Dubai schools are inspected annually by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), which assigns ratings from 'Outstanding' to 'Very Weak.' KHDA inspection reports are publicly available on the KHDA website and are the gold standard for evaluating school quality in Dubai. Always check a school's latest KHDA rating before applying.

The British curriculum (IGCSE and A-Level) is the most widely offered in Dubai, reflecting the large British and South Asian expatriate population. The Indian CBSE curriculum is the most popular by raw enrolment due to the large Indian community. IB schools are fewer but highly sought-after for their global university recognition.

Yes — the UAE has a wide fee range. Per-grade fee averages range from AED 12,723–64,093 (Edarabia, 2026), while British curriculum schools can range from AED 25,000–120,000 and IB schools from AED 45,000–115,000 (Edflik, 2026). KHDA froze Dubai private-school fees for 2026-27 (Khaleej Times, May 2026), so confirm each school's approved current fee schedule before applying.

You'll typically need your child's recent school reports, a transfer certificate or leaving letter from the previous school, copies of passport or visa documents, and immunisation records. Some schools also require entry assessments or interviews. Documents not in English or Arabic may need certified translation.