When it comes to your child’s education, choosing the right system is crucial. One curriculum gaining strong traction in the UAE is the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme, designed for students aged 3 to 19.
If you are exploring the top IB curriculum UAE, here’s a list of the best IB schools in Dubai (2026) with detailed profiles covering location, grade levels, annual fees, KHDA ratings, and unique features.
What is the International Baccalaureate (IB) Education System?
The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a comprehensive education system that is divided into four programs:
- Primary Years Programme (PYP),
- Middle Years Programme (MYP),
- IB Diploma, and
- Career-Related Programme.
The goal of the IB is to inculcate critical and independent thinking amongst students, encouraging them to learn through inquiry and self-discovery. The IB curriculum is internationally recognized and is particularly preferred by those targeting Ivy League universities. The IB Diploma is internationally recognized and valued by top global universities, including the Ivy League, making these among the best IB Diploma schools in Dubai.
Top IB Schools in Dubai
Dubai is home to many top schools, but the International Baccalaureate system has gained popularity in the emirate in the last decade. Below are some of the best IB schools in Dubai that offer the International Baccalaureate program.
- Dubai International Academy
- Jumeira Baccalaureate School
- GEMS World Academy
- Raffles World Academy
- Uptown International School
- GEMS International School - Al Khail
- Swiss International Scientific School
- Dar Al Marefa School
- Emirates International School Jumeirah
- Greenfield International School
1. Dubai International Academy
Dubai International Academy offers a rigorous IB programme with proven results, ranking among the best IB Diploma schools in Dubai. Parents often compare IB schools in Dubai fees here, as it delivers the top IB curriculum in the UAE, with strong global recognition
- Location: Emirates Hills
- Grade Levels: Pre-K to Grade 12
- Annual Fees: AED 40,900 – 72,600
- Notable Features: PYP, MYP, DP; “Future Skills Programme”; average IB Diploma score 35.0
- KHDA Rating: Very Good
- Website: https://www.diadubai.com
2. Jumeira Baccalaureate School
Jumeira Baccalaureate School combines premium facilities and diverse enrichment with competitive IB schools' Dubai fees. Recognized for academic excellence, it’s one of the best IB Diploma schoolsin Dubai offering the top IB curriculum in the UAE for ambitious global learners.
- Location: Jumeirah 1
- Grade Levels: Pre-K to Grade 12
- Annual Fees: AED 39,700 – 84,100
- Notable Features: IB PYP–DP; French Francophone stream; rooftop sports facilities; IB Diploma score 31.5
- KHDA Rating: Very Good
- Website: https://www.jbschool.ae
3. GEMS World Academy
GEMS World Academy stands out among the best IB Diploma schools Dubai with its arts, music, and sports excellence. Known for top IB curriculum UAE, it balances innovation with manageable IB schools Dubai fees for families.
- Location: Al Barsha South
- Grade Levels: Pre-K to Grade 12
- Annual Fees: AED 40,000 – 114,000
- Notable Features: Full IB continuum (PYP–CP); strong arts, music & innovation focus; IB Diploma average 32.0
- KHDA Rating: Very Good
- Website: https://www.gemsworldacademy-dubai.com
4. Raffles World Academy
Raffles World Academy offers quality education with scholarships and multilingual support, making it one of the best IB Diploma schools in Dubai. With reasonable IB schools in Dubai fees, it’s a strong choice for top IB curriculum UAE seekers.
- Location: Umm Suqeim 3
- Grade Levels: Pre-K to Grade 12
- Annual Fees: AED 31,000 – 89,000
- Notable Features: IB PYP–DP; Mother Tongue Programme; scholarships; IB Diploma average 33.0
- KHDA Rating: Very Good
- Website: https://www.rafflesis.com
5. Uptown International School
Uptown International School ranks highly among the best IB Diploma schools in Dubai, offering career-related programmes and global opportunities. With mid-range IB schools Dubai fees, it provides students access to the top IB curriculum in the UAE in Mirdif.
- Location: Mirdif
- Grade Levels: KG to Grade 12
- Annual Fees: AED 40,000 – 73,000
- Notable Features: IB PYP–DP + CP; TEDxYouth, robotics, DELF; IB Diploma average 33.0
- KHDA Rating: Very Good
- Website: https://www.uptowninternationaldubai.com
6. GEMS International School - Al Khail
GEMS International School blends innovative STEAM facilities with the IB continuum, making it one of the best IB Diploma schools Dubai. Parents comparing IB schools Dubai fees value its forward-thinking approach and commitment to top IB curriculum UAE.
- Location: Al Khail Road (E44)
- Grade Levels: Pre-K to Grade 12
- Annual Fees: AED 46,400 – 73,400
- Notable Features: Full IB continuum; award-winning STEAM approach; Flight Simulator & Space Lab; IB Diploma average 30.0
- KHDA Rating: Good
- Website: https://www.gemsinternationalschool-alkhail.com
7. Swiss International Scientific School
SISD delivers bilingual excellence and eco-friendly learning, standing among the best IB Diploma schools Dubai. Though IB schools Dubai fees are higher, families choose it for delivering top IB curriculum UAE with outstanding results and international pathways.
- Location: Al Jaddaf, Dubai Healthcare City Phase 2
- Grade Levels: Pre-K to Grade 12
- Annual Fees: AED 53,000 – 99,000
- Notable Features: PYP–DP; bilingual IB diplomas (English-French/German); eco-campus; IB Diploma average 33.2
- KHDA Rating: Very Good
- Website: https://sisd.ae
8. Dar Al Marefa School
Dar Al Marefa provides bilingual English-Arabic IB education, ranking among the best IB Diploma schools in Dubai. Families seeking affordable IB schools in Dubai appreciate its quality while ensuring children have access to the top IB curriculum in the UAE, with cultural integration.
