Applying to a school in Dubai can initially feel complicated. Parents must compare different curricula, confirm the correct year group, prepare transfer documents, complete assessments and understand several types of fees before accepting a place.
The good news is that the process becomes manageable when completed in the right order.
Dubai’s private-school sector includes British, American, International Baccalaureate, Indian, UAE Ministry of Education and several other international curricula.
The Knowledge and Human Development Authority, or KHDA, maintains an official directory where families can compare schools by curriculum, location, year group, inspection rating and approved fees.
This Dubai school admission guide explains the process from creating a shortlist to completing registration. Requirements can vary between schools, so parents should confirm final dates, placement decisions and document requirements with the chosen school.
Dubai School Admission Process at a Glance
| Step | What Parents Need to Do |
| 1 | Choose a curriculum, location and budget |
| 2 | Search and compare schools through the KHDA directory |
| 3 | Confirm the correct grade or year group |
| 4 | Contact schools to check availability |
| 5 | Complete the online application |
| 6 | Submit academic and identification documents |
| 7 | Complete an assessment or interview, where required |
| 8 | Review the admission offer and full fee structure |
| 9 | Pay the registration deposit |
| 10 | Complete the school and KHDA registration process |
Parents should ideally apply to several suitable schools rather than relying on one highly competitive option.
Step 1: Choose the Right Curriculum
Curriculum is one of the most important decisions because it affects teaching methods, year-group names, examinations and future school transitions.
Dubai schools offer many curricula, but the most common options are British, American, International Baccalaureate and Indian.
British curriculum
British schools normally organise pupils into Foundation Stage, primary and secondary year groups. Older pupils may work towards GCSE or IGCSE qualifications, followed by A Levels or another post-16 programme.
This curriculum may suit families who:
- Expect to return to the UK
- May move to another British international school
- Prefer clear subject progression
- Want access to GCSE, IGCSE or A-Level pathways
However, not every British school offers exactly the same qualifications or subjects. Parents should check the school’s senior-year options before enrolling a child who may remain there until graduation.
American curriculum
American schools generally use grade-based progression, from kindergarten through Grade 12.
Dubai’s American schools usually align their academic standards with a particular US state or recognised American framework. Secondary pupils work towards a high school diploma, while some schools also offer Advanced Placement courses or the IB Diploma.
This option can work well for families who prefer:
- Continuous classroom assessment
- Flexible subject choices
- A US-style high school diploma
- Possible Advanced Placement courses
- Easier transition to another American school
Parents should ask which state standards the school follows and whether its high school programme meets their child’s future university requirements.
International Baccalaureate curriculum
The International Baccalaureate offers several programmes, including the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, Diploma Programme and Career-related Programme. Schools must be authorised separately for the programmes they offer, so a school describing itself as “IB” may not necessarily provide every stage.
IB education may appeal to families seeking:
- Inquiry-based learning
- Internationally transferable programmes
- Interdisciplinary study
- Research, reflection and independent learning
- A globally recognised secondary qualification
Parents should confirm the exact IB authorisation status and programme offered at their child’s age level.
Indian curriculum
Indian schools in Dubai mainly follow CBSE or CISCE programmes. Many operate on an April-to-March academic year rather than the September-start calendar followed by most international schools. CBSE publishes separate secondary and senior-secondary curricula, including prescribed subject combinations and assessment requirements.
An Indian curriculum may be practical for families who:
- May return to India
- Want continuity with a previous CBSE or CISCE school
- Prefer an April-start academic calendar
- Plan to take Indian board examinations
- Value a structured subject-based programme
Other curricula in Dubai
Dubai also has schools offering French, German, Swiss, Canadian, Australian, Japanese, Pakistani, Philippine, SABIS and UAE Ministry of Education programmes.
When choosing between curricula, consider:
- Your child’s current curriculum
- Likely future country of residence
- Languages of instruction
- Examination plans
- University destination
- Your child’s learning style
- Ease of transferring between schools
Changing curriculum is possible, but it can create differences in year-group names, subjects and academic calendars.
Step 2: Set a Realistic School Budget
Tuition is only one part of the cost of private education in Dubai.
