Dubai is a global hub for business, tourism, and education, attracting students and families from across the world. The city is not only home to world-class universities but also some of the finest boarding schools in the Middle East. These institutions offer exceptional academic programs, modern facilities, and international exposure, making them an excellent choice for expatriates and locals alike.

Parents looking for the best education in Dubai often consider boarding schools because they provide holistic learning, discipline, extracurricular opportunities, and exposure to diverse cultures. However, the decision also depends on factors like curriculum, fees, facilities, and reputation.

In this article, we’ll explore the Top 15 Boarding Schools in Dubai and their fees, giving you a comprehensive guide to help you make the right choice for your child.

Top 15 Boarding Schools In Dubai And Fees

1. Repton School Dubai

Repton School Dubai is one of the most prestigious boarding schools in the UAE, blending British heritage with an international outlook. Founded in partnership with Repton UK, it offers a British curriculum from Early Years up to Sixth Form, including GCSEs and the International Baccalaureate (IB).

The school is known for its expansive 1.3 million square feet campus, offering modern boarding houses, libraries, science labs, sports facilities, and art centers. Students benefit from strong academics and extracurriculars like music, sports, drama, and community service.

Fees: AED 52,000 – AED 95,000 per year (depending on grade).
Boarding Fees: Additional AED 60,000 – AED 65,000 annually.

2. Swiss International Scientific School Dubai (SISD)

SISD offers a unique multilingual learning experience, providing instruction in English, French, German, and Arabic. It is also an IB World School, making it ideal for internationally mobile families.

The boarding program is flexible, offering weekly and full-time boarding. Its modern campus includes Olympic-sized swimming pools, high-tech labs, sports arenas, and art studios. Boarding life focuses on building independence, collaboration, and cultural awareness.

Fees: AED 70,000 – AED 120,000 per year.
Boarding Fees: AED 60,000 – AED 100,000 annually.

3. GEMS Wellington Academy, Silicon Oasis

GEMS Wellington is part of the renowned GEMS Education network, offering the British curriculum and IB Diploma. It is highly regarded for innovation, personalized learning, and extracurricular programs.

The academy’s boarding facilities ensure students live in a safe, supportive, and enriching environment. Parents praise its focus on academics, leadership, and creativity.

Fees: AED 60,000 – AED 90,000 per year.
Boarding Fees: AED 50,000 – AED 80,000 annually.

4. North London Collegiate School (NLCS) Dubai

NLCS Dubai, affiliated with the prestigious NLCS in the UK, provides students with a challenging IB curriculum. It emphasizes academic rigor, leadership, and a strong arts and cultural program.

Boarding at NLCS ensures children experience structured routines, academic mentoring, and extracurricular engagement. The environment prepares them for top universities worldwide.

Fees: AED 65,000 – AED 120,000 per year.
Boarding Fees: AED 70,000 – AED 95,000 annually.

5. King’s School Dubai

King’s School is one of the leading British curriculum schools in Dubai, known for its outstanding inspection ratings and excellent teaching standards.

Though it primarily caters to day students, King’s School Dubai also offers select boarding options. Students receive holistic care, with an emphasis on academics, sports, and performing arts.

Fees: AED 50,000 – AED 90,000 per year.
Boarding Fees: AED 55,000 – AED 80,000 annually.

6. Kent College Dubai

Kent College Dubai, affiliated with Kent College Canterbury in the UK, delivers the British National Curriculum up to A-levels. It is known for its family-oriented atmosphere, excellent sports facilities, and nurturing environment.

The boarding houses provide comfort and supervision while giving students independence. A wide range of co-curricular activities helps build confidence and leadership.

Fees: AED 55,000 – AED 95,000 per year.
Boarding Fees: AED 65,000 – AED 85,000 annually.

7. Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS)

JESS has been a top choice among expatriates for decades. It follows the British curriculum and IB Diploma. Academically, JESS is strong in STEM subjects, as well as sports and performing arts.

Though primarily a day school, it collaborates with boarding facilities in Dubai to provide accommodation for international students.

Fees: AED 60,000 – AED 100,000 per year.
Boarding Fees: AED 55,000 – AED 75,000 annually.

