A List of The Best Schools Near Dubai Creek Harbour, Dubai

Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions for families living in or relocating to Dubai Creek Harbour. As one of Dubai’s most ambitious waterfront developments, Dubai Creek Harbour attracts families seeking modern living, scenic surroundings, and strong connectivity to the rest of the city. While the community is still evolving, residents benefit from access to a wide selection of well-established schools within a short drive.

Parents searching for schools near Dubai Creek Harbour can choose from a broad mix of British, American, International Baccalaureate (IB), Montessori, and value-focused private schools. These schools vary significantly in terms of curriculum, KHDA rating, fee structure, and commute time, making it essential to compare options carefully.

In this guide, you’ll find:

• Top Schools Near Dubai Creek Harbour 
• Comparison of Schools Near Dubai Creek Harbour
• How to Evaluate Schools: Key Factors
• Nurseries & Early Year Options
• Key Takeaway
• FAQs

Top Schools Near Dubai Creek Harbour

Dubai Creek Harbour is surrounded by established neighbourhoods such as Dubai Festival City, Al Garhoud, Nadd Al Hamar, Al Rashidiya, and Al Warqa, all of which host a range of private schools. In fact, families in the community typically have access to schools within a 5 to 15-minute drive, making daily commutes manageable for most households.

The schools near Dubai Creek Harbour offer diverse curricula, including British, American, IB, ICSE, and Montessori. 

When evaluating schools near Dubai Creek Harbour, families often balance three main factors: curriculum suitability, annual fees, and distance from home. While premium international schools tend to command higher fees, there are also several budget-friendly options that offer value without compromising core educational standards.

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1. Deira International School

Deira International School is one of the most highly regarded schools near Dubai Creek Harbour. Offering a British curriculum alongside the International Baccalaureate pathway, the school caters to students from nursery through to diploma level.

The school is known for strong academic results and consistent performance in KHDA inspections. 

• Curriculum: British & IB
• Annual Fees: AED 44,616 (FS1) – AED 89,889 (Grade 13/IB2)
• Distance from Dubai Creek Harbour: 10-15 minutes

Location

It’s located in Dubai Festival City – Al Badia Blvd – near Orient Insurance Building – Al Kheeran – Dubai Festival City- Dubai

Contact Information

Phone: +97142325552

2. Universal American School

Universal American School offers an American curriculum with IB options and serves students from early years through secondary education. The school holds a Very Good KHDA rating and is a popular choice among expatriate families.

Its proximity to Dubai Creek Harbour and its broad curriculum offering make it an attractive option for parents prioritising flexibility and international recognition.

• Curriculum: American with IB options
• Annual Fees: AED 40, 377 (Pre KG) – AED 82,925 (G12)
• Distance from Dubai Creek Harbour: 10-15 minutes

Location

It’s located in Reebat St – Dubai Festival City – Dubai

Contact Information

Phone: +97145240444

3. The City School International

The City School International is one of the closest schools near Dubai Creek Harbour. It offers a British curriculum from FS1 through upper primary levels and is rated Good by KHDA.

The school is known for its affordability relative to many British-curriculum schools in Dubai, while maintaining structured academics and transport services.

• Curriculum: British
• Annual Fees: AED 13,670 (KG1) – AED 33,000 (Grade 12)
• Distance from Dubai Creek Harbour: 5-10 minutes

Location 

It’s located in Plot #416 – 1297 410th St- Nadd Al Hamar – Dubai 

Contact Information

Phone: +97142899722

4. Grammar School Dubai

Grammar School Dubai is among the most budget-friendly schools near Dubai Creek Harbour. Offering a British curriculum from nursery through primary, it appeals to families seeking affordability in the early years.

While facilities are more modest than those of premium schools, its low fee structure makes it accessible to a wide range of households.

• Curriculum: British
• Annual Fees: AED 13,065 (FS2) – AED 16,998 (Year 13)
• Distance from Dubai Creek Harbour: 5-10 minutes

Location

It’s located in Al Garhoud, Schools Area Opp – Dubai Festival City – Dubai

Contact Information

Phone: +97142824822

5. Al Mawakeb School Al Garhoud

Al Mawakeb School follows an American curriculum and offers education from early years through secondary levels. The school holds a Good rating and is recognised as an all-through institution.

• Curriculum: American
• Annual Fees: AED 24,614 (KG 1) – AED 43,788.75 (Grade 12)
• Distance from Dubai Creek Harbour: Around 10 minutes

Location 

It’s located in Al Garhoud, Dubai

Contact Information

Phone: +97142851415

6. Dubai International School Garhoud

Dubai International School Garhoud offers an American curriculum and has a long-standing presence in the area. It is known for a broad range of extracurricular activities in addition to its academic programme.