- Location: Al Khawaneej 1
- Grade Levels: KG to Grade 12
- Annual Fees: AED 36,000 – 75,000
- Notable Features: Bilingual Arabic-English IB; robotics, arts & cultural extracurriculars; IB Diploma average 31.0
- KHDA Rating: Good
- Website: https://daralmarefa.ae
9. Emirates International School Jumeirah
Emirates International School offers all four IB programmes, making it one of the best IB Diploma schools in Dubai. With accessible IB schools in Dubai, it ensures students benefit from the top IB curriculum in the UAE in a nurturing environment.
- Location: Umm Suqeim, Al Thanya Street
- Grade Levels: Pre-K to Grade 12
- Annual Fees: AED 35,000 – 74,000
- Notable Features: Full IB programmes (PYP, MYP, DP, CP); broad extracurriculars; IB Diploma average 32.0
- KHDA Rating: Good
- Website: https://www.eischools.ae
10. Greenfield International School
Greenfield International School is known for affordability among IB schools in Dubai, while still delivering the top IB curriculum in the UAE. As one of the best IB Diploma schools in Dubai, it emphasizes creativity, enrichment, and multilingual learning pathways.
- Location: Dubai Investments Park
- Grade Levels: Pre-K to Grade 12
- Annual Fees: AED 31,700 – 76,300
- Notable Features: PYP–DP + CP; affordable IB option; ACE enrichment programme; IB Diploma average 33.0
- KHDA Rating: Good
Website: https://www.greenfieldcommunityschool.com
Comparison of the Top 10 Schools
School | KHDA rating | Fees | Location | |
Dubai International Academy | Very Good | AED 40.9k to AED 72.6k | Emirates Hills |
Jumeira Baccalaureate School | Very Good | AED 39.7k to AED 84.1k | Jumeirah 1 |
GEMS World Academy | Very Good | AED 40k to AED 114k | Al Barsha South |
Raffles World Academy | Very Good | AED 31k to AED 89k | Umm Suqeim 3 |
Uptown International School | Very Good | AED 40k to AED 73k | Umm Suqeim 3 |
GEMS International School in Al Khail (GIS) | Good | AED 46.4k to AED 73.4k | Al Khail Road (E44) |
Swiss International Scientific School | Good | AED 53k to AED 99k | Dubai Healthcare City, Phase 2, Al Jaddaf |
Dar Al Marefa School | Good | AED 36k to AED 75k | Al Khawaneej 1 |
Emirates International School Jumeirah | Good | AED 35k to AED 74k | Umm Al Suqeim |
Greenfield International School | Good | AED 31.7k to AED 76.3k | Dubai Investments Park |
Final thoughts
For parents in the UAE looking for the best educational environment for their children, the options can be overwhelming. With the introduction of the International Baccalaureate (IB) system of education in the last decade, many schools in Dubai have adopted the curriculum. As a result, parents can find a variety of schools offering IB curriculums in the Emirate.
The list of IB schools in Dubai includes some of the most reputable international schools such as GEMS World Academy and Jumeirah International. However, some schools offer the IB curriculum in combination with other systems such as the British and American curriculums. For example, British expats may want to consider schools like GEMS Wellington International School and Repton School, both of which offer both British and IB curriculums.
Similarly, parents looking for an American-based curriculum combined with the IB system can check out schools like Collegiate American School, GEMS Dubai American Academy, and Universal American School. In addition, Innoventures Education offers courses tailored toward preparing students for the future. The list of Innoventures schools in Dubai includes Raffles International School (RIS), Collegiate American School, and Raffles World Academy.
Apart from the schools mentioned above, parents can also explore other options such as Mirdif American School, Greenwood International School, and other American schools in Dubai. With such a wide array of options, parents can find the perfect educational environment for their children.
To know more about the best Indian schools and nurseries in the UAE, stay tuned to Driven Properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What factors should I consider when choosing an IB school?
There are many factors to consider when choosing an IB school. These include accreditation, curriculum alignment, faculty qualifications, extracurricular offerings, and student support services. By aligning these factors with your vision for your children’s education, you will choose the right school for them.
2. Are IB schools in Dubai suitable for expatriate students?
IB schools in Dubai are ideal for expatriate students as many of them offer mother tongue enrichment classes. Additionally, these schools are known for their diversity which makes expat students feel more at ease and helps them learn about other cultures.
3. What are the average tuition fees for IB schools in Dubai?
Currently, the cost of an IB school in Dubai averages AED 52,800 for kindergarten and AED 65,000 for primary school. The average tuition fee of a UK (English National Curriculum) school is AED 37,000 and AED 29,500 for an American (K12) school.
4. How do IB schools in Dubai prepare students for university?
IB schools in Dubai offer an IB Diploma Program, a worldwide recognized program, known for its academic rigor and comprehensive curriculum. This program provides students with the skillsets they need to apply and get accepted to the university of their choice.
5. How can I evaluate the quality of an IB school in Dubai?
To evaluate the quality of an IB school in Dubai, you can rely on their IB Diploma score, which should give you a fairly good idea on the education level of the school. You can also check their KHDA rating, to have a clearer idea on how they compare with other schools in the UAE.
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