Depending on the school, families may also pay for:
- Application processing
- Registration deposits
- Books and digital resources
- Laptop or tablet programmes
- Uniforms
- School transport
- Meals
- Examination charges
- Educational trips
- Extracurricular activities
- Additional individual services
KHDA’s School Fees Fact Sheet shows approved tuition and other verified charges that parents may face, including transport, books, trips and activities. It may also show available discounts or scholarships. The fact sheets can be accessed through the KHDA school directory and are also provided with the Parent–School Contract.
School cost comparison template
| Cost | School A | School B | School C |
| Annual tuition | |||
| Application fee | |||
| Registration deposit | |||
| Books and devices | |||
| Uniform | |||
| Transport | |||
| Meals | |||
| Trips and activities | |||
| Estimated annual total |
For the 2026–27 academic year, KHDA confirmed a freeze on private-school tuition increases in Dubai. This means approved tuition fees cannot increase for that academic year, although optional services and other approved charges should still be checked through the current Fee Fact Sheet.
Step 3: Search and Shortlist Schools
The KHDA school directory should be the starting point for comparing Dubai private schools.
Depending on the available information for each school, the directory may show:
- Curriculum
- Location
- Year groups
- Overall inspection rating
- Wellbeing rating
- Inclusion rating
- Approved annual fees
- School Fees Fact Sheet
- Inspection or summary report
The directory includes schools across multiple curricula and fee levels, allowing parents to create a shortlist based on practical criteria rather than reputation alone.
Create a shortlist of approximately three to six schools and compare them using the following factors.
Location and travel time
A long school commute can affect sleep, punctuality, extracurricular participation and family routines.
Test the journey during the actual morning travel period. A school that appears close on a map may take much longer to reach during peak traffic.
Check:
- Morning travel time
- Afternoon travel time
- School-bus routes
- Parking and drop-off arrangements
- Distance from home or work
- Travel time for after-school collection
KHDA rating
Inspection ratings can provide useful evidence about teaching, leadership, academic progress and student support.
However, the overall rating should not be the only deciding factor. Parents should also read the detailed report, particularly the sections covering:
- Individual subjects
- Early-years provision
- Inclusion
- Student wellbeing
- Leadership
- Areas requiring improvement
Class size and staffing
Ask about the actual class size in your child’s year group rather than relying on a general school-wide figure.
Important questions include:
- How many pupils are in each class?
- Is there a teaching assistant?
- What is the teacher turnover rate?
- How are substitute teachers managed?
- How much individual attention is available?
School culture
A modern campus does not automatically guarantee a supportive learning environment.
During a visit, observe whether:
- Pupils appear comfortable around staff
- Teachers communicate respectfully
- Classrooms are calm but active
- Student work is displayed meaningfully
- Behaviour expectations are clear
- New pupils receive transition support
Step 4: Understand the Academic Calendar
Dubai private schools generally operate on one of two calendars.
Indian, Pakistani and Japanese curriculum schools normally follow an April-to-March academic year. Most other curricula begin in August or September and finish in June or July. KHDA publishes separate official calendars for the different school-year structures.
The calendar matters when:
- Moving from another country
- Changing from an Indian to a British school
- Applying during the academic year
- Determining the last completed grade
- Avoiding a gap or overlap in education
- Entering an examination course
A child moving from an April-start school to a September-start school may have completed only part of the academic year. The receiving school should review the child’s age, reports, transfer certificate and completed learning before deciding placement.
Step 5: Confirm Age and Grade Placement
Do not select a year group simply by matching one curriculum’s grade name with another.
Placement may depend on:
- Date of birth
- Last completed grade
- Previous curriculum
- Previous academic calendar
- Transfer certificate
- Academic reports
- School history
- Entry-age requirements
- Whether the move occurs mid-year
For Grade 1/Year 2 and above, KHDA’s placement guidance treats the transfer certificate as the main reference for previous schooling and placement. When moving between 12-year and 13-year systems, the receiving school should review both the student’s age and educational history.
Important 2026–27 age-rule update
From the 2026–27 academic year, updated Ministry of Education age cut-offs apply to new admissions in Dubai private schools and early childhood centres. For schools beginning in August or September, the relevant age for early entry stages is calculated using 31 December rather than the previous August cut-off. Transitional cases and April-start schools should be checked directly against the current KHDA Student Placement Guidelines.
Because the rules have recently changed, parents applying for FS1, FS2, Year 1, Year 2, KG or Grade 1 should ask the school to confirm placement in writing.