• Curriculum: American
• Annual Fees: AED 25,746 (KG1) – AED 39,889 (Grade 12)
• Distance from Dubai Creek Harbour: Around 10 minutes

Location 

It’s located in Casablanca St – Al Garhoud – Dubai

Contact Information

Phone: +97142823513

Comparison of Schools Near Dubai Creek Harbour

How to Evaluate Schools: Key Factors

When comparing schools near Dubai Creek Harbour, parents are often faced with a wide range of curricula, fee levels, and school reputations. While proximity is important, choosing the right school involves looking beyond distance alone. 

The following key factors can help families make a well-informed decision that aligns with both educational goals and daily lifestyle needs.

Curriculum & Accreditation

One of the first considerations when evaluating schools near Dubai Creek Harbour is the curriculum offered. The area is well served by schools offering the British, American, and International Baccalaureate (IB) curricula.

British curriculum schools are popular for their structured progression and internationally recognised qualifications. Meanwhile, American curriculum schools offer broader subject flexibility and continuous assessment, often appealing to families planning for North American universities. IB programmes, available at select schools, are valued for their global recognition and emphasis on critical thinking.

Equally important is KHDA accreditation. The Knowledge and Human Development Authority regulates private schools in Dubai and conducts regular inspections to ensure compliance with educational standards. A school’s KHDA rating serves as a quality assurance indicator and should always be reviewed alongside the curriculum on offer.

Distance & Transport

Daily commute time plays a significant role in school selection, particularly for families with young children. Most schools near Dubai Creek Harbour are located within a 5 to 15-minute drive, making them accessible from nearby areas such as Dubai Festival City, Al Garhoud, and Nadd Al Hamar.

Parents should consider not only driving distance but also transport arrangements, including school bus availability, routes, and timings. 

Tuition Fees & Hidden Costs

Tuition fees across schools near Dubai Creek Harbour vary widely by curriculum type, KHDA rating, and grade level. While advertised annual fees provide a starting point, parents should be aware of additional or hidden costs that may not be included in the base tuition.

These can include registration and enrolment fees, uniforms, textbooks, learning materials, extracurricular activities, and school transport. 

School Rating & Reputation

A school’s KHDA rating, ranging from Outstanding and Very Good to Good or Acceptable, is an important benchmark when assessing quality. Higher-rated schools generally demonstrate stronger performance in areas such as teaching quality, student achievement, leadership, and well-being.

However, ratings should be considered alongside the school’s overall reputation and suitability for the child. Some families may prioritise affordability or proximity over top-tier ratings, especially for early years education, while others may place greater emphasis on academic outcomes and inspection results in the senior years.

Curricular Spread & Extracurricular Activities

Beyond academics, parents should also assess the breadth of curricular and extracurricular offerings. A well-rounded school experience often includes access to sports, arts, languages, and enrichment activities that support social development and personal interests.

Schools near Dubai Creek Harbour vary in the extent of support for non-academic programmes. Families are encouraged to explore whether a school provides adequate facilities, clubs, and activities that complement classroom learning and contribute to a balanced educational experience.

Nurseries & Early Years Options

While the community itself does not yet host many nurseries, there are a few reliable early years and foundation-stage options within a short drive.

Gulf Montessori Nursery

Gulf Montessori Nursery is a specialised early years provider offering a Montessori-based approach, blended with elements of local and British curricula. Operating on a smaller scale, the nursery focuses on creating a nurturing and supportive environment tailored to young learners.

Its emphasis on hands-on learning and individual development makes it a popular choice for parents seeking a gentler transition into formal education. The availability of pick-up and drop-off services adds an extra layer of convenience for working families living near Dubai Creek Harbour.

Grammar School Dubai (Early Years)

Grammar School Dubai offers nursery through primary education under a British curriculum, making it a practical option for families looking for continuity from early years into formal schooling. Known for its affordability, the school appeals to parents who want a structured British education without the higher fees typically associated with premium institutions.

With its location near Dubai Creek Harbour, Grammar School Dubai offers a convenient, cost-effective option for early years education, particularly for families prioritising proximity and affordability.

Key Takeaway

Dubai Creek Harbour benefits from a strong selection of schools located within a 3 to 15-minute drive. Commute times are generally manageable across the area, with particularly convenient access to nearby options, including The City School International and Grammar School Dubai. Families with younger children can choose from early years–focused providers like Gulf Montessori Nursery, while those with older students often prioritise full primary and secondary schools offering IB or other internationally recognised curricula to support long-term academic progression.

FAQs

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