Dubai Hills Estate has rapidly become one of Dubai’s most sought-after residential communities, a green, family-centric neighbourhood known for its prime location between Al Khail Road and Umm Suqeim. It offers residents not just premium villas and modern apartments, but also a range of amenities. More importantly, Dubai Hills Estate provides access to top international schools and early years centres.
Families here enjoy short commutes to world-class British and IB institutions, making the area perfect for parents who value convenience and academic excellence.
- Why Dubai Hills Estate Is a Top Education Destination
- Top Schools In and Near Dubai Hills Estate
- Nurseries and Early Years Options
- Curriculum & Educational Approaches
- School Fees & Admissions Overview
- Comparison Table: Leading Schools Near Dubai Hills Estate
- Key Takeaways
- FAQs
Why Dubai Hills Estate Is a Top Education Destination
Dubai Hills Estate sits strategically between Al Barsha South, Al Khail, and Arabian Ranches, all districts home to renowned international schools. The area’s planning includes family-friendly amenities, parks, and walkable access to educational zones.
Most schools in the vicinity hold Very Good or Outstanding KHDA ratings, reflecting Dubai’s high educational standards. The area is also within a 15-minute drive of top IB institutions, such as GEMS World Academy, and British curriculum schools like King’s School Al Barsha, offering families multiple world-class options.
Top Schools In and Near Dubai Hills Estate
Families in Dubai Hills Estate have access to a diverse mix of IB, British, and American schools, each offering advanced learning environments and strong extracurricular programmes.
GEMS World Academy, Al Barsha South
GEMS World Academy is one of Dubai’s flagship IB schools, offering all four IB pathways from the Primary Years Programme (PYP) to the Career-related Programme (CP). It’s known for innovation, creativity, and academic excellence, with a 92% IB Diploma pass rate in 2023.
- Curriculum: Full IB (PYP–MYP–DP–CP)
- KHDA Rating: Very Good
Contact
- Phone: +971 4 373 6373
- Instagram: @gwadubai_official
Location
E44, Al Barsha, Al Barsha South
GEMS International School, Al Khail
Located just minutes from Dubai Hills Estate, this IB institution combines inquiry-based learning with a range of strong co-curricular options. It nurtures innovation and leadership through science, tech, and the arts.
- Curriculum: IB (Primary–Diploma)
- KHDA Rating: Good
Contact
- Phone: +971 4 339 6200
- Instagram: @gemsinternationalschool
Location
Al Marabea Street, Exit 18 Al Khail Road, Al Marabea East
GEMS Wellington Academy, Al Khail
A top-rated British-curriculum school offering IGCSEs, A-Levels, and BTECs. It’s celebrated for its multicultural environment, high exam results, and modern approach to personalised learning.
- Curriculum: British (EYFS – A-Levels, BTEC)
- KHDA Rating: Very Good
Contact
- Phone: +971 4 512 9100
- Instagram: @gems_wek
Location
Al Marabea’ St, E44, Dubai
Kings’ School Al Barsha
An Outstanding British school focused on academic excellence, wellbeing, and character development. It offers state-of-the-art facilities, strong university pathways, and exceptional exam results.
- Fees: AED 47,000 – AED 71,000
- Curriculum: British
- KHDA Rating: Outstanding
Contact
- Phone: +97143483939
- Instagram: @kings_education
Location
26th St, Umm Suqeim, Dubai
Dubai Heights Academy, Al Barsha South
A newer British school offering a warm, inclusive environment with strong support for both academics and creativity. Known for performing arts, sports, and community engagement.
- Curriculum: British (EYFS – Year 8, expanding to Year 13)
- KHDA Rating: Very Good
Contact
- Phone: +971 4 356 3333
- Instagram: @dubaiheightsacademy
Location
Al Barsha
Safa Community School, Al Barsha South
A family-oriented British school recognised for excellent academics and a vibrant extracurricular culture. It integrates sustainability and wellbeing across its programmes.
