health check. Individuals who test positive for HIV/AIDS or pulmonary tuberculosis will not be granted a residency visa and will be deported.
Once the residence visa has been secured, expats will be supplied with a labour card, which is the official document allowing them to work in Dubai.
*Visa regulations and requirements for work permits are subject to change at short notice and expats should contact their respective embassy or consulate for the latest details.
EDUCATION AND SCHOOLS IN DUBAI
There are many private international schools in Dubai catering specifically to the large foreign community that calls the emirate home, and expats generally choose this option over the emirate’s public schools.
For the most part, schools in Dubai adhere to high standards, but can have very different approaches. Expats must consider what kind of learning environment will best benefit their child and what priorities they have in choosing an institution. That said, many private schools in Dubai offer a brand of education that allows students to enter any university in the world.
The Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau publishes annual reviews of all private schools in Dubai, and reports published on its website are a good place to get objective information about schools.
International schools in Dubai
There are numerous options when it comes to choosing an international school in Dubai. Many schools follow the British education system and teach the National Curriculum of England in primary school, then offer IGCSE and A-Level qualifications at the senior level. Others follow the US, Indian or UAE public school syllabus, with a handful following other curricula such as the Australian National Curriculum. Several schools also offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), which is internationally recognised.
There is a local syllabus requirement even for international schools in the UAE, so expat children will study Arabic and Islamic studies or UAE social studies. In some cases only basic proficiency in Arabic is required, while at others an A-Level or equivalent is offered.
School fees
School fees have seen a sharp rise in the last few years; so much so that many expat parents are choosing to homeschool their children or send them back to their home country to gain an education.
Most schools in Dubai have full uniforms, and many have a school bus transport system. Along with textbooks and other equipment, expats should remember to factor in these extra costs.
It’s important to check whether a relocation package includes a school allowance; unfortunately the days when this was a given are long gone. Also, most allowances won’t be enough to cover a top school’s tuition in full – so expats should make sure their salary is enough to cover the extra costs. Don’t be afraid to fight for a better school allowance, especially if considering a senior position in Dubai.
Admission to international schools
Good international schools in Dubai are flooded with applications each year, and primary schools, in particular, are over-subscribed. Some of the best primary schools may be full for the next three or four years.
It’s absolutely essential to apply as soon as possible, especially if one’s child is between three and seven years old. Most schools will post-admission requirements and application procedures on their websites; in many cases it’s possible to begin the application process from abroad. This should be the first priority for expat parents when planning the move to Dubai.
Nursery schools in Dubai
Alphabet Street Nursery
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: British Early Years Foundation Stage
Ages: 2 months to 4 years
Website: www.alphabetstreetnursery.com
British Orchard Nursery
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: British Early Years Foundation Stage
Ages: 18 months to 4 years
Website: www.britishorchardnursery.com
Dovecote Nursery
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: British Early Years Foundation Stage
Ages: 1 to 3 years
Website: www.dovecotenursery.org/jumeirah
Emirates British Nursery
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: British Early Years Foundation Stage
Ages: 3 months to 4 years
Website: www.ebnnursery.com
Jebel Ali Village Nursery
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: British Early Years Foundation Stage
Ages: 1 to 4 years
Website: www.javn.ae
Jumeirah International Nursery School
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: British Early Years Foundation Stage
Ages: 6 weeks to 4 years
Website: www.jinspire.com
Kids Cottage Nursery
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: British Early Years Foundation Stage
Ages: 1 to 4 years
Website: www.kidscottagenursery.com
Little Land Nursery & Montessori Centre
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: British Early Years Foundation Stage and Montessori
Ages: 14 months to 4 years
Website: www.littlelandnursery.com
The Wonder Years Nursery
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: British Early Years Foundation Stage
Ages: 6 months to 3 years
Website: www.wonderyearsnursery.com/wyn
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS IN DUBAI
Expat parents looking for an excellent international school in Dubai won’t be disappointed. As a global expat hub, Dubai has one of the highest concentrations of international schools in the world. There are top-notch schools offering just about every curriculum imaginable – from the popular International Baccalaureate to the well-respected American and British systems, and more.
Because there are so many schools for parents to choose from, international schools in Dubai are competitive. High standards of education can be expected, alongside top-notch facilities and robust extra-curricular programmes. Teachers are generally well-qualified and knowledgeable. If at all unsure about a school, parents should consult the Dubai Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) – they do regular inspections of international schools and publish comprehensive reports.
Most international schools have rolling admissions so that families can apply at any time of year. Space can be limited, particularly in primary schools, so it’s well worth applying early to secure a spot at one’s desired school.
Below is a list of some of Dubai’s most prominent international schools.
