Education for all! All about the government schools in Dubai
Dubai is home to many government schools that foster academic excellence. These institutes follow the UAE’s national curriculum approved by the Ministry of Education (MoE). Furthermore, the learning practices at these schools extend beyond the classroom walls, thanks to the many on-site facilities and co-curricular activities. If you want to enrol your child in any of these schools, check out our list of the top government schools in Dubai.
Please note: Dubai’s public schools offer free education to UAE/GCC nationals. Children of expats have to pay a fee to get enrolled in these schools.
In cases where no fee is mentioned, contact the institute for the complete fee structure.
LIST OF POPULAR PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN DUBAI
The UAE government schools in Dubai offer holistic education that helps students succeed in an increasingly competitive world. These schools follow the Ministry Of Education (MoE) curriculum that focuses on a broad range of subjects, emphasising Islamic education and Arabic. Let’s look at the list of public schools in Dubai.
RASHID SCHOOL FOR BOYS DUBAI
This school was established in 1986 under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the former Ruler of Dubai. Rashid School for Boys offers the UK and UAE curricula.
The school provides classes from Foundation Stage (FS1) to Grade 13, focusing on art, computing, design and technology, and French, along with Arabic and Islamic Studies.
- KHDA Rating: Acceptable
- Location: Nad Al Sheba
- Contact: +971-4-336-1300
ISLAMIC SCHOOL FOR TRAINING AND EDUCATION
Established by S.S. Lootah Group, Islamic School is a government school in Dubai that offers education from KG 1 to Grade 12. Here, students are taught media, design and technology, electronics, handicrafts and jewellery making, along with the core disciplines Maths, Science, English and Arabic.
The school has separate wings for girls and boys with transportation facilities available.
- KHDA Rating: Acceptable
- Location: Al Muhaisnah 1
- Fees: AED 8,755 – AED 12,875 (annually)
- Contact:+971-4-264-6001
SHEIKH RASHID BIN SAEED ISLAMIC INSTITUTE
Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed is a government Islamic institute that focuses solely on the fundamentals of Shariah and Arabic language. It was established under the directives of the late Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum,
Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Islamic Institute offers education from Grade 5 to Grade 12 for boys. It also organises many sports, cultural and recreational activities and competitions for their personal growth.
- KHDA Rating: Good
- Location: Academic City
- Contact: +971-4-368-8532
BEST GOVERNMENT GIRLS’ SCHOOLS IN DUBAI
ZABEEL HIGH SCHOOL DUBAI
Zabeel, or Za’abeel High School, is one of the oldest government schools for girls in Dubai. Girls aged 16 to 18 years from Grade 10 to Grade 12 are eligible to apply at the institute in Al Karama. The school teaches subjects like Islamic Education, Arabic, Maths and Science.
Apart from academics, the school offers extra and co-curricular activities to help students explore their passions and create broader perspectives.
- KHDA Rating: Good
- Location: Sheikh Hamdan Colony, Al Karama
- Contact: +971-4-396-1010
AMNA BINT WAHAB SCHOOL FOR GIRLS
Located in Deira, Amna Bint Wahab is a public school for girls in Dubai. It is one of the most reputed government high schools offering secondary education from Grade 10 to Grade 12 for girls aged 15 to 18.
The subjects offered at the school include English, Maths and Science, with a particular focus on Islamic Education.
- Location: Deira
- Contact: +971-4-271-8693
SALMA AL ANSARIA GIRLS’ SCHOOL
Salma Al Ansaria Girls’ School in Al Satwa admits female students from Grade 1 to Grade 5. The school also organises field trips as well as facilities for various disciplines like art, music and information and communication technology (ICT).
- Location: Al Satwa
- Contact: +971-4-343-0252
POSTGRADUATE GOVERNMENT SCHOOL IN DUBAI
MOHAMMED BIN RASHID SCHOOL OF GOVERNMENT DUBAI (MBRSG)
Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government (MBRSG) is government-funded research and public policy institute in Dubai. It was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai — making it among the many contributions of the UAE royal family.
MBRSG offers various postgraduate programmes, including Public Administration and Innovation Management. Apart from these programmes, the institute has an executive programme for Public Administration.
This institute offers scholarships to students with a 3.0 GPA or above. At present, MBRSG offers four types of grants. These are:
- Students working for local and federal governments
- Entities that sponsor five to 10 students
- Entities that sponsor 11 or more students
- International students
The price paid per student varies and can be found on the institute’s official website.
- Location: Level 13 Convention Tower DWTC, Sheikh Zayed Road
- Contact: +971-4-329-3290
FAQs
ARE SCHOOLS FREE IN DUBAI?
Only UAE Nationals can acquire education up to the university level at government institutes for free in Dubai.
WHO ELSE CAN ACQUIRE FREE EDUCATION AT PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN DUBAI APART FROM UAE NATIONALS/EMIRATIS?
Apart from UAE Nationals, the country offers free education to:
- Holders of UAE passports
- GCC citizens
- Children of those issued nationality by the UAE’s President or Vice President
ARE THERE ANY OTHER SCHOOLS THAT OFFER MOE CURRICULUM IN DUBAI?
National Charity School in Al Garhoud offers MOE Curriculum in Dubai. It is one of the oldest charity schools. The International Academic School (IAS) follows the MOE curriculum from KG 1 to Grade 12 for Islamic Studies and the Arabic language.
Thinking of looking into the emirate’s private schools? Make sure you are aware of the recent fee increase in Dubai.
CAN EXPATS ENROL THEIR CHILDREN IN GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS IN DUBAI?
Yes. If they pay the fees per applied rules and regulations, they can get selected on merit. Expats enrolling their kids in these schools must consider these factors:
- The language of instruction in public schools is Arabic.
- The schools teach the Emirati national curriculum approved by the UAE’s Ministry of Education.
- English is taught only as a second language to help students learn basic grammar and comprehension.
That brings an end to our list of government schools in Dubai. Apart from these public institutes, there are many schools in Dubai that prepare individuals for life beyond an academic institute! If these seem to be a bit costly for you, you can also consider these cheap schools in Dubai.
Looking for a good learning institute to kickstart your child’s academic journey? Visit some of these primary schools in Dubai and decide whether they are fit for your little one.
Those residing in the capital can also apply for the best public schools in Abu Dhabi.