General curriculum comparison
| Educational Stage | British | American/IB | Indian |
| Early childhood | FS1–FS2 | Pre-K–KG | Pre-KG–KG |
| Beginning primary | Years 1–2 | KG–Grade 1 | Grades 1–2 |
| Primary | Years 3–6 | Grades 2–5 | Grades 3–5 |
| Middle stage | Years 7–9 | Grades 6–8 | Grades 6–8 |
| Secondary | Years 10–13 | Grades 9–12 | Grades 9–12 |
This table is only a broad comparison. It should not be used as an official placement decision.
Step 6: Check Availability Before Applying
Dubai does not use one universal application deadline for all private schools. Each school manages its own admissions schedule and available places.
Before paying an application fee, ask:
- Is a place currently available?
- Is the year group full?
- Will the application be placed on a waiting list?
- How long is the waiting list?
- Does the school prioritise siblings?
- When will the admission decision be issued?
- Can the assessment be completed online?
- How long will an offer remain valid?
Popular schools may accept applications well before the intended start date. Families relocating to Dubai should therefore begin contacting schools as soon as their likely residential area and moving date are known.
Apply to more than one school when:
- Your child is entering a popular year group
- You are relocating on a fixed date
- You require additional learning support
- You need a particular bus route
- You are applying during an examination stage
- You require a limited fee range
Step 7: Submit the School Application
Most Dubai private schools accept applications through an online portal.
Parents may be asked to provide:
- Child’s legal name
- Date and place of birth
- Nationality
- Current school and curriculum
- Current year or grade
- Previous school history
- Languages spoken
- Proposed start date
- Medical information
- Learning-support information
- Parent or guardian contact details
- Sibling information
Use the child’s name exactly as it appears in the passport. Differences in spelling across passports, school reports and certificates can delay registration.
Read the application declaration carefully, especially sections about:
- Application-fee refunds
- Waiting-list status
- Assessments
- Disclosure of learning needs
- Data consent
- Offer deadlines
Documents Required for School Admission in Dubai
Document requirements vary according to the child’s age, previous school and country of origin.
Schools commonly request some or all of the following:
Identity and residency documents
- Child’s passport copy
- Parent or guardian passport copies
- Child’s UAE residence visa
- Parent or guardian residence visa
- Child’s Emirates ID
- Parent Emirates ID copies
- Passport-sized photographs
- Birth certificate
Families applying before moving to Dubai may initially submit available passport documents and provide UAE residence documents later, subject to the school’s policy.
Academic documents
- Recent school reports
- Final report from the previous academic year
- Transfer or leaving certificate
- Examination results
- Behaviour or attendance records, where requested
- Curriculum or subject information for secondary pupils
For admission above Grade 1, KHDA requires evidence of previous schooling. Documents must be in Arabic or English. Documents issued in another language should be legally translated, with the translation authenticated as required.
Health and support documents
- Immunisation or vaccination record
- Medical information
- Allergy information
- Existing education plans
- Psychology or therapy reports
- Details of classroom accommodations
Family or legal documents
Depending on the family’s circumstances, a school may request:
- Custody order
- Guardianship documents
- Adoption documents
- Proof of address
- Emergency-contact authorisation
Ask the admissions team for a written checklist because not every document is required in every case.
Transfer Certificate Requirements
The transfer certificate confirms the child’s previous enrolment and completed grade.
Transferring between Dubai schools
When transferring within Dubai, parents need a transfer certificate. The existing school issues the certificate and ensures that it is verified through KHDA.
Before leaving the current school:
- Obtain a written offer from the new school.
- Confirm the new year-group placement.
- Review the new school’s fees.
- Submit the withdrawal notice.
- Request the transfer certificate.
- Keep copies of final reports and payment receipts.
Do not withdraw from the current school based only on a verbal indication that a place may become available.
Moving from another UAE emirate
The receiving school may request:
- Transfer certificate
- Final academic report
- Student identification documents
- Verification from the relevant education authority
- Confirmation of the last completed grade
Ask the receiving school to confirm whether any additional approval or attestation is required.
Moving to Dubai from another country
International transfer requirements may include:
- Original leaving or transfer certificate
- Final school report
- Translation into Arabic or English
- Attestation from relevant authorities
- Confirmation of the student’s completed grade
Attestation requirements can depend on the country where the document was issued. Request the exact procedure from the Dubai school before visiting embassies or government offices.
