As part of our school BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) program, all Dubai American Academy students in Grades 6-12 are required to bring a laptop to school daily.

Dubai American Academy is pleased to announce that our Elementary school is recognized as an Apple Distinguished School Grades (K – 5) for its continuous innovation in teaching and learning. Elementary students are loaned an iPad by the school and do not need to bring their own device.  

For parents of students entering Grades 6-12, who have not yet purchased a laptop, we highly encourage you to purchase a MacBook Device so there is continuity in the use of Apple technologies (specification listed in the table below). We being an Apple Distinguished School highly encourage the students to use Apple devices. Being in Apple's ecosystem, will help the students enhance the collaboration and productivity.

If you have already purchased a PC laptop, this is still applicable to the BYOD program and your child’s learning will not be disadvantaged. We have a number of iPad carts available for student and class use.

For Students Who Already Have a Laptop

If you already own a laptop please answer the following questions:

1. If my laptop is a MacBook, it has macOS 14 or higher, in English.

2. If my laptop is a Windows laptop, it has Windows 11 Version 21H2 or higher, in English.

3. My laptop is not older than 3 years.

4. My laptop has at least 4GB of RAM (Preferably 8 GB RAM).

5. My laptop has a 3 to 4 hour battery life.

6. My laptop has working WiFi which supports 5GHz Frequency

Accessories: 1 set of inexpensive headphones (mobile phone earbud sets are fine)

If you answered ‘YES’ to all these questions you do NOT need a new laptop.

For students who need a new laptop, please find our recommendations below.

MacBook Pro

Apple M4 or M5 Chip with 12-Core CPU or 10-Core GPU

8GB Memory

268GB SSD storage

Retina display with True Tone

MacBook Air ( we don't recommend MacBook Neo )

Apple M4/M5 Chip with 12/10-Core CPU and 8-Core GPU

8GB Memory

256GB SSD Storage

Retina display with True Tone

Our Apple-approved vendor, JTRS will be able to assist you with your purchase with a discount. JTRS also provides trade-in options for old Macbooks. Please see the below E-Store Guide and link for more details. 

Estore Purchase Link - https://gemsdubaiamericanacademy.jtrs.ae

For any further questions regarding the laptop requirements, please email helpdeskforstudents@gemsdaa.net