Schools System and Childcare in Dubai

Schools and Childcare in Dubai for Expats

Relocating to Dubai with your family is an exciting step, but choosing the right school and childcare is often the biggest concern for expat parents. Dubai offers a wide range of international schools, private nurseries, and flexible childcare options, all designed for a highly mobile, multicultural population.

This guide explains how the Dubai education system works, the types of schools available for expats, childcare options, costs, and practical tips to help your family settle smoothly.

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Understanding the Dubai School System

Dubai does not follow a single national curriculum for expat children. Instead, education is private and curriculum-based, regulated by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).

Schooling structure generally follows:

• Early Years (ages 1–4): Nurseries and early learning centres

• Primary School (ages 5–11): Curriculum-based (British, IB, American, etc.)

• Secondary School (ages 11–16): GCSEs, IB MYP, or equivalent

• Sixth Form (ages 16–18): A-levels, IB Diploma, or US High School Diploma

Education is compulsory, and almost all expat children attend private or international schools.

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Types of Schools in Dubai for Expats

International Schools in Dubai

The most popular choice for expat families.

• Offer British, American, IB, French, Indian (CBSE/ICSE), and other curricula

• English is the main language of instruction (except language-specific schools)

• Ideal for families who may relocate again

Well-known international schools include:

• Dubai British School

• GEMS World Academy

• American School of Dubai

• Lycee Francais International

Fees: AED 30,000–90,000+ per year depending on age and curriculum

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British Curriculum Schools

Very popular with UK and international expats.

• Follow the National Curriculum of England

• GCSEs and A-levels

• Strong academic structure and continuity

Often preferred by families planning to return to the UK.

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Indian Curriculum Schools (CBSE / ICSE)

Popular among Indian expat families.

• Structured academic focus

• Generally more affordable than Western curricula

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Childcare Options in Dubai

Nurseries & Early Learning Centres

• Cater to children aged 6 months to 4 years

• British EYFS, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and IB Early Years approaches

• Typically open full-day to support working parents

Costs: AED 2,500–5,500 per month depending on location and hours

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Nannies

A very common childcare solution in Dubai.

• Live-in or live-out options

• Flexible support for working parents

• Must be legally sponsored and contracted

Costs:

• Live-in nanny: AED 2,000–3,500 per month (plus accommodation)

• Live-out nanny: AED 4,000–6,000 per month

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After-School & Holiday Care

• Many schools offer after-school activities and holiday camps

• Sports, arts, STEM, and language programmes are widely available

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School Fees and Childcare Costs in Dubai

Education is a significant cost for expat families.

• International schools: AED 30,000–90,000+ per year

• Nurseries: AED 2,500–5,500 per month

• Nannies: AED 2,000–6,000 per month

School fees typically increase annually and are regulated by KHDA.

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Applying to Schools in Dubai as an Expat

• Apply directly to schools, not through a central system

• Admissions are competitive; waiting lists are common

• Most schools require:

  • Passport & visa copies

  • Previous school reports

  • Assessment tests or interviews

Tip: School choice should be considered alongside your residential area, as daily commute times can be significant in Dubai.

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Practical Tips for Expat Families in Dubai

• Start applications before relocation, especially for top schools

• Check KHDA inspection ratings when shortlisting schools

• Visit schools and nurseries in person if possible

• Budget for annual fee increases and additional costs (uniforms, transport)

• Consider nanny support during the first few months of settling in

Guide to Schools and Childcare in Dubai for Expats

Education plays a central role in family life, and Dubai offers a wide range of high-quality schools and childcare options tailored to expat families.

To help you plan with confidence, we’ve created a Comprehensive Expat Guide to Schools and Childcare in Dubai, covering school comparisons, fees, admissions timelines, and childcare solutions.

Download the full guide to secure the right education for your child and give your family the best possible start in Dubai.