School Assessments and Interviews
Admission assessments differ by age and school.
Early-years assessment
For a young child, the assessment may be a play-based observation rather than a formal test.
Staff may observe:
- Communication
- Social interaction
- Ability to follow instructions
- Fine-motor development
- Gross-motor development
- Independence
- Emotional readiness
Parents should avoid placing pressure on a young child to “pass.” The meeting should help the school understand the child’s development and readiness.
Primary-school assessment
A primary applicant may be assessed in:
- English
- Reading
- Writing
- Mathematics
- Verbal reasoning
- Age-appropriate problem-solving
The school may also review previous reports and speak with the child.
Secondary-school assessment
Secondary applicants may complete:
- English test
- Mathematics test
- Science or subject assessments
- Student interview
- Review of previous grades
- Examination-course compatibility check
Admission during IGCSE, A Level, IB Diploma or another examination programme may be more difficult because subject choices, coursework and examination boards may not match.
Ask the school:
- Which subjects will be tested?
- How long will the assessment take?
- Is preparation material available?
- Can it be completed remotely?
- When will results be issued?
- Will the assessment determine both admission and placement?
Admission for Students of Determination
Parents should share relevant information about a child’s strengths, needs and previous support during the application process.
Useful information may include:
- Existing assessment reports
- Therapy reports
- Medical reports
- Individual Education Plan
- Classroom accommodations
- Communication needs
- Sensory requirements
- Successful support strategies
KHDA states that an assessment of need should help a school prepare for successful enrolment. It should not function as a pass-or-fail barrier. A medical diagnosis is not required for admission, although parents should provide useful existing information that can support planning.
If additional services beyond the standard school provision are proposed, the school should explain them formally. Where extra paid services are required, an Individualised Service Agreement must be developed with the parents and submitted to KHDA. A school that decides not to enrol, re-register or immediately place a student of determination must complete KHDA’s Non-Admission Notification process.
Questions to ask include:
- Who leads inclusion at the school?
- What support is included in standard tuition?
- Will an individual plan be developed?
- Are additional services recommended?
- What will those services cost?
- How will progress be reviewed?
- How will the child participate in mainstream classes?
- Can external therapists work with the school?
Receiving and Reviewing an Admission Offer
A formal school offer should clearly state:
- Child’s name
- Offered year or grade
- Academic year
- Start date
- Conditions of admission
- Deposit amount
- Payment deadline
- Outstanding documents
- Assessment or support conditions
Before accepting, check:
- Is the place confirmed?
- Is the year-group placement correct?
- Is the offer conditional?
- What is the total annual cost?
- Which charges are compulsory?
- Is transport available?
- What is the withdrawal policy?
- What is refundable?
- When must the child start?
Ask for clarification in writing when any part of the offer is unclear.
Application Fees and Registration Deposits
Parents should understand the difference between an application fee and a registration deposit.
Application fee
Under KHDA’s current registration and refund policy, a private school may charge up to AED500 to process a new application, including the standard admission assessment.
The fee is refundable when the school does not offer a place. It is also refundable when the school collects it without properly informing the parent that no place is available or that the outcome may only be a waiting-list position. It becomes non-refundable when the school makes a formal offer and the parent chooses not to accept it.
Registration deposit
A school may request a registration deposit only after making a formal offer that the parent accepts.
The deposit:
- Cannot exceed 10% of annual tuition
- Is deducted from tuition
- Is not an extra charge in addition to tuition
Under the March 2026 policy, the deposit is refundable when the parent formally withdraws at least 60 calendar days before the student’s start date. When notice is given less than 60 days before the start date, it is generally non-refundable, subject to the policy’s stated exceptions.
Re-registration deposit
For an existing pupil, the re-registration deposit used to reserve a place for the following year cannot exceed 5% of annual tuition or AED500, whichever is higher. It must be deducted from the following year’s tuition.
Always request the current written registration and refund policy before making a payment.
KHDA Registration and the Parent–School Contract
After the family accepts the place and submits the necessary documents, the school completes the student registration process through KHDA.
Parents may then need to review and sign the Parent–School Contract electronically. KHDA’s parent portal provides access to the contract, while the relevant School Fees Fact Sheet is also made available with it.
