Which school curriculum is best for Dubai expats?
Signed by: Sarah Al Qasimi (Lead Editor). Fact-checked by the full editorial team.
Related Questions
How much do schools cost in Dubai per year?
Annual fees range from AED 25,000 (budget Indian curriculum) to AED 130,000+ (premier British or IB). Typical mid-tier is AED 50,000–80,000. Add school transport (AED 4,000–12,000), uniforms (AED 800–2,500), and activity fees. Some employers cover one child's fees in full — always negotiate at offer stage.
What do KHDA school inspection ratings mean?
KHDA rates Dubai private schools on a 6-point scale: Outstanding, Very Good, Good, Acceptable, Weak, Very Weak. Annual inspections assess teaching quality, student achievement, leadership, and wellbeing. Only about 10% of schools reach Outstanding. The ratings are published online and affect fee increase permissions — only Good and above can apply to raise fees.