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Best Special Needs Schools in Dubai

Are you looking for special needs schools in Dubai that offer personalised support and inclusive learning? Luckily, you can find several schools that focus on tailored programmes, building confidence and supporting students of determination.

From the Dubai Centre to the Special Needs Future Development Centre, every institution combines academic learning with therapy and extracurricular activities. Scroll down to learn more about these schools with insights into their facilities and courses.

List of Special Needs Schools in Dubai

Supporting children with special needs can be challenging, but the right schools make a huge difference. The top special needs schools in Dubai help each child reach their potential. Read on to explore some of the best special education centres in Dubai:

1. Dubai Centre for Special Needs (DSCN)

Dubai Centre for Special Needs ranks among the popular special needs schools in Dubai. Located in Al Safa, the school serves students from diverse backgrounds and needs. It supports children of determination through Nursery, Academic, Multi-Sensory and Pre-Vocational programmes.

Each section tailors learning goals to match individual abilities, helping students develop skills at their own pace. The centre promotes independence, confidence and social participation within the community.

Additionally, DSCN offers modern facilities, including a swimming pool, a gym and a sensory integration room. It combines classroom learning with therapies, arts, IT and life skills to support both personal and academic growth.

An autistic child studying at one of the top special needs schools in Dubai

Location

45th Street, Sheikh Zayed Road, Near Safa Park, Al Safa

Annual Tuition Fees

AED 53,000

Contact Information

+971-4-344-0966

2. Seed Special Education Centre

SEED, located in Al Garhoud, is recognised as one of the top schools for students with special needs in Dubai. The centre focuses on children with Autism, ADHD, Down syndrome and learning or behavioural difficulties. The experienced instructors here work closely with families to ensure learning continues beyond the classroom.

The centre provides a wide range of services, including speech, educational, behavioural and feeding therapy. Additionally, it offers accredited KHDA training courses for educators, covering inclusive education and behaviour management. With experienced therapists and specialists, the centre ensures children receive the attention they need to grow and thrive.

A child with special needs learning to write

Location

UAE Red Crescent Authority, Room Number 304, Building 19, Street 1, Al Garhoud

Tuition Fees

Varies by course

Contact Information

+971-52-246-6441

3. Al Noor Training Centre for People of Determination

Al Noor Training Centre is one of the leading special needs schools for students living in Al Barsha. Founded in 1981, it caters to children with determination who face cognitive and physical challenges.

It enrols students aged 3 to 17, helping them develop life skills, emotional abilities and interpersonal skills. It promotes holistic development through a curriculum that combines academics, therapy, vocational training and co-curricular activities. 

Additionally, the school features state-of-the-art facilities, including a sports auditorium, swimming pool, gym, yoga studios and a library. Moreover, the Al Noor Innovation Centre at the school provides assistive technology resources for both students and the wider community.

Instructors teaching a girl with Down syndrome at one of the special needs schools in Dubai

Location

Building Number 01, Street Number 21, Al Barsha Road, Al Barsha 1

Tuition Fees

Please contact their customer support for tuition fee information.

Contact Information

+971-4-340-4844

4. Small Steps Learning Difficulties Centre

The Small Steps Learning Difficulties Centre is recognised as one of the best schools in Dubai for special needs children. The centre helps autistic children develop academically, socially and emotionally. It offers services, such as ABA therapy, individual education plans, speech delay interventions and other targeted therapies.

The centre works in collaboration with GEMS Founders School in Al Barsha and Al Mizhar. Offering a blend of classroom learning and therapies, it promotes a culture of lifelong learning where students learn, explore and develop.

A sister dropping her little brother at one of the special needs schools in Dubai

Location

GEMS Founders School, Al Barsha South

Annual Tuition Fees

Please contact their customer support for tuition fee information.

