Dubai lays huge emphasis on the sector of education. Committed to ensuring international standards, Dubai makes sure that its citizens and residents have access to good quality education. Many public and private schools are available for the enrollment of your child. The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) is the supervising body for all enrollment systems, which works alongside the Ministry of Education.

Dubai emphasis primary education at 5.

There is a compulsion for primary education at the age of five by the Ministry of Education in the UAE. Most children start their education from kindergarten school in Dubai. Most schools are offering both primary and secondary schooling so that there is no need for students to shift schools often. The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) makes sure that all the schools, institutes, day care centers, along with universities and colleges are abiding by the rules set by the Ministry of Education.

“A true leader does not derive power from his position, but from his ethics, from people’s love for him, and from his knowledge, education and excellence in his field of work.”

-Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Emir of Dubai)

Education in Dubai falls under the categories of primary, secondary and tertiary(collegiate) education. Like all schools in the UAE, colleges, high schools and kindergarten schools in Dubai are no different.

Private Schools in Dubai

In 2017, 185 private schools were recorded in Dubai, offering the following curricula: British, Indian, American, the UAE Ministry of Education Curriculum, International Baccalaureate, Iranian, French, Filipino, Pakistani, SABIS, IAT, German, Russian, Japanese, and Canadian. An astounding 273,599 students from 187 different nationalities were enrolled into these private schools for a single year, i.e., 2016-2017 out of which 42% were accounted for kindergarten school Dubai enrollments.

Looking for a school to enroll your child?

As a parent, it is quite perplexing while choosing the right school for your child. The average age for enrollment into kindergarten is from four to five years. At this level, your child will learn art, music, religion, Arabic, and math. As the children are very young, more play and less work are focused upon. Different activities are organized for children which include storytelling, games, etc. Most kindergarten schools in Dubai are located in the Jumeirah and Umm Suquiem areas.

Some important consideration

Whether you are an expat or UAE local resident, your concern for your child education is similar. When considering an institution for your child, consider the following:

1. Even though the medium of instruction at institutions at Dubai is English, Arabic is taught as a compulsory subject. All students are to take Arabic classes.

2. If you are a Muslim, your child will have to take Islamic studies classes too.

3. Being a multicultural country, Dubai has a vast number of nationalities harbored. It is crucial for you to do a background cultural check on the school operators. Even though there are no significant cultural and religious differences between schools in the UAE, the operators’ cultural essence is always prevalent.

4. Sometimes, names may be deceiving. In UAE, some schools are going by American names. Do not be misled by names as they may not reflect the actual essence of the school. Usually, the name of the school and curriculum may misdirect you especially the use of the word "International" or "English" for Indian schools; "English", "American", and "British", for Arab schools that teach in English; and the worst - an Arabic name for a non-Islamic and non-Arab schools (usually Indian or expat schools). Getting this wrong may get your child stuck in an environment which is uncomfortable for them.

5. Many schools are following curriculums that may not be displayed. Australian, Canadian, IB, UK, or US curriculums are being pursued by schools that apparently reflect of an Islamic, Arab, Western, or some other international culture. Indians schools usually follow IB or UK curriculum. Most kindergarten schools in Dubai have teachers of different nationalities to be able to communicate with the child.

6. If you are a Muslim, Islamic values will matter a lot to you. A school that emphasizes Islamic values and education has quite the different environment than that school that promotes Western values. Make sure you choose wisely to prevent any clashes and discomfort for you and your child.

7. Tuition fees of these private schools range from AED 1,725 to AED 107,200 per year. Choose the school per your budget to make sure you can pay the fees in the long run.

The first experience your child has of schools is going to be in Kindergarten, make sure you choose appropriately to assure that the experience is worthwhile for you and your child.

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