Deira International School (DIS)

Deira International School (DIS) in Dubai Festival City is a prestigious institution offering a high standard of education based on the National Curriculum for England and Wales. Established in 2005 and owned by the Al-Futtaim Education Foundation, DIS is a not-for-profit British curriculum school catering to students aged 3 to 18. The school is accredited by the Council of British International Schools (COBIS), British Schools Overseas (BSO) and the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO).

As an IGCSE Cambridge Examination Centre, DIS offers the globally recognised International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) in Year 11, followed by the rigorous International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and the IB Career-Related Certificate (IBCP) in Years 12 and 13. The curriculum is designed to facilitate easy transfer to other countries if needed. Emphasising a holistic approach to education, DIS balances academics with sports, performing arts and new technology, fostering a dynamic and respectful learning environment that prepares students to thrive in a global society.

• Location: Dubai Festival City, Dubai
• School fees: AED 43,592 - AED 87,825
• Curriculum: British Curriculum
• Co-ed or segregate: Co-ed
• Years offered: FS1 - Year 13
• KHDA rating: Outstanding

Deira International School in Dubai Festival City is easily accessible from many well-known residential communities, including:

• Ras Al Khor
• Deira
• Al Rashidiya
• Mirdif
• Al Warqaa

Parents wanting to stay close to the Deira International School can consider properties for rent and sale in Dubai Festival City.

• Apartments for rent near Deira International School
• Apartments for sale near Deira International School
• Villas for sale near Deira International School

Deira International School (DIS) boasts a state-of-the-art campus designed to provide a broad and balanced education. Spanning 80,000 sq. m., the campus is one of the most impressive in the Middle East. Key facilities include two temperature-controlled swimming pools, two air-conditioned sports halls and a multi-purpose hall. Outdoor amenities feature netball and basketball courts, a cricket net, natural grass rugby and football pitches and three astroturf football pitches, including a full-sized FIFA-approved pitch.

The school offers specialised areas for different subjects, including fully equipped ICT and Music departments, expansive science, design & technology, computing and art facilities. The campus also houses a drama studio and a 700-seater auditorium. Separate primary and secondary libraries, as well as cafeterias, cater to different age groups. At the same time, the bespoke outdoor and indoor learning areas for Early Years provide a stimulating environment for younger students.

The dedicated Sixth Form Area includes a common room, a study hall and a kitchen-dining area. Recent expansions have added specialist classrooms, an examination suite, the IB Hub, larger libraries, an additional gymnasium, a fitness room and sports science laboratories, further enhancing the school's facilities. With shaded recreational areas and well-equipped playgrounds, DIS ensures a comprehensive educational experience for all students.

DIS is located on Al Badia Boulevard, Dubai Festival City, Dubai.

Deira International School (DIS) offers amazing learning opportunities where curiosity and challenges are embedded at all stages. The school campus features superb outdoor learning facilities, including two swimming pools, sports halls and expansive playing fields, providing students with an excellent environment for both academic and extracurricular activities.

DIS maintain an open-door policy, fostering strong partnerships with parents to support their children's education. It is known for outstanding teaching and learning, with a wide range of specialist staff, including experts in STEM and art, from primary through secondary levels. The warm, friendly and caring teachers have a deep understanding of their duty of care and support for students.

DIS also offers an optional after-school care club until 2:30 pm, ensuring that students have a safe and supportive environment throughout the day. With dedicated, expert staff and a focus on holistic development, DIS is an excellent choice for your child's education.

Deira International School offers the following years:

DIS follows the UK National Curriculum until Year 11. The students then transition to the International Baccalaureate (IB) program for Years 12 and 13.

Foundation Stage Curriculum (FS1 & FS2)

DIS follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).  The early foundation course at Deira International School ensures that younger students cover seven areas with fun and engaging activities.

While the academic team ensures that these activities are updated periodically to appeal to current sensibilities, some activities that the school has encouraged include using arts and crafts to teach students fundamental skills. Observation, reading and listening skills are the main focus of teachers during these formative years.

Primary Stage Curriculum (Key Stage 1 & 2)

The Primary Curriculum at Deira International School is adapted from the National Curriculum for England, ensuring that learning is cross-curricular, meaningful and connected to real-life contexts. Teachers focus on higher-order thinking skills, encouraging students to question, enquire and engage in rich discussions through various fascinating themes and topics. By the end of Key Stage 2, students are well-prepared for Secondary school, with a solid foundation in English, Mathematics, Science, Social Science and Arabic B. This curriculum delivery ensures a seamless transition and continued growth in their educational journey.

