Education and schooling in the UAE

So, you’ve decided to take the leap and move to the UAE. A dream has very quickly become a reality. Moving to the Middle East is a big step for the entire family. But for the kids, it’s a different kind of scary. Will I make friends? What will the classrooms be like? Who will spend time with me during recess?

Thankfully, schools in the UAE are geared to welcoming new kids every year.

When I first moved to Dubai, I had no idea what to expect. But I was paired with a “buddy,” Naima, who made my transition smooth and easy. She showed me the ropes, explained where the classrooms were, gave me tips to blend in, and introduced me to everybody. School quickly went from a scary place I didn’t want to be to a place I was familiar with again.

Use this guide to help you navigate education and schooling in the AUE—from personal experience as an expat starting a new school system, essential tips on finding the best school type and curricula for your child, to admission processes and fees. You will be armed with all the knowledge to make the best decision for your family's education.

• A personal story
• Education structure in the UAE
• Types of schools and their curricula
• School fees and costs
• Regulatory bodies and school ratings
• School admissions process
• Higher education in the UAE
• Parting advice for parents

A personal story on schooling in the UAE

I moved between two schools during my school career—from King’s Dubai, a British curriculum school, to Greenfield International School, an International Baccalaureate (IB) school. I had to learn two new languages (Arabic and Spanish, then Arabic and French) and understand what it meant to grow up around countless nationalities and cultures while learning the ropes and navigating simply "growing up". It was challenging to do all this in a new country, but it was the best challenge I could have asked for.

From first-hand experience, schooling in the Middle East is an experience like no other. Being exposed to plenty of nationalities in one classroom will broaden perspectives and open your child up to experiences that they would not have anywhere else.

An aspect that may not be discussed as much is how naturally agile your child will become. Students, friends, and even teachers are ever-changing, but the bonds that they will build are strong and will last a lifetime.

Typically, classes in private schools will have a teacher with a maximum of 25 students per class, and there are also often teaching assistants in the class. Students who may need additional aid for learning difficulties are also available in most private schools.

However, as parents, the administrative aspect of schools at this stage outweighs the day-to-day of your child's school career.

Education structure in the UAE

There are two main education systems in the UAE. The UAE’s education system is divided into public and private schools.

Public schooling

Public schools follow the UAE Ministry of Education (MOE) curriculum and are primarily attended by Emirati students.

Arabic is the main language of instruction at these schools, and the schools provide free education to UAE nationals. The schools typically cover subjects such as Arabic, Islamic studies, and UAE social studies alongside core academic subjects. While expat students can enrol in public schools, they seldom do, as the main form of communication and teaching is in Arabic, and there are also curriculum differences.

Private schooling

Most expats would opt for private schools. These offer international curricula such as British, American, IB (International Baccalaureate), French, Indian, and others.

Education is compulsory for children aged 6 to 18, covering primary to secondary school levels. Early childhood education, including nurseries and preschools, is widely available. The nurseries offer various teaching philosophies, including Montessori, Reggio Emilia, EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage), and PYP (Primary Years Program).

Types of schools and their curricula

There’s a range of different curricula for you to choose from.

For example, if you’ve moved from the UK, it may make sense for your children to seamlessly pick up the British curriculum again. However, choosing a curriculum is an important step to enriching your child's life and education long-term.

When I moved from South Africa, I started in a British curriculum, which we found wasn’t for me. So, my family and I decided to move to an IB school, which was far more enriching and taught me skills that helped me greatly all the way through university and into adulthood.

Private schools in the UAE cater to the expatriate population, which allows families to choose from a range of curricula:

British Curriculum (IGCSE, A-Levels)

• One of the most widely followed systems in the UAE, the British curriculum is structured and examination-based.
• Students complete their IGCSEs in Year 11, followed by A-Levels in Years 12 and 13.
• This curriculum is highly recognised by universities worldwide and is known for its emphasis on core subjects like mathematics, sciences, and humanities.