Review the contract carefully, including provisions related to:
- Tuition
- Other approved charges
- Payment dates
- Attendance
- Behaviour
- Withdrawal
- Refunds
- Parent responsibilities
- School responsibilities
- Additional support arrangements
Keep an electronic copy of the signed contract and all payment receipts.
Applying From Outside Dubai
Families can begin the admission process before relocating.
Before moving
Complete as much as possible remotely:
- Choose the preferred curriculum
- Estimate the residential area
- Search the KHDA directory
- Contact several schools
- Check availability
- Submit online applications
- Upload previous reports
- Arrange remote assessments
- Request transfer documents
- Clarify attestation requirements
- Review fee and refund policies
After arriving
Complete the remaining steps:
- Provide UAE visa copies
- Submit Emirates IDs when issued
- Present original documents
- Complete medical forms
- Finalise KHDA registration
- Purchase uniform and books
- Arrange transport
- Attend orientation
- Confirm the first day
Do not select housing solely around one school until admission has been formally confirmed.
Can a Child Join a Dubai School Mid-Year?
Mid-year admission is possible when the school has space and can confirm appropriate placement.
The school will consider:
- Previous curriculum
- Last completed term or grade
- Academic calendar
- Current academic level
- Available subjects
- Examination requirements
- Transfer documents
Mid-year entry is usually more complicated during examination programmes. For example, two British schools may offer different IGCSE subjects or examination boards, while IB Diploma schools may offer different higher-level and standard-level combinations.
Parents should ask for written confirmation of:
- Year-group placement
- Subject choices
- Required catch-up work
- Examination eligibility
- Tuition charged for the remaining period
Changing Curriculum in Dubai
Curriculum changes require careful planning.
Common transitions include:
- British to American
- American to British
- CBSE to British
- CBSE to IB
- IB to British
- April-start to September-start
- September-start to April-start
Possible difficulties include:
- Different year-group names
- Calendar overlap or gaps
- Subject mismatches
- Different assessment styles
- Language requirements
- Missing coursework
- Credit requirements
- Examination-board differences
A move that appears to repeat or skip a year may sometimes reflect the difference between a 12-year and 13-year school structure rather than an actual academic repetition. KHDA advises that placement in such cases depends on both age and previous schooling.
Do not withdraw from the current school until the receiving school confirms the placement and start date.
Questions to Ask During a School Tour
Use the following questions to compare schools consistently:
- Is there a confirmed place in my child’s year group?
- Which curriculum and qualifications are offered?
- How will grade placement be determined?
- What is the average class size?
- What qualifications do teachers hold?
- How long do teachers typically remain at the school?
- How are new pupils supported?
- How does the school communicate progress?
- What inclusion support is available?
- What is included in standard tuition?
- Which additional charges are compulsory?
- What transport routes are available?
- How much homework is expected?
- Which languages are taught?
- What are the withdrawal and refund rules?
- How are bullying and safeguarding concerns handled?
- What extracurricular activities are available?
- What are the examination results and graduate destinations?
- How does the school support university applications?
- Can parents observe a normal lesson or school day?
Common School Admission Mistakes
Avoid these common errors:
- Applying to only one school
- Waiting until relocation is complete
- Assuming an application guarantees a place
- Ignoring waiting-list status
- Selecting the wrong grade
- Using inconsistent name spellings
- Failing to prepare the transfer certificate
- Comparing tuition without extra charges
- Paying before reading the refund policy
- Withdrawing from the previous school too soon
- Hiding relevant support information
- Choosing only by inspection rating
- Ignoring the daily commute
- Changing curriculum without checking subject compatibility
- Assuming every “IB school” offers every IB programme
Dubai School Admission Checklist
Research
- Select the preferred curriculum
- Set a realistic annual budget
- Identify suitable neighbourhoods
- Search the KHDA directory
- Read inspection reports
- Review School Fees Fact Sheets
- Shortlist at least three schools
Application
- Confirm availability
- Confirm year-group eligibility
- Complete application forms
- Pay only the approved application charge
- Submit passport documents
- Upload school reports
- Arrange the assessment
- Request transfer documents
Offer
- Review the offered grade
- Confirm the start date
- Check whether the offer is conditional
- Calculate the full annual cost
- Read the refund policy
- Confirm transport
- Pay the registration deposit
Registration
- Submit original documents
- Provide residence visa and Emirates ID
- Complete medical forms
- Review the School Fees Fact Sheet
- Sign the Parent–School Contract
- Purchase books and uniform
- Attend orientation
- Keep copies of all contracts and receipts
Final Advice for Parents
The most effective Dubai school admission strategy is to begin early, stay organised and maintain more than one realistic option.