Key Stage 3 Curriculum

The Key Stage 3 curriculum, covering Years 7 to 9, offers a broad, balanced and inclusive educational experience. DIS adapt the National Curriculum for England (NCfE) to align with local UAE requirements and prepare students for the dynamic world they will navigate.

The NCfE provides a core curriculum that includes English, Mathematics, Science and Physical Education, along with a variety of foundation subjects across the arts, technology, languages and humanities. In compliance with the UAE Ministry of Education, the curriculum also includes Arabic A and B Language, UAE Social Studies and Islamic Studies for Muslim students.

At Key Stage 3, students will study the following subjects:

This comprehensive curriculum ensures that students receive a well-rounded education, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed for their future academic and personal growth.

Key Stage 4 Curriculum

In Key Stage 4, Deira International School offers students the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) programme, with some subjects assessed under the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE). This stage is crucial as it prepares students for further education pathways, including the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP).

Compulsory Subjects

All students are required to study the following subjects:

• GCSE English Language and English Literature
• GCSE Mathematics
• GCSE Science
• Core Physical Education (PE)
• National Studies, which includes Social Studies and Moral Education
• Islamic Education or Cultural Studies
• Ministry Arabic for Arabic passport holders

Optional Subjects

In addition to the compulsory subjects, students choose four optional subjects. One of these must be a language to meet the IBDP entry criteria. The available options are:

This diverse curriculum ensures students receive a well-rounded education, tailored to their interests and future aspirations while meeting both local and international standards.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Curriculum

Deira International School offers a comprehensive International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme, a two-year course for 16 to 19-year-olds, recognised by top universities and colleges worldwide as a premium Sixth Form qualification. There are three IB pathways available to students: the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP), the IB Career-Related Programme (IBCP) and IB Courses.

IB Diploma Programme (IBDP)

The IB Diploma is renowned for its rigorous and broad curriculum, comprising six subject groups. Students must select one subject from each group, with three subjects at the Higher Level and three at the Standard Level. The subject groups are:

Group 1: Language and Literature

Group 2: Language Acquisition

Group 3: Individuals and Societies

Group 4: Sciences

Group 5: Mathematics

Group 6: The Arts and Electives

In addition to these subjects, all IBDP students complete three core elements: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE) and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS).

IB Courses Programme

The IB Courses Programme also includes six subject groups with subjects available at Higher or Standard Levels, but it does not include the core elements of the IBDP. The subject groups are the same as those in the IBDP.

IB Career-Related Programme (IBCP)

The IBCP combines academic subjects with career-related studies, making it ideal for students aiming for university entrance or direct entry into the industry. The subject groups are:

• Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma: Travel & Tourism or Business
• Group 2: Language Acquisition
• Group 5: Mathematics
• Group 6: The Arts and Electives

In addition to their subjects, all IBCP students complete four core elements: Service Learning, Language Development, Personal and Professional Skills and the Reflective Project. The IB curriculum at Deira International School is designed to foster critical thinking, intercultural understanding and respect for others, preparing students to excel in a rapidly changing global landscape.

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) is a government organisation responsible for the growth and quality of private education in the UAE.

Here’s a history of the KHDA ratings for Deira International School so far:

DIS is rated “Outstanding” by KHDA for the academic year 2023-2024.

Deira International School academic calendar runs for 10 months and is divided into three terms.

• The first term starts in the last week of August, concludes in the second week of December and is followed by a 3-week winter break.
• Spring term starts in the first week of January and concludes in the last week of March, followed by a spring break of two weeks.
• The final summer term starts in the second week of April and concludes in the first week of July.

Applicants need to complete an online application form available on the official website. Even though there are cut-off dates during the year, DIS can make allowances to admit applicants at any time. The following documents must be uploaded with the online application and emailed to the school’s registrar at the admissions office.

Required Documents:

• A copy of the applicant's passport with a valid residence visa
• A copy of the applicant's birth certificate
• A copy of the applicant's Emirates ID card from both sides (if any)
• Two passport size photographs
• A copy of the father's passport with a valid residence visa
• A copy of the father's identity card from both sides (if any)
• A copy of the school certificate for the applicant’s last academic year and a mid-year certificate if he joined the current semester
• A copy of the applicant's vaccination record
• School transfer certificate
• The application fee is AED 500

When the online application is completed, a member of the admissions team may get in touch with you to proceed with the student’s enrollment.

Before initiating the admission process, parents must ensure that their child meets the following age criteria.

This is based on the age of the students on 31st March (for schools beginning in April) and 31st August (for schools beginning in September). Source: KHDA

* This is to cater to students transferring from systems that admit students of a younger age)

Deira International School fees for the current academic year:

You can pay Deira International School fees via cash, credit card, cheque or bank transfer.