American School of Dubai
The American School of Dubai is an independent non-profit school. With a history of more than 50 years, the school was the first in the emirate to offer the US curriculum. Its purpose-built campus in Al Barsha is home to top-notch modern facilities.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: American
Ages: 3 to 18
Cambridge International School – Dubai
With a spacious, state-of-the-art campus serving a 2,600-strong student body, this GEMS education group school has excellent facilities. Academics are emphasised and the results achieved here are consistently above the UK national average.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: National Curriculum for England, Cambridge IGCSE and A-levels
Ages: 3 to 18
Clarion School Dubai
Clarion School offers a challenging, engaging and supportive educational programme, enriched by collaboration with parents and strengthened by strong external partnerships. The curriculum is delivered by the highest standard of teachers, all of whom have Masters degrees in education.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: American
Ages: 3 to 18
Deira International School
With pupils of more than 80 nationalities, this is truly an international school. Most teachers are British or Australian and the curriculum is based on the National Curriculum of England. The school is well-equipped with all the facilities necessary for a high-quality education.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: National Curriculum for England, Cambridge IGCSE and International Baccalaureate
Ages: 3 to 18
Dubai American Academy
The Dubai American Academy is a GEMS school which opened in Al Barsha in 1997. It has since developed a great reputation among expat parents in Dubai and has obtained a KHDA rating of ‘outstanding’ for a number of years. The curriculum is American-based, enriched with international elements.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: American and International Baccalaureate
Ages: 3 to 18
Dubai British School
Situated in the Springs area of Emirate Hills in Dubai, Dubai British School is a thriving 1,000-student-strong school which opened in 2005 as part of the Taaleem educational group. With well-equipped sport, academic and cultural facilities, the school aims to foster well-rounded individuals.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: National Curriculum for England, Cambridge IGCSE and A-levels
Ages: 3 to 18
Dubai College
Situated in the ‘new Dubai’ district and set in 19 acres of spacious, landscaped grounds, Dubai College has developed an excellent reputation over the last 30 years and is a popular choice for parents wanting a British education for their children. A good range of extra-curricular programmes are run alongside the highly praised academic offerings of the school.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: National Curriculum for England, Cambridge IGCSE and A-levels
Ages: 11 to 18
Dubai English Speaking School
Since 1963, DESS has offered excellent primary school education to English-speaking expats in Dubai. The school has a well-established sporting tradition and a good reputation among expat parents. The performing arts are also highly valued at DESS, with students given plenty of opportunities to explore their creative side.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: National Curriculum for England
Ages: 3 to 11
Emirates International School Jumeirah
Opened in 1991, this school has grown rapidly and, offering an international curriculum, provides education to 2,200 children of more than 70 different nationalities. The school grounds are lush and leafy, offering plenty of space for students to enjoy, while the school building itself is filled with high-quality facilities.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate
Ages: 3 to 18
English College Dubai
English College Dubai opened its doors in 1992, with a separate primary school built in 2004. The school has a good reputation with expat parents in Dubai and offers a robust British education. The school endeavours to provide a well-rounded school experience, offering diverse sport- and art-focused extra-curricular activities.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: National Curriculum for England, Cambridge IGCSE and A-levels
Ages: 3 to 18
Foremarke School
Foremarke School is like every child: unique and proud to be so. Foremarke is a ‘get stuck in’ type of school where children are encouraged to take risks and embrace challenges. Purpose-built facilities provide the perfect environment for learning.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: National Curriculum for England
Ages: 3 to 13
GEMS Modern Academy
A large CISCE (Indian) and International Baccalaureate curriculum school, GEMS Modern Academy has been rated ‘outstanding’ by the KHDA. The school is popular with expat families and has a student body of 3,700 from Kindergarten to Grade 12. Read more
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: Indian and International Baccalaureate
Ages: 3 to 18
GEMS United School Dubai
GEMS United School has an outstanding college preparatory educational programme. The well-placed campus is situated in Dubai Sports City, giving students access to the area’s world-class facilities as part of extra-curricular programmes.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: American
Ages: 3 to 18
GEMS Royal Dubai School
The school is a primary-only school of 1,100 students. Rated as ‘outstanding’ by the KHDA, it offers the highly respected British curriculum alongside a wide variety of exciting extra-curricular activities for students.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: National Curriculum for England
Ages: 2 to 11
Swiss International Scientific School
The Swiss International Scientific School in Dubai is a leading international school where future generations are inspired to become confident and enthusiastic lifelong learners, ready to embrace the opportunities and challenges in a global world.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: Swiss and International Baccalaureate
Ages: 3 to 18
Hartland International School
Hartland International School is a place of learning and discovery that encourages creative thinking. The academic programme has high standards and students are encouraged to develop a sound work ethic and a love of learning.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate, National Curriculum for England, Cambridge IGCSE and A-levels
Ages: 3 to 14
Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS)
An excellent non-profit school serving more than 2,000 students over two campuses in Jumeirah and Arabian Ranches. JESS has been rated ‘outstanding’ by the KHDA on several occasions. The quality of staff here is high and constantly improving as part of the school’s professional development programme.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: National Curriculum for England, Cambridge IGCSE and International Baccalaureate
Ages: 3 to 18
Jumeirah College
This respected UK-curriculum school is situated in the prestigious suburb of Jumeirah and has been ranked ‘outstanding’ by the KHDA for several years in a row. The campus has good facilities with a diverse student body of 1,000 pupils from more than 60 different countries around the world.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: National Curriculum for England, Cambridge IGCSE and A-levels
Ages: 11 to 18
The Millennium School
A state-of-the-art school which opened its doors in 2000, this school the well-regarded ICSE curriculum which originated in India. With an entirely expat student body, children of globally mobile families are sure to feel at home here. The Millenium school supplements its excellent academics with a wide range of extra-curricular activities.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: Indian
Ages: 4 to 18
Nord Anglia International School Dubai
Nord Anglia International School Dubai opened in central Dubai in 2014, offering the well-respected British curriculum and International Baccalaureate. Class sizes are limited to a maximum of 20 students, so that all can receive individualised attention.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: National Curriculum for England, Cambridge IGCSE and International Baccalaureate
Ages: 3 to 18
Raffles International School
A truly diverse school, Raffles International School has around 2,000 pupils hailing from 90 countries around the world. The school has an excellent English as a Second Language (ESL) programme as well as a Mother Tongue Programme to support the continuing development of home-language French, Spanish, Russian and Hindi speakers.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: National Curriculum for England, Cambridge IGCSE and A-levels
Ages: 4 to 18
Repton School Dubai
With ties to the 450-year-old English boarding school of the same name, Repton offers the best of British education and has been rated ‘outstanding’ by the KHDA. The school achieves top academic results and has a strong sporting tradition.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: National Curriculum for England, Cambridge IGCSE and International Baccalaureate
Ages: 3 to 18