- Curriculum: British (EYFS – A-Levels)
- KHDA Rating: Outstanding
Contact
- Phone: +971 4 385 1810
- Instagram: @safa_scs
Location
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311 Road), Al Barsha South
Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS), Arabian Ranches
Just a short drive from Dubai Hills, JESS is a leading British curriculum school with strong values, a community ethos, and a focus on developing global citizens.
- Curriculum: British (EYFS – A-Levels, IB Diploma)
- KHDA Rating: Outstanding
Contact
- Phone: +971 4 361 9019
- Instagram: @jessdubaischool
Location
Nurseries and Early Years Options
Dubai Hills Estate also provides easy access to several early-learning centres offering play-based British EYFS or Montessori methods.
Blossom Al Barsha 2 Seashells Nursery
A highly rated early-years centre offering the EYFS curriculum with a focus on social and emotional development through creative play.
- Curriculum: British EYFS
- Age Group: 12 months – 5 years
Contact
Phone: +971 556 877 379
Location
9A St, Al Barsha 2, near Dubai Hills Mall
Curriculum & Educational Approaches
Schools near Dubai Hills Estate follow internationally accredited frameworks, offering flexibility for expat and local families alike:
- British Curriculum: EYFS to A-Levels; IGCSE foundation for higher education.
- International Baccalaureate (IB): PYP to Diploma/CP; inquiry-based and globally focused.
- American Curriculum: SAT & AP preparation; available in nearby districts.
- Early-Years (EYFS/Montessori): Emphasis on creative play, independence, and foundational literacy.
These curricula ensure a seamless progression from early childhood to university, preparing students for global opportunities.
School Fees & Admissions Overview
Applying to schools in Dubai, and specifically Dubai Hills, can be competitive — early registration is key. Most institutions open enrolment 9–12 months in advance, requiring assessments, previous reports, and identification documents.
Average Annual Fees (2025):
- British Curriculum: AED 45,000 – 100,000
- IB Curriculum: AED 67,000 – 117,000
- Early Years: AED 25,000 – 45,000
Comparison Table: Leading Schools Near Dubai Hills Estate
The following table provides a concise comparison of the top-rated schools in and around Dubai Hills Estate, including curriculum type, KHDA ratings, and annual tuition fees. This snapshot helps families balance educational priorities with budget and lifestyle goals. Whether you’re considering British, IB, or Indian curricula, these schools stand out for their academic excellence, community ethos, and world-class facilities.
| School | Curriculum | KHDA Rating | Key Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|
| GEMS World Academy | IB (PYP–CP) | Very Good | Innovation, global ethos, IB success |
| GEMS International School | IB | Very Good | Inquiry-based learning, modern labs |
| GEMS Wellington Academy | British | Very Good / Outstanding | Personalised learning, multicultural |
| Kings’ School Al Barsha | British | Outstanding | Wellbeing focus, academic excellence |
| Safa Community School | British | Very Good / Outstanding | Inclusive culture, sustainability |
| Dubai Heights Academy | British | Good (Progressing) | Creativity, community focus |
| JESS Arabian Ranches | British / IB | Outstanding | Community ethos, strong academics |
Key Takeaways
Dubai Hills Estate combines world-class education with family-friendly living. Residents enjoy easy access to top British and IB schools, outstanding KHDA-rated institutions, and premium facilities that promote academic excellence, well-being, and creativity.
Families can find everything from nurseries like Blossom Al Barsha Seashells to internationally recognised schools within a 10- to 15-minute drive. Tuition ranges from AED 45,000 to AED 117,000 per year, depending on the curriculum and grade level.
FAQs
GEMS International School – Al Khail and Dubai Heights Academy are within a 10-minute drive from the community.
British and IB curricula are the most common, with some American options nearby.
Between AED 45,000 and 117,000 annually, depending on the institution and grade level.
Yes. Blossom Al Barsha 2 Seashells and several EYFS nurseries are easily accessible.
At least one academic year in advance, especially for schools rated Very Good or Outstanding by KHDA.