8. Clarion School Dubai

Clarion School Dubai offers an American curriculum aligned with the Common Core Standards. It emphasizes critical thinking, project-based learning, and innovation.

Boarding students enjoy small class sizes, individualized attention, and world-class extracurriculars such as robotics, arts, and athletics.

Fees: AED 70,000 – AED 100,000 per year.
Boarding Fees: AED 65,000 – AED 85,000 annually.

9. Hartland International School

Hartland International is a British curriculum school located in the heart of Dubai. It prides itself on offering high academic standards alongside creativity and innovation.

The boarding facilities are modern, with a focus on student welfare. Hartland also has a strong extracurricular portfolio including music, drama, and leadership programs.

Fees: AED 55,000 – AED 90,000 per year.
Boarding Fees: AED 60,000 – AED 80,000 annually.

10. Dubai College

Dubai College is one of the most academically rigorous schools in the UAE, following the British curriculum with A-levels. It consistently ranks among the top-performing schools in the region.

Its boarding program caters to international students, offering strong pastoral care and structured academic routines.

Fees: AED 70,000 – AED 110,000 per year.
Boarding Fees: AED 65,000 – AED 90,000 annually.

11. Uptown International School

Uptown International School offers the IB curriculum from Primary Years up to Diploma level. It is known for a strong international community and supportive environment.

Boarding at Uptown International gives students exposure to diverse cultures and a safe environment that nurtures leadership and independence.

Fees: AED 55,000 – AED 95,000 per year.
Boarding Fees: AED 60,000 – AED 85,000 annually.

12. Brighton College Dubai

Brighton College Dubai, in partnership with Brighton College UK, delivers the British curriculum with emphasis on academic achievement and co-curricular activities.

Boarding life is structured, combining study support with personal development activities. The college is popular for its strong arts, sports, and drama programs.

Fees: AED 60,000 – AED 100,000 per year.
Boarding Fees: AED 65,000 – AED 85,000 annually.

13. Raffles International School Dubai

Raffles International follows a British curriculum with IB Diploma for senior years. It has a multicultural student body and provides excellent facilities for boarding students.

Boarding emphasizes academic discipline, creativity, and personal growth through sports and arts.

Fees: AED 50,000 – AED 85,000 per year.
Boarding Fees: AED 55,000 – AED 75,000 annually.

14. American School of Dubai (ASD)

ASD offers a U.S.-based curriculum from Kindergarten to Grade 12. It is one of the most respected American schools in the region, known for its strong academic programs and extracurriculars.

Though traditionally a day school, ASD collaborates with accommodation facilities for international students, ensuring boarding-like experiences.

Fees: AED 70,000 – AED 120,000 per year.
Boarding Fees: AED 65,000 – AED 90,000 annually.

15. Al Mawakeb School Dubai

Al Mawakeb offers a U.S. curriculum with a strong focus on bilingual education in English and Arabic. It is a more affordable option compared to some of Dubai’s premium schools, making it popular among local and expatriate families.

Boarding options are available through partnerships, with safe and structured environments for international students.

Fees: AED 30,000 – AED 55,000 per year.
Boarding Fees: AED 40,000 – AED 65,000 annually.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Boarding School in Dubai

Curriculum (British, American, IB, bilingual)
Fees and value for money
Boarding options (weekly vs full-time)
Facilities (sports, arts, labs, libraries)
Reputation and alumni success
Cultural diversity and inclusion

Why Choose Boarding Schools in Dubai?

Dubai is a safe, multicultural, and rapidly developing city. Boarding schools here not only provide world-class education but also prepare students for global universities and careers. With a mix of traditional values and modern learning approaches, Dubai’s schools stand out as some of the best in the Middle East.

Conclusion

Choosing the right boarding school in Dubai is a big decision that requires balancing academics, extracurriculars, fees, and boarding life. From prestigious institutions like Repton School Dubai and NLCS Dubai to more affordable options like Al Mawakeb School, parents have a wide range of choices.

This list of the Top 15 Boarding Schools in Dubai and their fees provides a comprehensive guide for families considering quality education in one of the world’s most dynamic cities

Top 15 Boarding Schools In Dubai And Fees (2025)