Start with the KHDA directory, but do not choose a school solely because of its name or overall inspection rating. Consider the curriculum, commute, class environment, inclusion, full annual cost and your child’s response to the school.
Confirm the year-group placement before paying a deposit. Request every important decision in writing and keep copies of applications, reports, certificates, contracts and receipts.
The right school should be academically suitable, financially manageable and practical for everyday family life. A child is more likely to settle successfully when the school’s teaching approach, support systems and community match their individual needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for school admission in Dubai?
Select a curriculum and shortlist schools through the KHDA directory. Contact the schools to confirm availability before completing their online applications. You may need to submit passport documents, previous reports and a transfer certificate, followed by an assessment. After receiving an offer, review the fees, pay the deposit and complete the registration process.
What documents are required for school admission in Dubai?
Common documents include the child’s passport, residence visa, Emirates ID, birth certificate, photographs, vaccination records, previous school reports and transfer certificate. Parent passport, visa and Emirates ID copies may also be required. Requirements vary, so obtain a current checklist from the school.
When should I apply to a Dubai school?
Apply as soon as you know your likely moving date, preferred curriculum and residential area. Popular year groups can fill early, while families needing a specific fee range, location or support provision should allow additional time. Dubai has no single application deadline covering every private school.
Can I apply before receiving a UAE residence visa?
Many schools allow families moving from abroad to begin an application with passports and academic documents. However, UAE residence and Emirates ID documents will normally be required to complete registration. Confirm the school’s deadline for supplying the outstanding documents.
What age should my child be for school admission in Dubai?
The required age depends on the entry stage and academic calendar. Updated age cut-offs apply from 2026–27, including a 31 December reference date for relevant early stages in August- or September-start schools. Ask the school to confirm placement under the current KHDA Student Placement Guidelines.
How is grade placement decided?
Placement is based on the child’s age, previous completed grade, curriculum, academic calendar, school reports and transfer certificate. For Grade 1/Year 2 and above, the transfer certificate is an important placement reference. The receiving school should confirm the final year group in writing.
Do Dubai schools conduct admission tests?
Many private schools use assessments or interviews, but the format differs. Young children may attend a play-based observation, while older pupils may complete English, mathematics or subject tests. Secondary applicants may also need an interview and a review of examination-course compatibility.
How much can a school charge as an application fee?
Dubai private schools may charge up to AED500 to process a new application, including the standard assessment. The fee is refundable when the school does not offer a place or fails to disclose that only a waiting-list position is available.
Is the registration deposit refundable?
Under the March 2026 policy, a registration deposit is refundable when the parent formally withdraws at least 60 calendar days before the student’s start date. It is generally non-refundable when notice is provided later, subject to the policy’s stated exceptions.
What is the Parent–School Contract?
The Parent–School Contract records the formal relationship between the family and school. Parents should review its information about fees, payment arrangements, school policies and responsibilities before signing it electronically as part of the registration process.
Do I need an attested transfer certificate?
A transfer certificate is required when moving between Dubai schools and may need verification or attestation when issued elsewhere. The exact procedure depends on where the previous school is located. Ask the receiving school for country-specific instructions before arranging attestation.
Can my child join a Dubai school during the academic year?
Yes, provided the school has a place and can confirm appropriate placement. Mid-year entry may be more difficult during examination courses because subjects, coursework and examination boards may differ.
Can a child transfer from an Indian to a British school?
Yes, but the school must compare the child’s previous grade, age and academic calendar. Moving from an April-start to a September-start calendar can create an overlap or gap, so placement should be confirmed before withdrawing from the current school.
How can I check a school’s KHDA rating?
Use the official KHDA school directory. It provides curriculum, location, year groups, approved fees and available inspection information for Dubai private schools.
Which curriculum is best for expatriate children?
There is no single best curriculum for all expatriate families. The most suitable option depends on the child’s previous education, future country, university plans, preferred teaching style and expected length of stay in Dubai.