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Home›Luxury Real Estate›International Schools

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International Schools in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh

The quality of international schools in Dubai is one of the main reasons families choose to move there. This guide covers the leading American, British and IB schools in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh and the wider Gulf for families thinking about living in Dubai or buying a home across the region.

Updated

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At a glance

International Schools at a glance

Curricula
American, British, IB, French, German, Indian and more
School year
Late August to June at most international schools
Inspections
KHDA in Dubai and ADEK in Abu Dhabi publish school ratings
Top-tier fees
Approximately $15,000 to $30,000 a year in Dubai

Choosing a school in the Gulf

Dubai alone has more than two hundred private schools, and many follow the American curriculum with US-accredited diplomas and Advanced Placement courses. Others teach the British system or the International Baccalaureate, which transfers easily between countries. Dubai's education regulator, the KHDA, inspects every private school and publishes ratings, as does ADEK in Abu Dhabi, which makes comparing schools easier than in most cities.

Places at the most popular schools fill quickly, so apply as early as possible, ideally before you sign on a home. Many families choose their neighborhood around the school run: Emirates Hills, Dubai Hills Estate, Arabian Ranches and Jumeirah in Dubai, and Saadiyat Island and Al Raha in Abu Dhabi. See our guides to Dubai Luxury Real Estate and Abu Dhabi Luxury Real Estate, and our overview of private healthcare.

A palm-lined walkway runs between the sunlit buildings of a university campus in Dubai.
Photo: Blackumbrella · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Dubai

American

American School of Dubai

Al Barsha South

A non-profit school founded in 1966 offering a US curriculum with Advanced Placement courses. A first choice for many American families.

Official site ↗
American and IB

GEMS Dubai American Academy

Al Barsha

A large American-curriculum school that also offers the IB Diploma, with a strong university placement record in the US.

Official site ↗
British

Dubai College

Al Sufouh

A non-profit British secondary school consistently among the top-rated in the city, known for academic results.

Official site ↗
British and IB

Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS)

Arabian Ranches and Al Safa

A respected non-profit school offering the British curriculum through to the IB Diploma.

Official site ↗
British

Kings' School Al Barsha

Al Barsha

Part of the Kings' Education group, highly regarded for its warm community and strong results.

Official site ↗
British and IB

Repton Dubai

Nad Al Sheba

A sister to Repton School in England, offering boarding, the British curriculum and the IB Diploma.

Official site ↗
British and IB

Nord Anglia International School Dubai

Al Barsha South

Part of a global premium schools group, with partnerships with MIT and the Juilliard School.

Official site ↗
IB

Swiss International Scientific School in Dubai

Dubai Healthcare City

A bilingual IB school with boarding, on a modern campus beside Dubai Creek.

Official site ↗

Abu Dhabi

American and IB

American Community School of Abu Dhabi

Al Bateen

A non-profit American school offering AP and the IB Diploma, long popular with US diplomatic and corporate families.

Official site ↗
American and IB

American International School in Abu Dhabi

Al Mushrif

An American-curriculum school with the IB Diploma and a diverse international student body.

Official site ↗
British

Brighton College Abu Dhabi

Al Bateen

The Abu Dhabi campus of the English school, known for academic results and a strong arts program.

Official site ↗
British and IB

Cranleigh Abu Dhabi

Saadiyat Island

A sister school to Cranleigh in Surrey, set beside Saadiyat's cultural district and beaches.

Official site ↗
British

The British School Al Khubairat

Al Mushrif

Founded in 1968, one of the capital's oldest and most respected non-profit British schools.

Official site ↗

Riyadh and Saudi Arabia

American and IB

American International School of Riyadh

Riyadh

The Kingdom's leading American school, offering the IB Diploma and a US-style program on a large campus.

Official site ↗
British

British International School Riyadh

Riyadh

A long-established non-profit British school with several campuses across the capital.

Official site ↗
To be confirmed

New premium schools in Riyadh

Riyadh

As regional headquarters move to Riyadh, leading British and international school brands are opening campuses in the capital, including in Diriyah. Check each school's opening status directly.

Doha, Bahrain, Muscat

Doha, Bahrain, Muscat and Istanbul

American and IB

American School of Doha

Doha

A US-accredited school offering AP and the IB Diploma, a natural choice for American families in Qatar.

Official site ↗
British and IB

Doha College

Doha

A leading non-profit British school with excellent exam results and campuses across the city.

Official site ↗
British and IB

St Christopher's School

Bahrain

Bahrain's best-known British school, with strong results and the IB Diploma.

Official site ↗
American and IB

The American International School of Muscat

Muscat

Oman's leading American school, offering the IB Diploma on a modern campus.

Official site ↗
American heritage

Robert College

Istanbul

Founded in 1863, the oldest American school still operating outside the United States, overlooking the Bosphorus.

Official site ↗

Questions families ask

Are there American schools in Dubai?

Yes, many. The American School of Dubai and GEMS Dubai American Academy are among the best known, and several others offer US curricula and AP courses.

When should we apply?

As early as possible, ideally a year ahead. Popular schools have waiting lists, and many accept applications from abroad with online assessments.

How much do top international schools cost?

Leading Dubai schools charge approximately $15,000 to $30,000 a year, plus registration and other fees. Abu Dhabi, Doha and Riyadh are broadly similar.

Settling in

Schools are often the deciding factor in where a family buys. Browse branded residences, learn about the UAE golden visa, and see our guide to Riyadh and Doha.

Considering a purchase or a move? Register interest and our team will be in touch personally.

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This page is general information to help you start your research. It is not financial, legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules, prices and thresholds change; confirm every detail with a licensed adviser and the official authority before you act.

Checked October 2026. Prices and dates are approximate and can change. See our standard.

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