American Curriculum (High School Diploma, AP Courses)

• The American curriculum is flexible, offering a broad selection of subjects, with students earning credits toward their high school diploma.
• Advanced Placement (AP) courses provide additional challenges for students seeking university-level coursework. This system allows students to apply to international universities, mostly in the US and Canada.

IB Curriculum (PYP, MYP, IBDP)

• The IB program is globally recognised for its inquiry-based and critical-thinking approach to education.
• The Primary Years Programme (PYP) focuses on early development.
• The Middle Years Programme (MYP) is a bridge to secondary education.
• The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is an academically rigorous two-year program preparing students for top universities worldwide. 
• If you could refer to “rote learning” or spoon feeding,” this is the exact opposite.

French, German, and Other National Curricula

• Schools in the UAE also offer French (Baccalauréat), German (Abitur), Japanese, Indian (CBSE, ICSE), and other national curricula tailored to specific expat communities. 
• These schools allow students to continue their home-country education while living abroad, making transitions smoother if families plan to return home.

School fees and costs

Education in the UAE isn’t cheap, but it is certainly a worthy investment, with private school fees varying based on curriculum, location, and school reputation—which is decided by the regulatory bodies. In some instances, tertiary education in the UAE can be less expensive than primary and secondary education.

Annual tuition fees range from AED 10,000 to over AED 100,000.

Most schools offer state-of-the-art facilities, extracurricular programs, and specialised support services. Additional costs may include registration fees, uniforms, transport, and some extracurricular activities.

Below is a table to highlight the range in school fees in Dubai based on the school ratings:

Regulatory bodies and school ratings

Several regulatory bodies oversee the education sector. The different emirates in the UAE have different bodies.

Following these regulatory bodies on social media is important—you will be able to know about any sort of announcements or changes that might occur due to extreme weather, for example.

• Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA)—governs private education in Dubai and rates schools from outstanding to weak based on performance, teaching quality, and student outcomes.

• Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK)—regulates schools in Abu Dhabi, ensuring quality education and student well-being.

• Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA)—oversees private education in Sharjah, focusing on school improvement and curriculum standards.

It’s important to refer to these regulatory bodies when evaluating schools, as their ratings and reports offer valuable insights into school performance and teaching quality.

The school boards will do annual visits to the respective schools to ensure continued proper practice throughout the schools.

School admissions process

The admissions process in UAE private schools typically involves similar steps:

Application submission

Parents need to submit an application form, along with previous school reports and any other necessary documents that the school may request.

Assessments and interviews

Many schools will conduct entrance tests or interviews. These entrance tests will typically be the Common Admission Test (CAT) and an English proficiency test—especially for higher grades.

Securing a place

Due to high demand and the agility of schooling, early applications are advised, particularly for top-tier schools.

Higher education in the UAE

The UAE is home to franchises of prestigious universities from across the globe, including international branches such as NYU Abu Dhabi, Middlesex University Dubai, and Heriot-Watt University.

Public universities like UAE University and Zayed University also offer competitive programs. Students can pursue undergraduate and postgraduate degrees across various disciplines, with scholarships and financial aid options available.

With a diverse range of curricula, high-quality education, and globally recognised institutions, the UAE offers excellent schooling opportunities for expat families. In my experience, the teachers are great—they work hard to ensure your child will get the best possible experience and education.

Parting advice for parents

If I could provide any advice to new families looking to join any school in the UAE. Your child’s happiness at school is not entirely reliant on the kind of education they might be receiving. Moving schools is tough, let alone being the new kid in a new school in an entirely new country. If your child is voicing any sort of uncertainty in a new school for any reason whatsoever, you know your child best. Make sure you hear them out. Fitting into schools in the UAE can be challenging, but it’s also extremely rewarding once you do.

There are natural teething problems, but it takes time to settle. From my experience in the 12 years of living here, it takes about 18 months. Within that time, you and your children will settle in the new system, in the new city. So, give it time. No matter the curriculum or school you choose for your child, attending school in the UAE is an enriching, magical experience that will prepare your child for life in ways that go beyond the classroom and what they learn there.