Our bi-annual report for the most viewed schools in Dubai and Abu Dhabi is out.
Seven out of the 10 most viewed schools in Dubai offer the British curriculum, suggesting a higher preference for it in the emirate. Abu Dhabi though sees more flexibility with the popular schools offering a mixed curriculum, such as American, British, Ministry of Education and Indian.
A key factor – the tuition fee per annum ranges from a minimum of AED 4,308 (Grammar School) to AED 41,174 (Dubai British School) in the most viewed schools of Dubai. And for the most viewed schools of Abu Dhabi, the annual tuition fee range is between a minimum of AED 6,050 (Yas Academy School) to AED 41,580 (Al Muna Primary School).
The registration dates vary from six to 20 months and the average teacher to students ratio is 1:25.
Souqalmal.com CEO Ambareen Musa says, “It’s that time of the year again when many parents are looking for schools, for entry in September 2015 and also worrying about dealing with assessments for FS1 and FS2. Our report and all other resources on the site help parents be as well prepared and informed as possible on the options of schools including fees, registration dates and curriculum. Our education section covers a range of articles for parents on which curriculum you can choose and how you can handle assessments. With this report, parents are able to see the popular schools available in the UAE.”
Related: Assessments for FS1 entry: What to expect | News and guides on schools]
[Compare all schools in the UAE]
Most viewed Dubai schools
| School | Curriculum | Teacher/ kids ratio | Registration (months prior to opening) | Annual tuition fee (AED) | Established | ||
| 1 | Dubai International Academy | IB | 1:25 | 12 | 34,495 – 61,120 | 2005 | More details |
| 2 | The Oxford School | British | 1:25 | 7 | 10,311 – 16,348 | 1988 | More details |
| 3 | Springdales School | Indian | 1:25 | 6 | 18,000 – 30,000 | 2013 | More details |
| 4 | GEMS Our Own English High School | Indian | 1:28 | 6 | 6,172 – 13,059 | 1972 | More details |
| 5 | GEMS Winchester School | British | 1:25 | 9 | 9,540 – 15,104 | 2011 | More details |
| 6 | Grammar School | British | 1:25 | 9 | 4,308 – 5,924 | 1974 | More details |
| 7 | Dubai British School | British | 1:25 | 18 | 41,174 – 61,761 | 2005 | More details |
| 8 | Dubai Gem Private School | British | 1:28 | 9 | 14,865 – 26,835 | 1973 | More details |
| 9 | Arab Unity School | British | 1:25 | 6 | 5,380 – 8,075 | 1974 | More details |
| 10 | GEMS Wellington Academy | British | 1:25 | 20 | 31,809 – 71,827 | 2012 | More details |
Most viewed Abu Dhabi schools
| School | Curriculum | Teacher/ kids ratio | Registration (months prior to opening) | Annual tuition fee (AED) | Established | ||
| 1 | Merryland International School | British | 1:30 | 9 | 13,100 – 32,800 | 1978 | More details |
| 2 | Bright Riders School | Indian | 1:25 | 9 | 8,400 – 17,400 | 2013 | More details |
| 3 | GEMS Cambridge International School | British | 1:25 | 12 | 19,000 – 32,300 | 2013 | More details |
| 4 | International Jubilee Private School ADH | American | 1:25 | 6 | 14,700 – 29,000 | 1986 | More details |
| 5 | Yas Academy School Abu Dhabi | MOE | 1:22 | 6 | 6,050 – 10,080 | 2012 | More details |
| 6 | Al Sorouh American School | MOE/ American | 1:25 | 6 | 22,000 – 28,000 | 2010 | More details |
| 7 | Al Muna Primary School | British | 1:25 | 11 | 41,580 | 2009 | More details |
| 8 | Emirates National School Abu Dhabi | American/IB | 1:25 | 7 | 22,440 – 55,920 | 2010 | More details |
| 9 | Al Dhafra Private Schools | British/ American | 1:25 | 12 | 22,000 – 38,000 | 1983 | More details |
| 10 | Cambridge High School Abu Dhabi | British | 1:25 | 9 | 13,438 – 28,380 | 1988 | More details |