Contact Information

+971-55-610-6471

5. Rashid Centre for People of Determination

Are you searching for affordable special needs schools in Dubai that prioritise students? The Rashid Centre for People of Determination could be the ideal choice. Established in 1994, the school combines empathy, innovation and individuality.

The centre offers a structured curriculum from early years to senior school, using the EYFS framework and Integrated Learning Groups. Additionally, the professional staff delivers speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and physiotherapy, with early intervention for children aged 0 to 5.

Moreover, facilities such as a research library, swimming therapy, smart classrooms and a tuck shop enhance the overall learning experience.

Students with determination playing together

Location

Behind Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha 1

Annual Tuition Fees

Please contact their customer support for tuition fee information.

Contact Information

+971-4-340-0005

6. Dubai Autism Centre

Since 2001, Dubai Autism Centre has been shaping an inclusive learning environment for children with special needs. The centre focuses on holistic development, combining educational programmes with therapy to meet each child’s unique needs.

Spanning 91,000 square metres, its state-of-the-art campus features 31 classrooms, a gym, a swimming pool and robot-assisted therapy areas. Additionally, the centre focuses on personalised attention, with small class sizes of up to seven students.

Group of special kids playing at an autism centre

Location

Opposite National Charity School, 20B Street, Al Garhoud

Tuition Fees

Varies by course

Contact Information

+971-4-398-6862

7. Special Needs Future Development Centre (SNF)

If you live in Al Mankhool, the Special Needs Future Development Centre is a top choice. It caters to students aged 14 and above, helping them become self-reliant both personally and professionally. As an ASDAN-certified school, SNF focuses on academic excellence, professional skills and social development.

It follows a comprehensive Individualised Education Programme (IEP), where teachers set academic and behavioural goals for every student. Additionally, teachers ensure that lessons include problem-solving assignments, small-group tasks and hands-on activities.

Beyond classroom learning, students are encouraged to participate in activities, such as swimming, yoga, Zumba and horse riding. Moreover, students showcase creativity in art workshops, bazaars and the centre’s handcrafted products shop.

 A girl with Down syndrome working on a laptop

Location

Villa Number 9, 6th Street, Behind Dubai Public Library, Al Mankhool

Annual Tuition Fees

AED 55,000 to AED 57,500

Contact Information

+971-50-557-0987

8. Sunshine Learning Difficulties Centre

Operating as an educational consultancy, Sunshine Learning Difficulties Centre in Oud Metha is one of the best special needs centres. Licensed by both CDA and KHDA, Sunshine has been guiding families since 2017.

The centre works with students facing autism, communication disorders, developmental delays, hearing impairments and gifted abilities. The certified teachers here create personalised learning plans to encourage independence and academic growth.

The centre helps children access appropriate school programmes that match their needs. Moreover, it advises schools on inclusive teaching practices, ensuring that students with determination can thrive alongside their peers.

An experienced instructor teaching sketching to a child

Location

Excellence Plus, Business Venue Building, Umm Hurair Road, Oud Metha

Tuition Fees

Varies by course

Contact Information

+971-56-867-5000

Key Takeaways

The top special needs schools in Dubai provide more than academic lessons. They focus on personalised support, life skills and building confidence in students of determination. Centres like the Dubai Centre for Special Needs and the Sunshine Learning Difficulties Centre offer therapy, extracurricular activities and guidance for parents.

FAQs

1. Are There Special Needs Schools in Dubai?

Yes, Dubai has a variety of special needs schools catering to children with different learning abilities. These schools offer structured programmes that focus on academic, social and emotional development.

2. Which Is the Best School for Special Needs in Dubai?

Dubai Centre for Special Needs is widely recognised for supporting students’ academic, physical, social and emotional growth.

With that, we conclude our guide to special needs schools in Dubai. These schools focus on personalised learning, therapy and holistic development for children of determination.

Furthermore, the UAE Government facilitates People of Determination through different initiatives. One such initiative is the People of Determination Card, offering multiple benefits and facilities.

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