British schools in the UAE: Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah
The UAE has one of the world's largest British school markets. How the regulators rate schools, compulsory Arabic and Islamic studies, admissions and choosing a school.
The UAE, and Dubai in particular, is one of the largest markets for British education outside the UK. The British curriculum is among the most popular in the private sector, and families can choose from a very wide range of schools across price points.
Regulators and inspection ratings
The UAE’s distinctive feature is public inspection ratings:
- Dubai: the KHDA inspects private schools and publishes ratings on a scale running from “Outstanding” to “Weak” or below. Ratings can influence the fee increases a school is allowed.
- Abu Dhabi: the ADEK regulates and inspects private schools with a similar framework.
- Northern Emirates: schools are overseen by the Ministry of Education or local authorities, such as the Sharjah Private Education Authority.
Many British schools in the UAE also hold a BSO inspection or other accreditation. Read the reports alongside the local rating.
Compulsory subjects
Every private school in the UAE must teach:
- Arabic, for native and non-native speakers, at different levels.
- Islamic Education for Muslim students.
- UAE Social Studies and Moral Education.
These subjects take timetable space, which schools balance against the English curriculum in different ways. Ask how.
Where the schools are
- Dubai: schools across the city, with clusters in areas such as Al Barsha, Jumeirah, Dubai Hills, Arabian Ranches, Motor City and Al Quoz.
- Abu Dhabi: schools on the main island, Khalifa City, Saadiyat Island and Yas Island.
- Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah: lower-cost options. Many families live in Sharjah and commute to Dubai.
Admissions and fees
- Popular schools have waiting lists, especially in Early Years and Year 7.
- Fees vary enormously, from budget schools to some of the most expensive in the region. Tuition generally rises with the year group. See what you actually pay.
- Fee increases are linked to regulator ratings and published frameworks in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Choosing a school in the UAE
Use the KHDA or ADEK report as a starting point, not the final answer. Then apply our school checklist, paying particular attention to teacher turnover, the student nationality mix and the journey time. Traffic at peak hours can be heavy.
Directory: British schools in United Arab Emirates
Our school-by-school directory for United Arab Emirates is being researched. We only list a school once its details have been checked against its own published information.
Frequently asked questions
Who inspects private schools in Dubai?
Private schools in Dubai are regulated and inspected by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), which publishes inspection ratings. In Abu Dhabi, the regulator is the Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK).
Is Arabic compulsory at British schools in the UAE?
Yes. Arabic is a compulsory subject in UAE private schools, at native-speaker and non-native levels. Islamic Education is compulsory for Muslim students, and UAE Social Studies and Moral Education are also part of the required curriculum.
When does the school year start in the UAE?
Most British-curriculum schools in the UAE start in late August, in line with the UK calendar.