DIS awards scholarships in recognition of outstanding achievement in the following categories:

• IBDP Academic Excellence: Academic excellence and contribution to the school
• Outstanding Talent in Creative and Performing Arts: music, drama or languages
• Sporting Excellence: for those who demonstrate the capability to compete at the local or international level
• Academic Excellence for Emirati Students

Both the primary and secondary sections have cafeterias. Students can purchase a range of drinks, snacks and hot food from the school cafeteria at a reasonable price. The cafeteria menu at DIS includes healthy offerings such as green salads, chicken fajitas, lentil soup and sweet-and-sour fish. These menu items are listed with calorie content. Students also have the option to bring packed lunches.

Transport charges for the 2024-2025 academic year are available on the school website ranging from AED 4,700 to AED 9,300 for two-way service. 

Parents should contact Maverick Transport LLC to find out the service charges for the desired route. Parents of students in Deira International School can contact them at transportdis@maverickrental.com or +971-4-338-8043.

Currently, the school does not offer any holiday camps. Occasionally there are tie-ups with third-party companies providing holiday camps. Parents are made aware that such programs are being initiated via email and other communication channels.

Deira International School offers a wide variety of sports activities, including football, badminton, rugby, swimming, netball, basketball, cricket, athletics, rounders and fitness. PE specialists teach all primary swimming and PE lessons. Students receive weekly PE lessons in Years 1 and 2 with a PE specialist. Students enrolled in Years 3 to 6 receive two weekly PE lessons.

Apart from various sports activities, students at DIS also participate in competitions, enterprise challenges, debating societies, drama and music.

Students are also encouraged to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Programmes. Participants design their activities based on the following ideas: personal skills, physical recreation and community services. Winners of this prestigious award can also go on an exciting expedition. One of the past expeditions included a mountain climbing trip to Nepal.

DIS arranges an extensive range of field trips in Dubai. These trips are conceptualised to help students to develop social and communication skills while expanding their knowledge base.  Moreover, DIS has organised various international trips to Vietnam, Iceland, Austria, Nepal, England and Borneo to extend students’ experiences and knowledge base.

The school clinic at Deira International School includes full-time staff, including a doctor, an assistant and two registered nurses licensed with Dubai Health Authority (DHA). The clinic is equipped with an automated defibrillator, oxygen apparatus and a nebuliser to handle any emergency. The medical team provides first aid to injured and sick students during school hours and after-school activity time on the school campus.

As per Dubai Health Authority’s regulations, the school doctor conducts a comprehensive, non-invasive medical examination of existing students in pre-kindergarten, 1, 5, 9, 12 and all new students.

Students are taken to the clinic if they feel ill. Their parents/guardians are called if they need to be taken home.

DIS thinks of parents as their teaching partners. The school has an online Parent Portal that facilitates seamless communication, providing parents with access to their child’s academic progress, school updates and important resources.

The school has also created a Whatsapp group for each grade. Parents can join the group to stay updated regarding the events and happenings in the school.

• Phone number: +971-4-232-5552
• Email:
  • General Enquiry: Info@disdubai.ae
  • Admissions: Registrar@disdubai.ae

GENERAL INFORMATION

• Deira International School Website
• Deira International School Facebook
• Deira International School Instagram

What are the timings of your school?

Deira International School remains open Monday through Friday. The timings are:

• Monday, Wednesday and Thursday:
  • Foundation Stage: 07:50 am to 01:00 pm
  • Primary: 07:50 am to 02:30 pm
  • Secondary: 07:50 am to 03:30 pm
• Tuesday school day timing is 07:50 am to 02:30 pm for all students.
• Friday school day timing is 07:50 am to 12:00 pm for all students.

How many grades/years are there in your school?

Deira International School offers education from the Foundation Stage until Year 13.

Can you please describe the academic calendar of your school?

The academic calendar starts in late August and ends in early July.

Can you please mention the range of the tuition fee charged by your school?

The annual tuition fee ranges from AED 43,592 - AED 87,825.

Do you offer scholarship programmes to needy and deserving students?

The school provides scholarships in recognition of students' outstanding achievement in the International Baccalaureate Diploma and Creative Arts, as well as the athletic and academic excellence of Emirati students.

How do you communicate with parents?

DIS Dubai Festival City uses WhatsApp groups and a parent portal to establish communication with parents and guardians.

Do you have a cafeteria or a canteen on campus?

There are two cafeterias - one for the primary section and one for the secondary section. Both the canteens serve healthy and nutritious meals to students.

Please note that the cover image belongs to Deira International School.